Roswell rep appointed to fill Ingle's seat

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Friday appointed Rep. Greg Nibert to the New Mexico Senate.

Nibert, R-Roswell, a 1976 Clovis High School graduate, was first elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives in 2016, according to a news release from the governor's office.

He fills the District 27 Senate seat vacated by former State Sen. Stuart Ingle, R-Portales, in October. District 27 includes Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Lea and Roosevelt counties.

County commissioners in Curry and De Baca counties were among those who recommended Nibert to the governor. Roosevelt County commissioners supported Elida resident Pat Boone.

The Senate seat will be up for election next year, and the appointed term will run through the end of December 2024.

Nibert said last year that Chaves County commissioners would fill his open seat, since his House district is entirely within the county limits.

An attorney, Nibert touted himself as a strong advocate for the region when asking county commissioners for the job. In a letter of interest, he wrote that he has worked "for the promotion and protection of our agriculture and oil and gas industries, Eastern New Mexico University, New Mexico Military Institute and local small business."

When addressing Curry County commissioners in November, Nibert referenced his conservative credentials, including his support of the oil and gas industry and "traditional family values" that he described as being under attack.

"I believe I have a track record of trying my best to ensure that the liberties our founding fathers brought forth are sustained and that every action government takes must consider how much liberty we're taking from the individual," Nibert said.