New Mexico Voters to Decide on Legislator Salaries

Proposed constitutional amendment would tie lawmaker pay to state's median income starting in 2029

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The New Mexico Senate has narrowly approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow state lawmakers to be paid a salary starting in 2029, if approved by voters in November. The measure would tie legislative pay to the state's gross median annual income, which was $64,140 as of 2024. Supporters argue this would allow more diverse representation, while opponents say it would fundamentally change the nature of the Legislature.

Why it matters

New Mexico is currently the only state that does not pay its legislators a salary, though they do receive a per diem for expenses. Proponents say paying lawmakers would enable more people, especially younger and lower-income individuals, to serve in the Legislature. Critics argue it would undermine the state's citizen legislature model and that the money could be better spent addressing other pressing issues.

The details

The proposed constitutional amendment, House Joint Resolution 5, passed the Senate 23-19 just before midnight on Tuesday. It had previously cleared the House. If approved by voters, it would tie lawmakers' pay to the state's gross median annual income, with future increases connected to inflation. Supporters, led by a group of young female legislators, say the change is needed to make public service more accessible. Opponents argue it would fundamentally alter the Legislature and that the state has more pressing problems to address.

  • The Senate voted on the proposed amendment late Tuesday night.
  • The measure had previously passed the House just four days earlier.
  • If approved by voters, the new legislator salary would take effect in 2029.

The players

Sen. Cynthia Nava

A Democratic senator from Bernalillo County who sponsored the proposal to allow New Mexico lawmakers to be paid a salary.

Sen. Angel Charley

A Democratic senator from Acoma Pueblo who spoke about the challenges of serving in the Legislature while balancing other jobs and obligations.

Sen. Larry Scott

A Republican senator from Hobbs who criticized the Legislature's track record on issues like poverty and education, arguing that if it were a private sector organization, the members "would all be fired."

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What they’re saying

“We want all New Mexicans to be able to serve.”

— Sen. Cynthia Nava (abqjournal.com)

“Can a young leader with student debt and multiple jobs say yes to public service?”

— Sen. Angel Charley (abqjournal.com)

“If this was a private sector organization with this track record, we'd all be fired. And we'd deserve to be.”

— Sen. Larry Scott (abqjournal.com)

What’s next

New Mexico voters will decide whether to approve the proposed constitutional amendment allowing legislator salaries in the November 2026 election.

The takeaway

This vote highlights the ongoing debate over the role and compensation of state legislators in New Mexico. Supporters argue that paying lawmakers would enable more diverse representation, while opponents say it would undermine the state's citizen legislature model and that the money could be better spent addressing other pressing issues.