Two years ago, House Democrats battled over who would be speaker and majority leader. This year, it appears that no one has stepped up to challenge Speaker Ben Lujan and Majority Leader Ken Martinez. But there is one other leadership fight brewing.
Rep. Thomas Garcia of Ocate is challenging Sheryl Williams Stapleton of Albuquerque for the position of House majority whip.
Though Garcia said it would not be appropriate to comment for this article, and Stapleton could not immediately be reached for comment, several people with knowledge of the situation confirmed that Garcia has been calling and e-mailing House Democrats to lobby for the position.
The House Democratic caucus will meet in December to pick leaders who will serve for the next two years.
Garcia, an educator, has served in the Legislature since 2006 and is a close ally of Lujan. He previously served as deputy district director for U.S. Rep. Tom Udall.
Stapleton, who has served in the House since 1995, is also an educator.