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.
Andy Lyman
After being elected Speaker of the House, Rep. Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe, takes the oath, administered by Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver.
Andy Lyman
Sheryl Williams Stapleton
Republicans elected Rep. Nate Gentry, R-Albuquerque, to serve as Minority Floor Leader.
Andy Lyman
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.
Andy Lyman
House Chief Clerk Lisa Ortiz McCutcheon
As always, political figures from around the state showed up to hear Gov. Martinez’s speech.
Andy Lyman
New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Daniels
Andy Lyman
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.
State Sen. Cliff Pirtle, R-Roswell