Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, presents a bill on the Senate floor in this February file photo. The New Mexico Supreme Court recently ordered the dismissal of a lawsuit accusing Stewart of illegally retaliating against a former state senator.
Former Sen. Jacob Candelaria, D-Albuquerque, explains a pandemic relief measure on the Senate floor in this February 2021 file photo. A lawsuit filed by Candelaria accusing Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart of discriminatory actions was recently ordered dismissed by the state Supreme Court on the grounds of legislative immunity.
Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, speaks during a news conference in the Capitol rotunda in this March 2023 file photo. Stewart said she felt a mix of relief and vindication after the state Supreme Court recently ordered the dismissal of a lawsuit accusing her of illegally retaliating against a former senator.
Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, presents a bill on the Senate floor in this February file photo. The New Mexico Supreme Court recently ordered the dismissal of a lawsuit accusing Stewart of illegally retaliating against a former state senator.
Former Sen. Jacob Candelaria, D-Albuquerque, explains a pandemic relief measure on the Senate floor in this February 2021 file photo. A lawsuit filed by Candelaria accusing Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart of discriminatory actions was recently ordered dismissed by the state Supreme Court on the grounds of legislative immunity.
Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, speaks during a news conference in the Capitol rotunda in this March 2023 file photo. Stewart said she felt a mix of relief and vindication after the state Supreme Court recently ordered the dismissal of a lawsuit accusing her of illegally retaliating against a former senator.
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Supreme Court has ordered the dismissal of a lawsuit filed against the top-ranking Democrat in the state Senate by a former senator who alleged he had been illegally retaliated against.
The Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling this month found Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart’s actions — reassigning the Senate seat and Capitol office location of ex-Sen. Jacob Candelaria — were covered by legislative immunity, a doctrine that protects legislators from facing legal claims over their official actions.
Dan Boyd covers state government and politics for the Journal in Santa Fe. Follow him on Twitter at @DanBoydNM or reach him via email at dboyd@abqjournal.com.
