Larry P. Martinez to challenge for Senate seat


Sun-News report
LAS CRUCES — Larry P. Martinez has filed his candidacy for the newly expanded New Mexico Senate District 35.

Martinez, a Lordsburg resident, will challenge longtime Sen. John Arthur Smith in the Democratic primary. Smith, who has served in the Senate since 1989, is chairman of the Finance Committee.
Martinez said he in running to bring jobs and prosperity to the district.

“I’m running because I care about the great people in this part of New Mexico,” he said. “The area is hurting for jobs. The poverty rate in parts of this district is the highest in the state and hasn’t dropped in 25 years.  I’m running because I think whoever represents Deming, T or C, and Lordsburg needs to be someone who supports making investments in our people that will draw jobs and better opportunities to southwest New Mexico.”

Martinez is retired from PNM, where he was a journeyman electrician for over 20 years. He is also secretary of the Hidalgo County Democratic Party and a member of the Board of Directors of the Hidalgo Medical Center. Martinez is a native New Mexican, 54 years old, and owns a small electrical contracting company in Lordsburg.

Because of redistricting, District 35 now stretches into Doña Ana County. Theater owner Russell G. Allen, a Republican, will challenge the winner in the Democratic primary.

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