Archuleta announces House bid for District 36

Archuleta announces House bid for District 36

Sun-News report
LAS CRUCES — Phillip M. Archuleta, a Democrat, has announced his intention to run for the New Mexico House of Representatives in District 36.

The district has been represented since 2001 by Andy Nuñez, who was a Democrat for most of those years, but switched his party affiliation to independent at the start of last year's legislative session. Nuñez has announced that he will seek re-election.

Archuleta highlighted that difference in making his announcement.

"I have been a loyal Democrat and have never compromised my values or integrity to my constituents as a public servant or civic leader," he said. "I decided to run for this seat because I believe that House District 36 needs a true fighter that represents the real values of Doña Ana County."

Archuleta describes himself as a native New Mexican whose family has ties to the state dating back 400 years.

He said his priorities, if elected, would be water rights, affordable health care, protection of the environment and ensuring collective bargaining rights for workers.

"We need someone who will fight for education, health care, economic growth, but at the same time protecting the rights of the working and middle-class residents of the state," He said. "I will fight for these core democratic values and principles that demanded change in 2008. I will not represent out-of-state special interest groups that have ultimate issues, which spread hate, xenophobia and create distention in our state on issues that have nothing to do with the economy."

The primary election is on June 5. The general election is on Nov. 6.