Sen. Peter Wirth, nice guy, part of the problem

Recently it was reported that New Mexico’s Senate Majority Leader and longtime state senator Peter Wirth will not seek reelection (in 2028) and won’t be running for Leader in the 2027 session. Having interacted with Wirth a few times over the years I can say that Wirth is a nice and pleasant man. You certainly can’t say that for all legislators, especially so-called “progressives” that Rio Grande Foundation spars with on a regular basis.

But Wirth has been Majority Leader since 2016. He should be judged not on the basis of bills passed, but on outcomes for New Mexicans. And, as for nearly everyone involved in governing New Mexico, it is impossible to say Wirth has been a successful legislator or that he’s done much to improve conditions in New Mexico. Even amidst an unprecedented oil and gas boom Wirth has championed higher taxes, especially on those “evil” out-of-state corporations. In 2026 he led the charge for SB 151 which “decoupled” New Mexico’s corporate taxes from reforms enacted by Congress. Another tax hike at a time of record revenues and spending by the State.

While Wirth may think he’s bringing needed revenue to New Mexico, the reality is that he’s chasing businesses away from the State. Perhaps no other aspect of Wirth’s track record is more obviously harmful to New Mexico than these policies. New Mexico has zero major corporations headquartered here and PNM, by far the largest publicly-traded company in New Mexico, is desperately trying to find a buyer.

On the flip side, with a long track record of being in positions of power in New Mexico’s Legislature has Wirth ever stood firm AGAINST bad policy (MLG’s COVID regime comes to mind, but so does the gross receipts tax and so does our educational failures, not to mention the medical provider shortage)? Has he ever bucked his party to demand needed reforms? No, he has been a reliable voice in support of the same failed policies that have led New Mexico to 50th in education and poverty despite record oil and gas revenues and the fact that New Mexico is one of the most pleasant and beautiful states in the Union.

Adios Senator Wirth, but his legacy is one of failed policy.