New Mexico Lawmakers Seek Voter Approval for Legislative Salaries

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Members of New Mexico's state legislature, the only unsalaried legislature in the nation, are asking voters to approve a constitutional amendment that would allow lawmakers to receive salaries. The initiative was promoted by a group of young female legislators who have talked about the challenges of balancing work, family, and legislative duties without compensation.

Why it matters

New Mexico's 'citizen legislature' of volunteer politicians has long been a source of civic pride, but advocates argue the current system discourages young and working-class candidates from serving and can inhibit progress on complex policy issues as legislators juggle separate paid careers.

The details

The state Senate narrowly endorsed a constitutional amendment that would do away with the state's prohibition on legislative direct compensation, allowing voters to decide in November whether to tie legislative salaries to the median income level in New Mexico. New Mexico taxpayers already foot the bill for travel expenses and an allowance for meals and lodging when the Legislature is in session, and many lawmakers also have access to public pension benefits.

• The state Senate endorsed the constitutional amendment on Tuesday night.
• Voters will decide on the amendment in November 2026.

What’s next

Voters in New Mexico will decide on the constitutional amendment to allow legislative salaries in the November 2026 election.