Mimi Stewart says her experience as head of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee makes her the right person to be House majority leader.
“I have proven myself to understand the importance of maintaining our seats and running good campaigns based on progressive politics,” Stewart told me. “I think I would be a really good majority leader.”
The Albuquerque representative said she decided earlier this week to seek the position after learning that Ken Martinez of Grants would challenge Ben Lujan of Santa Fe for the position of speaker of the House.
Stewart, who has been a member of the House for 12 years, said she understands the system and can bring veteran leadership to the position.
She would not comment on who she is supporting for speaker, and had this to say about whether she would back off if Martinez opted against challenging Lujan and instead sought to keep his position as majority leader:
“I’m going to be flexible and kind of keep my options open,” Stewart said.
She had kind words for Rep. Joseph Cervantes of Las Cruces, who has pledged to seek the majority leader position if Martinez does not.
“He’s been a really great state representative, and if he wins I can work with him, and if I win, I hope he can work with me,” Stewart said.
She said she saw Cervantes in Santa Fe Wednesday.
“I joked with him, and said, ‘May the best woman win,’” Stewart said.