Democrats in New Mexico are in shock following the sudden resignation of the state party treasurer after only five weeks. In her resignation letter, she stated that the party’s head had undermined her and described her experience in the role as “tremendously disappointing.”
To provide context, Julie Rochman commenced her role as treasurer for New Mexico’s Democratic Party on April 26, 2025, but submitted her resignation on May 28. She indicated that she had “diligently” fulfilled her responsibilities, yet felt hindered by “friction” with the party’s chair and vice chair, Sara Attleson and Cam Crawford, respectively.
In her resignation letter, Rochman expressed that the choice to resign was among the most challenging decisions she has faced as a Democrat. She noted that the chair and vice chair had “squashed efforts for all officers to work together as a team.” Furthermore, she recounted an incident where Attleson refused to acknowledge her after she extended a sincere congratulatory handshake following her election, which Rochman found to be “telling.”
Rochman continued by stating that she had been excluded from staff meetings by the chair and vice chair, remarking, “The only communication I have received from them is a non-disclosure and non-disparagement agreement to sign. This is the sole instance of engagement they have had with me.” Additionally, she characterized the NDA as a “gag order,” asserting, “I am prohibited from speaking negatively about the other officers, or they could pursue legal action against me, which would extend well beyond my tenure with the party.”
Moreover, Rochman argued that by compelling her to sign an NDA, the party’s leadership was acting in an “antidemocratic” manner and infringing upon her right to free speech, effectively telling her that she could not “speak truth to power.” Nevertheless, the former treasurer mentioned her intention to continue her work for the party, stating, “So I actually feel somewhat liberated to carry out the work, and I wish the other officers the best, but I’
As reported by KRQE, Chair Sara Attleson addressed Rochman’s resignation by stating that Rochman “ran as part of a slate of candidates, which included those vying for Chair and Vice Chair, both of whom finished in second place.” She further remarked, “Team DPNM was optimistic that we could all progress together, irrespective of which slate of candidates emerged victorious or not.”
Additionally, the party chair noted that contrary to Rochman’s assertions in her letter, “We welcomed Julie to join the movement we are cultivating.” Attleson elaborated, “Regrettably, soon after the election, she determined that this team was not the right fit for her. We honor her choice and wish her the very best in her future pursuits and Democratic engagement.”
In concluding her remarks, Attleson emphasized that her party must “lead by example” and “act as responsible stewards of the sensitive voter data and campaign strategies entrusted to us,” adding, “In an era where billionaires are shaping public policy and Donald Trump is dismantling vital services, we must remain focused on advocating for working-class New Mexicans, rather than turning against one another.