New Mexico State Sen. Leo Jaramillo, D–Española, has been elected to serve as the West Region Chair for the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL), the premier national organization representing the interests of Hispanic state lawmakers across the United States and its territories.
Jaramillo was elected during NHCSL’s Annual National Summit held Nov. 20–23 in Oklahoma City. As West Region chair, he will represent and coordinate legislative leadership across 13 western states and territories, including New Mexico, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Alaska and Hawaii.
“It is an honor to be entrusted by my colleagues to serve as the West Region Chair,” Jaramillo said. “Our region is rich with cultural heritage, economic potential, and diverse communities whose voices deserve to be uplifted on the national stage. I look forward to strengthening our partnerships, growing our membership, and expanding opportunities for Latino leaders across the West.”
In this leadership role, Jaramillo will serve on the NHCSL Executive Committee and will help coordinate regional meetings, support organizational development, recruit new members and work closely with NHCSL officers to advance key priorities including public policy, economic opportunity, education, healthcare equity and civic engagement. He will also assist in identifying regional business board advisors and sponsors to support the organization’s mission.
Jaramillo, who represents New Mexico’s Senate District 5, including Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Sandoval and Santa Fe counties, is widely recognized for his advocacy in cultural preservation, education, youth empowerment and rural development. His election further elevates New Mexico’s leadership within a national body dedicated to advancing the well-being of Hispanic communities across the country.
“New Mexico has always led with corazón,” Jaramillo said. “I am proud to carry our state’s voice, our values, and our vibrant culture to this national platform.”