SANTA FE, N.M. — Efforts to draw new political boundaries in New Mexico are starting in earnest as the Democrat-led Legislature convenes for an open-ended special session. The session is scheduled to begin at noon Monday.
The stakes in the redistricting process are especially high for residents of a congressional swing district in southern New Mexico that flipped to Republican control in 2020. Native American communities are seeking greater political influence through a variety of strategies.
Map recommendations were provided to legislators by a citizens' advisory panel. Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham holds veto authority over the process.