After a year on the job, the “first openly lesbian member of the New Mexico House of Representatives” has resigned, effectively immediately, citing “pressure” in her role representing District 12 and “stress, anxiety, and negativity” from the COVID pandemic.
“Two years into a pandemic, I know that many of us are experiencing stress, anxiety, and negativity. I want you to know that I feel you, I see you, I hear you, and we’re in this together. I know that I need to take care of myself right now in order to be a good mom, daughter, co-parent, and community member. ”
— former Rep. Brittney Barreras, District 12
A saleswoman at a cell phone company, Barreras ran in the South Valley as an Independent in 2020 but announced within a week of winning her seat that she would be changing her party affiliation to Democrat, telling the Santa Fe New Mexican’s Milan Simonich that she was “a progressive,” after all, and that “It would be nearly impossible” to win re-election “if I’m (running) against a Democrat.”
Barreras was elected not only as an Independent but as “the first openly lesbian member of the New Mexico House of Representatives,” according to a 2020 Business Insider article.
On Friday, she announced she would be resigning her seat immediately.
According to KOB4 news:
“First, I want to say that I am completely honored that my neighbors and community have trusted me to represent them. I have done my best to stay true to them and true to my roots in the South Valley. The huge amount of pressure in such a big job has become increasingly difficult for me. All of the pressure and stress has taken a toll on my mental health.
Two years into a pandemic, I know that many of us are experiencing stress, anxiety, and negativity. I want you to know that I feel you, I see you, I hear you, and we’re in this together. I know that I need to take care of myself right now in order to be a good mom, daughter, co-parent, and community member.
I will not stop being engaged in our state government and I will always encourage my community to speak up and get involved. The Legislature works best when real people show up and participate.
I have made arrangements to ensure that the work I have begun will be carried forward until the Bernalillo County Commission appoints a new Representative for House District 12.”
— former Rep. Brittney Barreras, District 12
Categories: Legislative Actions
The Conservative New Mexican 
Remarkably strange event. Perhaps the stress of actually having to serve? Quite sad for her.
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