Democrats in New Mexico are reeling after the state’s party treasurer abruptly decided to quit after just five weeks, saying that the head of the party had worked against her and calling her experience on the job “tremendously disappointing” in her letter of resignation.
For context, Julie Rochman began working as the treasurer for New Mexico’s Democratic Party on April 26, 2025, but she submitted her letter of resignation on May 28, explaining that she had “diligently” done what was required of her, but that she was held back by “friction” between herself and the chair and vice chair of the party, Sara Attleson and Cam Crawford, respectively.
In her resignation letter, Rochman said that the decision to resign “was one of the most difficult decisions I think I’ve made as a Democrat,” adding that the chair and vice chair had “squashed efforts for all officers to work together as a team.” In addition, Rochman explained that Attlesson refused “to even acknowledge” her when she “offered a sincere congratulatory handshake” after her election, which the former treasurer described as “telling.”
Continuing, Rochman said that she had been left out of staff meetings by the party’s chair and vice chair, adding, “The only thing they have sent me is a non-disclosure and non-disparagement agreement to sign. It’s the only time when they have engaged with me.” Moreover, she described the NDA as a “gag order,” saying, “I can’t say anything bad about the other officers, or they could sue me, and that that would last well beyond my time at the party.”
In addition, Rochman said that by forcing her to sign an NDA, the party’s leadership was being “antidemocratic” and acting “against our right to free speech” and “telling me I can’t speak truth to power.” However, the former treasurer added that she was planning on continuing to work for the party, writing, “So I actually feel kind of freed up to do the work, and I wish the other officers very well, but I’ll be doing my work in another way.”
As reported by KRQE, Chair Sara Attleson responded to Rochman’s resignation by saying that Rochman “ran as part of a slate of candidates including candidates for Chair and Vice Chair who each came in second place,” and adding, “Team DPNM was hopeful that we could all move forward together, regardless of which slate of candidates won or lost.”
In addition, the party chair said that despite what Rochman said in her letter, “We welcomed Julie to be a part of the movement we’re building.” Attleson continued, “Unfortunately, shortly after the election, she decided this team wasn’t an ideal fit for her. We respect her decision and wish her all the best in future endeavors and Democratic activism.
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Concluding her statement, Attleson said that her party needed to “lead by example” and “be responsible stewards of sensitive voter data and campaign strategies we are entrusted with,” adding, “At a time when billionaires are dictating public policy and Donald Trump is eliminating essential services, we have to stay focused on fighting for working class New Mexicans, not turning on each other.
Featured image credit: Democratic Party of New Mexico via X