intelligence. Then, Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos) discussed the major accomplishments of the 2026 State Legislature. Following Rep. Chandler, Raymond Olsen, WinTrust, outlined methods for tackling fraud. Then, to conclude the proceedings, Dale Dekker, DPS Design, provided a fascinating overview of what is going on in New Mexico. No convention is possible without tremendous sponsors and vendors. We want to give a major shoutout to the following: • Abrigo • Advantage, Powered by JMFA • American Bankers Association • B:Side Capital • Banc Consulting Partners • BHG Financial • Capital CDC • Cook Solutions Group • ePayResources • Everon Solutions • Federal Home Loan Bank Dallas • Housing New Mexico/MFA • New Mexico Finance Authority • NFP • PayDay HCM • Wespay Also, a very special thanks to BHG and Kathleen Connellan for sponsoring the President’s Dinner. Legislative Update To our surprise, New Mexico State Sen. Peter Wirth (Santa Fe) announced that he will not seek the Senate majority floor leadership position again after next year’s legislative session nor seek a sixth term in 2028. Wirth has served in the state Senate since 2009 after a stint in the state House of Representatives and has served as majority floor leader for 10 years. In a statement, he said he decided not to seek re-election to his leadership position or Senate seat because it was “the right moment” to pass the torch. “I have always believed that strong institutions outlast any individual leader, and that one of the most important things a leader can do is prepare the ground for what comes next,” he said. “The New Mexico Senate Democratic Caucus has never been stronger. This is the right moment to make way for a new majority leader, not because the work is done, but because the work must continue, and continue well.” Rep. Marian Matthews (D-Albuquerque) was defeated in the 2026 primary. She is a great supporter of business and the banking industry, and she also sponsored a number of bills on behalf of the NMBA. She will certainly be missed. Six incumbent state House members did not run for re-election in 2026: • Joanne Ferrary (D-Las Cruces) • Susan Herrera (D-Embudo) • Matthew McQueen (D-Santa Fe) • Mark Murphy (R-Roswell) • Martin Zamora (R-Clovis) • Jimmy Mason (R-Artesia) Senators are not up for re-election in 2026. 2028 Legislature The 2028 Legislature opens on Tuesday, January 19 and adjourns on Saturday, March 20. There is no limitation on issues that can be addressed during the 60-day session, nor a limit on the number of bills that individual legislators can introduce. Issues likely to be considered include AI regulation, interchange, public bank, state tax reform, health care and criminal justice. 7
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