January 18, 2017

Pomp, circumstance and State of the State in photos

As is often the case, the first day of the 2017 legislative session began with lawmakers, lobbyists and reporters catching up and getting their bearings straight. The first day began with lawmakers settling into their new seating assignments and making new leadership official. Rep. Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe, was elected Speaker of the House, while Rep. […]

Andy Lyman

As is often the case, the first day of the 2017 legislative session began with lawmakers, lobbyists and reporters catching up and getting their bearings straight. The first day began with lawmakers settling into their new seating assignments and making new leadership official.

Rep. Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe, was elected Speaker of the House, while Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton, D-Albuquerque, was elected by the Democratic caucus to serve as the Majority Floor Leader.

After being elected Speaker of the House, Rep. Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe, takes the oath, administered by Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver.

Sheryl Williams Stapleton

Republicans elected Rep. Nate Gentry, R-Albuquerque, to serve as Minority Floor Leader.

House Minority Leader Nate Gentry, R-Albuquerque.

Before Gov. Susana Martinez gave her State of the State Address, lawmakers signed their oaths of office.

State Rep. Bob Wooley, R-Roswell

State Rep. Angelica Rubio, D-Las Cruces

Being sworn in can also elicit some emotional responses.

House Chief Clerk Lisa Ortiz McCutcheon

As always, political figures from around the state showed up to hear Gov. Martinez’s speech.

New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Daniels

Attorney General Hector Balderas, U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, all Democrats, wait for State of the State Address.

Besides gearing up for the sixty-day session, much of the day was spent arranging committee assignments, meeting new lawmakers and acknowledging how long their beards have grown.