New Mexico Voters to Decide Paid Legislator Salaries
Constitutional Amendment 4 would pay state lawmakers a salary equal to New Mexico's median household income if approved in November 2026.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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Should New Mexico legislators be paid a salary for their service?
New Mexico voters will decide Constitutional Amendment 4 on November 3, 2026, which would set state legislator pay at the state's median household income, currently $68,000. If approved, salaries would begin in 2029, ending New Mexico's status as the only state that does not pay its lawmakers a salary.
Why it matters
The measure would change how the state's legislature is compensated, affecting who can afford to serve and how long lawmakers work each year. Supporters frame it as a matter of fairness, while opponents raise concerns about professionalization and competing demands on the state budget.
Constitutional Amendment 4 would set legislator salaries at New Mexico's median household income, currently $68,000, beginning in 2029 if voters approve it. New Mexico is currently the only state that does not pay its lawmakers a salary, and the legislative session runs either 30 or 60 days depending on the year.
The players
New Mexico Legislature
The state's lawmaking body, which currently serves without salary and would be directly affected by the amendment's pay provisions.
The details
Lawmakers currently receive a per diem during legislative sessions and certain interim work, along with retirement benefits after a set period of service. Legislators are also on call year-round, with constituents contacting them outside of session.
Timeline
- 1912: The New Mexico Constitution was adopted.
- November 3, 2026: Voters decide Constitutional Amendment 4.
- 2029: Legislator salaries would begin if the amendment passes.
Political Context
Opponents argue that paying legislators would move the body toward professionalization, which they say could make lawmakers less responsive to constituents, and that salaries could force cuts to essential services amid state fiscal pressures. Supporters counter that paying legislators is a matter of fairness and could broaden the pool of people willing to serve.
If approved, the amendment would give New Mexico legislators a salary for the first time, which could change who is able to run for and remain in the legislature. Voters will have the final say on November 3, 2026, and the pay would not take effect until 2029.
The takeaway
Whether New Mexico pays its lawmakers will be decided by voters, and the answer could shape who serves in the state's legislature for years to come.
What happens next
Voters decide Constitutional Amendment 4 on November 3, 2026; if approved, legislator salaries would begin in 2029.
Further reading
Explore more coverage of Legislative Policy in New Mexico.
Live Poll
Should New Mexico legislators be paid a salary for their service?
