LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEWS RELEASE
Today, the bipartisan Legislative Council selected Ethan Watson as the new Director of the New Mexico Legislative Council Service (LCS). Watson currently serves as the City Clerk for the City of Albuquerque and is a graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law.
As head of the nonpartisan LCS, the Director oversees many of the permanent staff and year-round operations at the Capitol, including bill drafting, research, building and ground maintenance, IT, capital outlay, and legislative human resources. The director also administers legal cases brought by and against the Legislature, ethics complaints, and requests for public records under the Inspection of Public Records Act.
“I’m excited to bring my knowledge and experience to the New Mexico Legislature and work together with members and LCS staff in this capacity,” said Watson. “I look forward to the days ahead as we gear up to make next year’s session a successful one.”
Members of the Legislative Council and senior staff, which include Republicans and Democrats from the House and Senate, worked together to establish criteria for the role, review applicants, and conduct two rounds of interviews. Candidates were evaluated on their overall qualifications, leadership and management skills, legal and operations experience, collaboration and communication skills, knowledge of the legislative process, and commitment to public service. Watson was selected among four finalists interviewed by the Legislative Council today.
“Ethan brings the kind of steady, nonpartisan management experience the Legislative Council Service needs, and his work as City Clerk for Albuquerque means he’s accustomed to the complex administrative duties that come with a large governmental institution,” said Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, Co-Chair of the Legislative Council. “I’m confident in his ability to lead LCS staff with the same integrity and professionalism New Mexicans have come to expect from this institution.”
“What made Ethan stand out among a field of great candidates was his measured approach to the complex issues facing our state, coupled with an excitement about building the modern legislative systems that New Mexicans deserve,” said House Speaker Javier Martínez, Co-Chair of the Legislative Council. “His experience, enthusiasm, and willingness to embrace the big challenges ahead of us will serve our legislature and the people of New Mexico incredibly well. I look forward to working with Ethan in the months and years ahead.”
Watson will assume the role following the resignation of LCS Director Shawna Casebier, who held the position since July of 2024.