Logan superintendent joins Republican party

The New Mexico Senate Republican caucus has selected a former state representative as its new chief of staff.

Dennis Roch, who served in the House from 2009 to 2018, was selected after an “exhaustive process,” the caucus announced Wednesday.

“Dennis clearly has extensive knowledge of the Legislature and the legislative process,” Senate Minority Leader Bill Sharer, R-Farmington, said in a statement. “He also possesses contacts and connections across the state ensuring we fulfill our mission to represent all New Mexicans.”

Roch currently serves as superintendent of Logan Municipal Schools near Tucumcari.

Sharer said in an interview Roch’s start date is Dec. 2, but he will not be paid by the caucus until January as he will continue to serve as superintendent through the end of the year. His starting salary will be $150,000, Sharer said.

Roch succeeds Vincent Torres, who served as chief of staff under Sen. Greg Baca of Belen. Baca, a former minority leader, did not run for reelection this year.