Gallegos to run for House seat in District 52

Gallegos to run for House seat in District 52

Sun-News report
LAS CRUCES — Democrat Doreen Gallegos has announced her candidacy for state representative in District 52, which covers south Las Cruces to Anthony.

The district has been represented since 2001 by Joseph Cervantes, who has announced he will step down from his House seat to run for the Senate seat being vacated by Cynthia Nava.

Gallegos is the executive director of Mesilla Valley CASA, a program that provides advocacy to children in foster care in Doña Ana County. She points to her experience with children and families as key to her decision to seek the legislative seat.

“For 18 years I've worked with families throughout this county and surrounding areas,” Gallegos said. “It doesn't matter whether they are Republican or Democrat: they deserve the highest representation, access to affordable health care, and a quality education for their children. That is what I'll work for in Santa Fe.”

Gallegos said she wants to create greater opportunity for the people of southern New Mexico.

“The people of our area work hard, and they want good lives for their children," she said. "We need to put aside the partisan politics and work together to create economic opportunity, and to provide the services families need to succeed.”

She received her undergraduate and master's degrees from New Mexico State University, and lives in Las Cruces with her husband, Adolfo, and son, Nicolas. She pointed to the strong example set by her parents, who stressed education and service to the community.

“When we talk about family values, for my family that meant fairness, respect for others, and an obligation to make our community better. I want to bring those same values to my service as state representative.”

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