NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE.
The New Mexico Democratic Party was rocked by internal discord following the abrupt resignation of its recently appointed treasurer, Julie Rochman, just five weeks after assuming the role. Her departure has stirred controversy within party leadership and sparked a wider conversation about transparency, inclusion, and internal dynamics in one of the nation’s key battleground states.
Rochman, who was elected on April 26, 2025, submitted her resignation on May 28, citing what she described as a hostile and exclusionary environment created by Party Chair Sara Attleson and Vice Chair Cam Crawford. In her resignation letter, Rochman described her brief time in office as “tremendously disappointing,” highlighting a breakdown in communication, trust, and leadership cooperation.
“I diligently fulfilled my responsibilities,” Rochman wrote, “but I was hindered by friction with the chair and vice chair. Their unwillingness to foster collaboration made it clear that my contributions were neither welcomed nor valued.”
One particularly revealing incident, according to Rochman, occurred immediately after the party leadership elections. She extended a congratulatory handshake to Attleson—a gesture she says was completely ignored. That moment, Rochman claims, set the tone for what followed: being excluded from meetings, ignored by leadership, and, most alarmingly, presented with a non-disclosure and non-disparagement agreement (NDA).
“The only official communication I received from them was a request to sign what amounts to a gag order,” she said. “This NDA would prevent me from speaking honestly about my experience—even after my tenure ended. That’s not just undemocratic—it’s a violation of my right to speak truth to power.”
Rochman’s departure has sparked debate not only over internal dysfunction but also over representation. She pointed out that the top leadership of the New Mexico Democratic Party lacks Hispanic representation—a significant concern in a state where Hispanic residents make up nearly half the population. She expressed her hope that her successor would reflect the state’s demographic diversity.
In response, Chair Attleson issued a statement saying Rochman was elected as part of a slate that ultimately did not win the top positions, suggesting that the transition may have influenced her experience. Attleson added that the party had hoped to work together across all factions and “was optimistic we could move forward as one team.”
“We welcomed Julie to join the movement we are cultivating,” Attleson stated. “Regrettably, she decided it wasn’t the right fit for her. We respect her decision and wish her the best.”
While the resignation has not yet triggered official changes in policy or structure, it has spotlighted deeper issues within the party. As New Mexico prepares for key elections in 2026, the DPNM will likely face increased scrutiny from both Democrats and Republicans, with unity now more critical than ever.
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