New Mexico's Susana Martinez 1st woman, 1st Hispanic to lead GOP Governors Association

Published January 03, 2017

FILE - This Sept. 4, 2015 file photo New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez speaks at a press conference Albuquerque, N.M. Martinez says shes confident a close political adviser, Jay McCleskey, did nothing wrong and called allegations of fundraising violations cheap shots. The Republican governor told The Associated Press in a statement that shes aware of complaints being raised and said they came from political opponents who have tried to attack her previously. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras,File) ((AP Photo/Russell Contreras,File))

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has been tapped to lead the Republican Governors Association for the next year.

She becomes the first woman and the first Hispanic to lead the political organization dedicated to electing Republican governors across the country. GOP governors meeting in Las Vegas on Thursday voted Martinez into the new post. Her one-year term begins immediately.

The RGA has enjoyed tremendous success in recent years. There are currently 31 Republican governors, not including incoming Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin.

Martinez's new job served as a launching pad for ambitious Republicans in the past.

Former chairmen include Chris Christie, Bobby Jindal and Mitt Romney.