Rep. Armstrong tapped as NM House GOP lead

State Representative Gail Armstrong, the voice for Catron, Sierra, Socorro, and Valencia Counties, shared her profound sense of honor after achieving a historic milestone last month. She became the first woman to lead the House Republican caucus, a position that reflects both her dedication and the progress of women in leadership roles within the political landscape.

“It takes a special kind of grit to be a mother, grandmother, businesswoman and rancher. I know that grit will serve me well as the House Republican leader,” Armstrong said, “ I see it as an opportunity to make history in more than one way. I am committed to fighting for common ground that unites us rather than divides us. Only together can we really create change in New Mexico.”

Armstrong, who has served as district 49 state representative for seven years, has a reputation for working with both political parties. She believes that it is one of the reasons she was elected. She said she takes pride in being a colleague that members on both sides of the aisle can talk to.

“We don’t always agree, but if we can’t talk to each other, we certainly can’t get anything done. I think that reputation is an asset to the House Republican Caucus and to the Roundhouse as a whole. I am willing to work with anyone brave enough to stand up to the status quo for the greater good of our constituents,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong said she has the best family, and they have always supported and encouraged her, including her run for Caucus leadership.

“They’re very proud of what I’ve accomplished in the Roundhouse to date,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong, who hails from Magdalena, is no stranger to ranching in rural areas and believes ranchers are the heart and soul of New Mexico. She said that while she is in Santa Fe, she is honored to be the voice and fight for her friends and neighbors.

“Ranching is one of the industries our state was built on and I’m proud to represent that way of life in Santa Fe. Part of what makes New Mexico so special is that we still have vast rural areas, and over half of New Mexicans still live in those areas,” Armstrong said “It’s incredibly important that their needs are fought for in Santa Fe, we can’t afford to leave the legislating just to the city folks.”

She is looking forward to working with each of the House Republican members on the issues that they are passionate about.

“We have an incredible team of experts and I’m looking forward to utilizing our collective strength to build meaningful and common-sense legislation that benefits the whole state,” Armstrong said.