PHOTOS: First day of the session and Gov. Martinez’ State of the State

As most years, the 2016 Legislative session began with pomp and circumstance. Arguably one of the most crowded days at the capitol building, New Mexico lawmakers and politicos packed the House chambers to hear Gov. Martinez’ State of the State address.   While Republican lawmakers mostly applauded Martinez’ legislative goals, Democratic leaders were busy taking […]

PHOTOS: First day of the session and Gov. Martinez’ State of the State

As most years, the 2016 Legislative session began with pomp and circumstance. Arguably one of the most crowded days at the capitol building, New Mexico lawmakers and politicos packed the House chambers to hear Gov. Martinez’ State of the State address.

Gov. Susana Martinez during her State of the State Address in 2016. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
Gov. Susana Martinez during her State of the State Address in 2016. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.

 

While Republican lawmakers mostly applauded Martinez’ legislative goals, Democratic leaders were busy taking notes.

House Minority Leader Brian Egolf takes notes during the 2016 State of the State Address. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
House Minority Leader Brian Egolf takes notes during the 2016 State of the State Address. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.

 

Senate majority Leader Michael Sanchez, D-Belen, taking notes during the 2016 State of the State Address. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
Senate majority Leader Michael Sanchez, D-Belen, taking notes during the 2016 State of the State Address. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.

 

When Martinez wrapped up her speech, many lawmakers made their way through the chambers, meeting with the many guests, including Congressional delegates.

Rep. Conrad James, R-Albuquerque, after the 2016 State of the State Address.
Rep. Conrad James, R-Albuquerque, after the 2016 State of the State Address.

 

U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M., looks at Rep. Sheryl William Stapleton's hat after the State of the State. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M., looks at Rep. Sheryl William Stapleton’s hat after the State of the State. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.

 

Before the State of the State Address, Representatives and Senators introduced their respective special guests.

Rep. Bob Wooley, R-Roswell, before the 2016 State of the State Address. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
Rep. Bob Wooley, R-Roswell, before the 2016 State of the State Address. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.

 

Rep. Paul Pacheco, R-Albuquerque, waiting for the State of the State Address. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
Rep. Paul Pacheco, R-Albuquerque, waiting for the State of the State Address. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.

 

Gov. Susana Martinez during the 2016 State of the State Address. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
Gov. Susana Martinez during the 2016 State of the State Address. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.

 

Martinez also announced some of her special guests, who included Michelle Webster and Julie Benner, both widows of law enforcement officers who were recently killed in the line of duty.

Widows of two police officers who were killed in the line of duty while receiving a standing ovation. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
Widows of two police officers who were killed in the line of duty while receiving a standing ovation. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.

 

Gov. Susana Martinez during the 2016 Legislative Session. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
Gov. Susana Martinez during the 2016 Legislative Session. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.

 

Some Democratic Senators were reportedly wearing socks depicting slices of pizza, in reference to a recent incident involving Martinez at a Santa Fe hotel where police were called regarding a noise complaint. Martinez told police she and a few guests were eating pizza and drinking soft drinks.

Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez wearing socks with pizza and cokes on them, a reference to the incident with Martinez at the Eldorado Hotel in December. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez wearing socks with pizza and cokes on them, a reference to the incident with Martinez at the Eldorado Hotel in December. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.

 

Sanchez later criticized Martinez for her speech as well as intimidating some members of the press into not printing negative stories about her.

Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, D-Belen, giving his response to the State of the State flanked by Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Albuquerque, (l) and Sen. Jacob Candelaria, D-Albuquerque, (r). Photo Credit: Andy Lyman
Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, D-Belen, giving his response to the State of the State flanked by Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Albuquerque, (l) and Sen. Jacob Candelaria, D-Albuquerque, (r). Photo Credit: Andy Lyman

We're ad free

That means that we rely on support from readers like you. Help us keep reporting on the most important New Mexico Stories by donating today.

Related

Governor to call special session for public safety legislation this summer

Governor to call special session for public safety legislation this summer

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that she will call the Legislature into a special session this summer to address public safety legislation that did…
Emily’s List endorses seven candidates for Legislature

Emily’s List endorses seven candidates for Legislature

Emily’s List, a nonprofit that supports women candidates and reproductive rights, endorsed seven incumbents facing general election opponents in New Mexico legislative elections. All…
Equality New Mexico endorses 15 legislative candidates

Equality New Mexico endorses 15 legislative candidates

A New Mexico-based LGBTQ rights organization endorsed 15 candidates for state House and Senate seats for the 2024 elections.  Marshall Martinez, executive director of…
Sandia researchers look at ways to store hydrogen underground

Sandia researchers look at ways to store hydrogen underground

As the world looks to decarbonize, governments are promoting hydrogen, a somewhat controversial energy source, as an important component of that effort. But that…
American Rivers ranks waters in New Mexico as the most endangered in the country

American Rivers ranks waters in New Mexico as the most endangered in the country

New Mexico rivers are the most endangered in the country, according to the annual report from American Rivers. This is because of two U.S.…
Economic Development Department announces Energy Transition Act funding awards

Economic Development Department announces Energy Transition Act funding awards

Funding to assist with economic development following the closure of the San Juan Generating Station will be distributed to four projects in San Juan,…
Amid new graduation requirements, what do high schoolers want to learn?

Amid new graduation requirements, what do high schoolers want to learn?

By Margaret O’Hara, The Santa Fe New Mexican The main things that bring Brayan Chavez to school every day: Seeing, talking to and engaging with…
Special ed teachers hope lawmakers OK pay raises, admin changes

Special ed teachers hope lawmakers OK pay raises, admin changes

By Margaret O’Hara, The Santa Fe New Mexican Brittany Behenna Griffith has a laundry list of adjectives to describe the ideal special education teacher:…
Lawmakers must find consensus on competing education spending plans

Lawmakers must find consensus on competing education spending plans

By Margaret O’Hara, The Santa Fe New Mexican A challenging task awaits New Mexico lawmakers in the next 30 days: Reconciling three very different…
Health workers fear it’s profits before protection as CDC revisits airborne transmission

Health workers fear it’s profits before protection as CDC revisits airborne transmission

Amy Maxmen, KFF Health News Four years after hospitals in New York City overflowed with covid-19 patients, emergency physician Sonya Stokes remains shaken by…
Lujan Grisham, Biden admin announce $10 million in federal funds for tribes, pueblos

Lujan Grisham, Biden admin announce $10 million in federal funds for tribes, pueblos

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Friday $10 million in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act was awarded to six tribal nations and…
Proposal to curb executive powers moves to House Judiciary

Proposal to curb executive powers moves to House Judiciary

The House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee discussed a potential constitutional amendment that seeks to limit the governor’s executive powers. The committee approved…
Politics and abortion, how much will it matter?

Politics and abortion, how much will it matter?

At the national level, abortion is still a high-stakes issue with both major presidential candidates talking about it in their campaigns, but it may…
How the AZ Supreme Court decision on abortion impacts New Mexico

How the AZ Supreme Court decision on abortion impacts New Mexico

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that an 1864 abortion ban is enforceable, throwing another state bordering New Mexico into the situation of…
The status of the lawsuit New Mexico joined to remove FDA restrictions to mifepristone

The status of the lawsuit New Mexico joined to remove FDA restrictions to mifepristone

While the U.S. Supreme Court considers the future of access to the abortion medication, mifepristone, another lawsuit against the FDA that would expand access…
Politics and abortion, how much will it matter?

Politics and abortion, how much will it matter?

At the national level, abortion is still a high-stakes issue with both major presidential candidates talking about it in their campaigns, but it may…
How the AZ Supreme Court decision on abortion impacts New Mexico

How the AZ Supreme Court decision on abortion impacts New Mexico

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that an 1864 abortion ban is enforceable, throwing another state bordering New Mexico into the situation of…
The status of the lawsuit New Mexico joined to remove FDA restrictions to mifepristone

The status of the lawsuit New Mexico joined to remove FDA restrictions to mifepristone

While the U.S. Supreme Court considers the future of access to the abortion medication, mifepristone, another lawsuit against the FDA that would expand access…
Vasquez calls out Republicans for ‘inaction’ on border policy

Vasquez calls out Republicans for ‘inaction’ on border policy

U.S. Rep. Gabriel “Gabe” Vasquez, a Democrat who represents the state’s 2nd Congressional District along the U.S.-Mexico border, cosponsored a resolution on Monday calling…
Politics and abortion, how much will it matter?

Politics and abortion, how much will it matter?

At the national level, abortion is still a high-stakes issue with both major presidential candidates talking about it in their campaigns, but it may…
Politics Newsletter: Early and absentee voting

Politics Newsletter: Early and absentee voting

Good morning fellow political junkies! Early and absentee voting for the June 4 New Mexico primary begins in about a month. The nonprofit election…
American Rivers ranks waters in New Mexico as the most endangered in the country

American Rivers ranks waters in New Mexico as the most endangered in the country

New Mexico rivers are the most endangered in the country, according to the annual report from American Rivers. This is because of two U.S.…

Can the Albuquerque Police Department ever be reformed?

by Joshua Bowling, Searchlight New Mexico In the past decade, reforming the Albuquerque Police Department has cost nearly $40 million and generated 5,600 pages…
Politics Newsletter: Uncommitted primary voting

Politics Newsletter: Uncommitted primary voting

Hello fellow political junkies! Early and absentee voting in the New Mexico Primary begin on May 7. With many voters readying their choice for…

GET INVOLVED

© 2023 New Mexico Political Report