Steinborn to run for House District 35 seat

Steinborn to run for House District 35 seat

Sun-News report
LAS CRUCES — Former state Rep. Jeff Steinborn of Las Cruces, who represented District 37 for four years, has announced that he will seek to return to Santa Fe in November, this time representing District 35.

A redistricting map approved this week by state District Judge James Hall has moved Steinborn into the newly redrawn District 35, where he will likely challenge incumbent Antonio Lujan in the Democratic primary.

"Having been born and raised in this district, as well as having served in the New Mexico Legislature previously, I will be a strong partner in helping Las Cruces move forward and create exciting new opportunities for our future,” Steinborn said in announcing his candidacy.

Steinborn notes that 38 percent of the residents in the new District 35 have been shifted from what was District 37, while just 25 percent are from what had been the old District 35.

Steinborn was first elected to the Legislature in November 2005, when he defeated Republican Scott Witt to win the seat that had been vacated by former Rep. Ed Boykin. He was defeated in 2010 by Republican Terry McMillan. He is also is a former chairman of the Doña Ana County Democratic Party and a member of the New Mexico State Democratic Party Central Committee.

He listed new ethics and transparency laws, a constitutional amendment removing the property tax from veterans halls, funding for local children's programs, a tax incentive for high-wage jobs, strengthening the Water Quality Control Commission and privacy protections for utility customers as among his achievements while in the Legislature.

He said among his top priorities if elected would be working to attract good jobs and employers to the region and supporting a vibrant community.

“I want to be a champion for the diverse neighborhood needs and dynamic initiatives that exist throughout District 35, including our wonderful downtown, and continue to fight for ethical and open state government” Steinborn said, adding that he also wants to continue to represent the needs of veterans and work to strengthen New Mexico's education system.