SANTA FE, NM — This November, New Mexicans will decide whether to change the state constitution to provide state legislators with an annual salary. House Joint Resolution 5 (HJR 5), which recently passed the Legislature, officially places the issue of legislative compensation in the hands of the voters.
The Proposal: What is HJR 5?
If approved, New Mexico legislators would receive an annual salary of $67,800. This amount is tied to New Mexico’s median household income and would be adjusted automatically based on U.S. Census Bureau figures.
Currently, New Mexico is the only state in the nation where legislators do not receive a base salary. However, they are currently compensated through:
- Per Diem: $247 per day (the highest in the region).
- Mileage: Standard reimbursement for travel.
- Pension: Participation in the state retirement system (the second-highest in the region).
Under HJR 5, the new $67,800 salary would be added on top of these existing per diem, mileage, and retirement benefits.
Regional Comparison & Perspective
The proposed salary has drawn attention to how New Mexico compares both internally and regionally:
- Higher than Teachers: The $67,800 salary is higher than what many New Mexico teachers and average households earn.
- Highest in the Southwest: If passed, New Mexico would have the highest legislative salary among all neighboring states, while already maintaining the highest per diem.
How the Legislature Voted
The decision to put this on the ballot was largely divided along party lines:
- Opposition: All Republicans voted NO (with the exception of Senator Joshua Sanchez).
- Support: All Democrats voted YES (with the exception of Representative Lente and Senators Campos, Cervantes, Muñoz, and Pinto).
Election Date
Because this is a constitutional amendment, the final decision rests with you. This issue will appear on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot.
