Who are the Faces of Hobbs City Council?

HOBBS, NM-- Hobbs, New Mexico, was recently added to the OpGov.News platform.

The city of Hobbs has a population of 40,000. OpGov.News wanted to inform readers about who makes up the Hobbs City Council.

Photo Credit: City of Hobbs Website

Hobbs is represented by Mayor Jonathan Sena, who made history as the youngest person ever elected to the Hobbs City Commission, according to his website. Sena was selected to the Lea County Commission in 2017.

Sena has worked as a personal assistant for Representatives Shirley Tyler and Don Tripp. He was elected mayor in November 2025.

Photo Credit: City of Hobbs Website

R. Finn Smith represents District 1 and ran in the general election in November 2025. Smith, a Republican, has lived in Hobbs for over 28 years and has a background in fire service. Community engagement is important to Smith as he served on the Lea County Fire Chiefs Board as a volunteer coach.

Photo Credit: City of Hobbs Website

Christopher Mills represents District 2 as City Commissioner. Mills is a criminal defense and general practice attorney in the city and has experience serving southeastern New Mexico since 2007.

Mills represents clients in Hobbs, Carlsbad, Artesia and Lovington.

Photo Credit: Larron Fields Website

Larron Fields represents District 3. Fields is a part of the Hobbs Municipal Schools Alternative Learning Center.

Photo Credit: City of Hobbs Website

Joseph Calderon represents District 4 as City Commissioner. Calderon is a Democrat and has participated in multiple local elections.

In 2019, Calderon won the race for School Board Member in School Board District Hobbs with 146 votes. Calderon won the race for School Board Member in School Board District Hobbs again in 2023, with 231 votes.

Calderon ran unopposed in both elections.

Photo Credit: City of Hobbs Website

Roy Dwayne Penick represents District 5. Penick has resided in Hobbs for over 55 years and has experience working in the U.S. Army, along with being a firefighter.

Penick is currently serving his second term as City Commissioner for District 5. He also ran for mayor in 2025, losing to Sena.

Photo Credit: City of Hobbs Website

Don R. Gerth represents District 6 as City Commissioner. Gerth’s term expires on Dec. 31, 2027.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact jorden.h@lead4earth.org.