Eddy, Lea and Chaves counties chose nominees to replace Sen. Gay Kernan

Eddy County nominated former county commissioner Steve McCutcheon II to replace New Mexico State Sen. Gay Kernan who announced her retirement from the State's District 42 seat last month.

Eddy County’s Board of County Commissioners Tuesday voted to nominate McCutcheon to replace Kernan a Republican from Hobbs whose retirement was effective Aug. 1.

Kernan served in the Legislature for 21 years and was appointed by former Gov. Gary Johnson in 2002. She represented portions of Eddy, Lea and Chaves counties during her time in office.

Legislative vacancies in New Mexico are filled with recommendations from county commissions represented by the district. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will have the final say in who is chosen.

McCutcheon, a former District 4 Eddy County commissioner, was one of three to express interest in replacing Kernan: Former Eddy County commissioner Jack Volpato and current Lea County State Rep. Larry Scott (R-62) also expressed interest.

Whoever is selected would fill the seat until the end of Kernan’s term in 2024. The seat would then be open for candidates in the 2024 election.

The three candidates presented their qualifications to commissioners before Tuesday’s vote.

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Volpato cited his experience as a two-term Eddy County commissioner, current Eddy County Flood Commissioner and a founding member of the Eddy-Lea Energy Alliance (ELEA).

Volpato also chaired the Mayor’s Nuclear Task Force and he also noted lobbying efforts on behalf of Eddy County and the City of Carlsbad during various legislative sessions.

Scott said his nine-year record of service in District 62 was key experience in replacing Kernan.

“In this capacity I have developed a consistent record of moderate/conservative policy positions, including those on energy, fiscal responsibility, taxes and social issues,” he wrote in an application to commissioners.

Scott told commissioners he was committed to Eddy County as a founding partner of Lynx Petroleum which has operations in Eddy and Lea counties.

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“I believe that the combination of my legislative experience, business background and technical expertise make me a strong candidate for the job,” he wrote in a resume submitted to commissioners.

McCutcheon served in District 4 from 2018 until 2022 and decided not to seek another term on the commission. He was the commission chairperson for two years.

“We have very little representation (in Santa Fe),” he said to commissioners.

McCutcheon said he would like to run next year if picked by Lujan Grisham.

“I hope to take my skills to Santa Fe and represent Lea, Eddy and Chaves County well and shed light on their contributions to the state,” he wrote in an application to commissioners.

In a special meeting Wednesday, the Lea County Board of County Commissioners in Lovington nominated Scott in a 5-0 to replace Kernan.

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McCutcheon and Scott submitted letters of interest to the Lea County Commission. Volpato did not, according to county records.

Chaves County’s Board of County Commissioner was scheduled to make a decision on nomination during its August meeting Thursday in Roswell.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Steve McCutcheon nominated to replace former State Sen. Gay Kernan