Mary Kay Papen
Mary Kuper "Kay" Papen is an American politician serving as a member of the New Mexico Senate, representing the 38th District since January 2001. Papen is president pro tempore of the New Mexico Senate and has led a coalition of Republicans and conservative Democrats who hold leadership positions in the state Senate, despite the body's 26–16 Democratic majority.Career
Papen has faced criticism for blocking legislation that would allow voters to consider an amendment that would fund early childhood programs using 1% more yearly from the state's $18 million Land Grant Permanent Fund.
In the 2020 election, Papen faced a primary challenge from Carrie Hamblen, the former president of the Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce. In the June 2 Democratic primary, Papen was defeated by Hamblen.
