Sanchez Takes Helm of New Mexico Land Office

Juan de Jesus Sanchez secured the New Mexico land commissioner seat in a vote that keeps the State Land Office under Democratic control. Unofficial results posted by the Secretary of State’s Office around 9 p.m. on Tuesday showed Sanchez leading Republican Michael Perry of Roswell by a margin of 59 to 41. The victory places a 34-year-old former aide to U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich in charge of one of the state’s most influential agencies.

Sanchez is stepping into the role vacated by Stephanie Garcia Richard, a Democrat who served an eight-year term. During his campaign, Sanchez pledged to maintain key policies from his predecessor, including a ban on uranium mining on state trust land. He also committed to preserving the area around Chaco Canyon in northwestern New Mexico from oil and gas drilling operations.

The State Land Office manages 9 million surface acres and 13 million mineral acres. These lands generate revenue through leases for extraction, recreation, and grazing. In fiscal year 2025, this activity produced nearly $2.6 billion in rent and royalties for schools and public institutions, with the majority of that sum coming from oil and gas. The commissioner also holds a seat on the State Investment Council, which manages the office’s financial assets.

Sanchez’s path to the top office began in the political director role for Sen. Heinrich, a position he held for five years. He is a 13th-generation New Mexican who grew up on ranchland in Valencia and Socorro counties. After graduating from Belen High School, he attended New Mexico Highlands University. His political history contrasts with his challenger, Michael Perry, who criticized Sanchez as young and inexperienced during the campaign.

The race was closely watched by energy and technology sectors. Sanchez broke with Garcia Richard’s approach by signaling he would consider allowing a natural gas pipeline to cross 0.6 miles of state trust land. This pipeline is intended to supply the Project Jupiter data center in Doña Ana County. Both candidates campaigned on their connection to the outdoors, appearing in campaign materials wearing cowboy hats.

The last Republican to hold the office was Aubrey Dunn Jr., who served from 2015 through 2018. A Journal poll released in August had indicated Sanchez held a 13-point advantage over Perry. Perry, who was not at a watch party on Tuesday night, said he was dining with his family. He planned to return home to light a fire after the meal.

Sanchez now assumes control of the land portfolio that funds a large portion of the state’s public education and infrastructure. His tenure will begin with the implementation of his stated goals regarding land use and energy development.