Rule of Law and Renewal in the New Mexico GOP

In this interview, Valencia County GOP chair John Brenna argues that the former New Mexico Republican Party chair automatically vacated her position on March 10 by filing to run in a contested Otero County Commission race, triggering a mandatory “shall step down” rule and violating a ban on endorsements. He rejects claims that filing earlier in the day conferred incumbent status, stressing that filings are judged by the day, not the minute, and that the race remains contested. After vice chairs refused to call a required meeting to address the vacancy, Brenna and allies scheduled an SCC meeting for Saturday, April 18, at Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley in Belen to elect a new chair and restore integrity to party governance. He criticizes factional attempts to boycott the meeting and calls instead for unity, transparency, and collaboration with county parties to recruit and elect Republicans statewide. Brenna emphasizes avoiding conflicts of interest for party chairs, expanding member participation through full-day SCC meetings, and securing quorum on April 18 so the party can move forward legally and effectively.