Outspoken Democrat decries 'white progressive elite ambivalence' in New Mexico Senate [View all]

An outspoken state senator from Albuquerque who parted ways with his Democratic caucus in May lodged fervid accusations against its top two leaders Friday.

Sen. Jacob Candelaria, who has butted heads with members of his own party in the past, including Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, said Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart of Albuquerque and Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth of Santa Fe lack the ethical or moral capacity to lead Democrats in the 42-member chamber.

“For me, this is about a movement to change the culture of the Senate,” Candelaria said in a telephone interview. “There’s a fundamental issue here about the ambivalence of elite white progressivism that claims to support the struggle and the civil rights of queer people and people of color. But, you know, in this instance it’s very hollow, and lip service is not enough.”

Stewart and Wirth did not return messages seeking comment but issued a joint statement.

“Senator Candelaria resigned from the caucus well over two months ago and while we respect his right to express his opinion, leadership is not going to respond to personal attacks,” they said in the statement.

Read more: https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/outspoken-democrat-decries-white-progressive-elite-ambivalence-in-new-mexico-senate/article_3ad2074c-e64e-11eb-9a81-1fb59611736e.html