# Travel >> Destinations >> Mexico

What Happens If the Governor of New Mexico Resigns? Succession Explained

New Mexico's gubernatorial succession is governed by Article V, Section 5 of the New Mexico Constitution and supporting statutes. The process depends critically on when the vacancy occurs relative to the next general election.

Succession Scenarios

1. Lieutenant Governor Becomes Governor (Immediate)

Upon the Governor's resignation, death, or removal, the Lieutenant Governor immediately assumes the office of Governor with full powers, serving the remainder of the term—unless a special election or legislative election is triggered (see below).

2. Vacancy > 18 Months Before Next General Election → Special Election

Lieutenant Governor serves as Acting Governor
Special election called within 6 months of vacancy
Winner serves the remainder of the original term
Governor sets election date (NM Const. Art. V, §5; NMSA 1978 §8-5-1)

3. Vacancy ≤ 18 Months Before Next General Election → Legislative Election

No special election
Legislature convenes in special session within 30 days
Legislators elect a new Governor from among their own members (majority vote)
Elected legislator-governor serves remainder of term
If Legislature not in session: Governor (before resigning) or Lt. Gov. may appoint temporary successor until Legislature convenes

Key Nuances

"General election for Governor" = quadrennial even-year election (2022, 2026, 2030...)
18-month threshold measured from vacancy date to election day
Lt. Gov. does not automatically become Governor for full term if special/legislative election occurs
No provision for Speaker of House or Secretary of State succession (unlike some states)

Historical Precedent

1924: Gov. James Hinkle died → Lt. Gov. Jose Baca served 1 year (vacancy >18 mo? No—legislature elected)
1933: Gov. Arthur Seligman died → Lt. Gov. Andrew Hockenhull served remainder (vacancy <18 mo?)
2003: Gov. Bill Richardson appointed to Cabinet → Lt. Gov. Diane Denish became Governor (no special election; term ended 2003? Actually Richardson resigned Jan 2009 for Commerce Secretary—Denish served 2009–2011)