Lyons retains District 2 PRC seat

Patrick Lyons has secured another four years in state government.

The former state senator and current land commissioner handily won his race for District 2 of the Public Regulation Commission, defeating Democrat Stephanie L. DuBois of Tularosa.

As of 10:22 p.m., Lyons had garnered 54,351 votes against 25,360 for DuBois.

Lyons, a Republican and 1972 Clovis High graduate, will replace outgoing Commissioner David King.

The PRC, according to its website, “regulates the utilities, telecommunications, motor carriers and insurance industries to ensure fair and reasonable rates, and to assure reasonable and adequate services to the public as provided by law.”

Lyons thanked the voters, particularly in Curry County, where he was supported by a 7,369-2,427 margin.

He said he wants to cut through bureaucracy in the position.

“We want to make sure those rate hearing cases go faster. We really want less government, less regulation.”

DuBois, a business owner in Tularosa, felt consumers would lose with Lyons and other Republicans in the PRC.

"Well, (Republicans) don’t want regulations,” DuBois said. “I don’t want cow (feces) in my milk, but I guess they do.

“They had a choice, they wanted a crook, and that’s what they got.”

When contacted for response, Lyons said, “She doesn’t know my record at all. We’ve been in government 18 years, and we’ve done a good job.”