State Senate Democrats have nominated Sen. Pete Campos of Las Vegas, N.M., for the top position in the body.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that the action came Sunday at a closed-door caucus meeting in Belen.
Campos defeated three others in the contest to replace Senate President Pro Tem Tim Jennings, who recently lost his re-election bid.
Campos says he's honored by the nomination and plans to reach out "to every member of the Senate."
The Senate president pro tem office officially is decided by a vote of the 42 member Senate on the opening day of the session. Democrats will hold a 25-17 majority in the Senate next year, based on election results certified Friday by the canvassing board.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.