Santa Fe- The Senate Republican Caucus voted for new leaders at its caucus meeting Tuesday night at the New Mexico State Capitol.

State Senator Gregory Baca (R-Belen) was elected as the Senate Minority Leader on Tuesday night, unseating long- time seat holder Senator Stuart Ingle. Senator Gregory Baca represents Senate District 29 that includes most of Valencia County, Isleta Pueblo, and parts of Bernalillo County. Senator Baca is a practicing attorney who earned his undergraduate degree in Business and his Law Degree from UNM. He is a decorated Gulf War Veteran who served in the U.S. Navy as a Nuclear Operator. Senator Baca brings a new perspective of leadership to the position.

State Senator Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho) was elected Senate Minority Whip. He has held that position since this summer when Senator Bill Payne (R-Albuquerque) chose to relinquish his Whip position as he chose not to run for re-election for his Senate seat. Senator Brandt represents District 40 which includes Rio Rancho and the town of Bernalillo in Sandoval County. In addition to being a State Senator, Brandt's Community Service has also included being Vice-President of the Rio Rancho School Board and he is a veteran who served in the United States Air Force as a Security Policeman.

Former Lobo Football Player and Senator Mark Moores (R-Bernalillo) was elected Minority Caucus Chair. He has served in the New Mexico Senate since 2013 and represents District 21 which includes Albuquerque. Senator Moores has a long family history in New Mexico and received a BA in Political Science. He went on to earn a MBA from the UNM Anderson School of Management.

Every four years after a November general election for all State Senators, the Senate Republican Leadership Caucus takes a vote on new leadership.

As a result of November's general election, next year there will be 15 Republicans in the State Senate.