Governor appoints Rex Wilson to vacant state Senate seat before session

Rex Wilson, a former health care administrator and longtime rancher, was appointed to the New Mexico Senate on Jan. 9 to fill a vacancy in Senate District 33 and will serve the remainder of the term until the Nov. 3, 2026 general election. The appointment came after the district’s three county commissions submitted nominees to the governor to replace Republican Nicholas Paul, who resigned last fall due to health issues.

Senate District 33 spans parts of Chaves, Lincoln and Otero counties. Chaves County commissioners nominated Wilson; Lincoln County nominated their commission chair Mark Fischer; and Otero County nominated state Rep. John Block. The county commission nominations are part of the statutory process that sends a slate of candidates to the governor, who then selects a replacement to serve until voters choose a new senator at the next general election.

Wilson brings 18 years of health care experience and recent leadership in rural health systems. He served as the Southern region health care administrator at Presbyterian Medical Service until 2024 and described his priorities as pragmatic and relationship-driven. “I don’t come with a loaded agenda,” he said, adding that his immediate focus will be to “get acquainted and build the right relationships in this session and make a difference.” He also signaled willingness to work across party lines, saying, “I’m a conservative, but also a realist,” and that he looks forward to working with “Republicans and Democrats in the majority, particularly on health care issues.”

Wilson is also a multigenerational rancher in Lincoln County and was named the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association Cattleman of the Year in 2017. His combined background in rural health administration and agriculture positions him to influence debates on rural hospital funding, workforce shortages, and agricultural policy when the Legislature convenes.

For San Juan County residents, the appointment is consequential because statewide budget and policy choices on health care, emergency services and rural economies ripple across the state. Decisions made in Santa Fe can affect hospital reimbursements, clinic capacity and agricultural supports that matter to northern New Mexico communities, tribal governments and county economies. Although Wilson represents a southern district, his stated focus on practical health care solutions and cross-party cooperation will be relevant to anyone watching how the Legislature handles rural health and infrastructure this year.

The takeaway? Track early session bills tied to rural hospitals, public health funding and agriculture, and plan to weigh in before the Nov. 3, 2026 election when voters will choose whether Wilson or another candidate represents District 33. Our two cents? Attend hearings, contact your state lawmakers, and vote—those are the levers that turn appointments into accountable, lasting policy.