New Mexico – The Case that Sparked a Movement
Case Overview
Court: New Mexico District Court
Filed: 2018
Status: Resolved
New Mexico was the birthplace of Open Primaries’ litigation strategy. In 2018, when legislative efforts to pass open primaries were losing steam, a lawsuit challenging the exclusion of independent voters reignited the conversation. The case demonstrated how litigation can keep reform on the agenda even when lawmakers stall.
Why It Matters
- Catalyst for Reform: The case re-centered attention on primary reform in New Mexico when interest in the legislature was fading.
- Securing Reform in 2025: In the final push to pass legislation opening primaries this year, OP played a critical role in amending the bill’s language to ensure legal soundness — both to guarantee passage and to protect the law from future challenges in court.
- Proof of Concept: New Mexico showed that litigation can both pressure lawmakers and strengthen the durability of reforms.