It has been my honor and privilege to serve the constituents of Cibola and other counties in House District 69 as a state representative in the New Mexico legislature since 2016.
Recently, my esteemed colleague and friend Rep. Eliseo Lee Alcon, with whom I have worked closely during my tenure, has resigned his seat due to health problems—dealing a significant blow to representation for veterans and residents of Cibola county in the Roundhouse.
Last week, the Cibola County Commission nominated me—unanimously— to serve the upcoming two-year term of Representative Alcon. The McKinley County Commission will make their nomination in the coming days. Fears have been raised about the constitutionality of me representing House District 6 in the legislature, and I would like to put those concerns to rest here.
I have long maintained residences in both House District 6 and 69, and my voter registration has been updated to reflect my residence in House District 6. The state constitution, NM statute, several Attorney-General opinions and precedent- setting case law have upheld the qualification and ability of legislators to serve in similar or identical situations.
My desire to serve western New Mexico is rooted in my legislative experience, my seniority, my passion and dedication to our communities in Cibola and McKinley counties, and what I firmly believe is my unparalleled ability to deliver for the constituents of House District 6.
Rep. Alcon and I are both Vietnam War veterans who have proudly represented our Western New Mexico communities for many years. Together, we have championed many policies to support our veterans and their families. I believe that veteran representation is critical. Without us, there will only be one Albuquerque veteran serving in the majority of the New Mexico House. This would greatly diminish the voice that New Mexico’s 130,000 veterans and their family have in our Roundhouse.
I also believe that Cibola and McKinley counties deserve the strongest, most experienced representation possible, and if I am appointed to this seat, I will dedicate each and every day to fulfilling that promise to our communities.
Sincerely, Rep. Harry Garcia