Gay Kernan states intention to run

Sen. Gay Kernan, R-Hobbs, announced Monday her intention to run for re-election in District 42.

Kernan has represented District 42 for five years. The district consists of Lea County and also parts Curry, Roosevelt, Chaves and Eddy counties.

Kernan’s legislative priorities include improving education, providing fair and balanced funding to the schools and improving access to health care, she said.

“I look forward to continuing my work for the residents of District 42 by responding to their needs and concerns,” Kernan said. “I appreciate their past support and will strive to continue to earn that support in the future.”

Sen. Stuart Ingle R-Portales is Roosevelt County’s other state senator.

New Mexico senators serve for four years. The state primary election will be June 3. The general election is Nov. 4.

Roosevelt County voters will have a full ballot in those elections. In addition to electing a president and U.S. senator, local voters will also be choosing a U.S. Representative to fill the seat being vacated by U.S Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M., who is giving up that seat to run for the Senate.

All 42 state senate seats and all 70 state representative seats are up for election and retention of five judges in the 9th Judicial District are up as well. In Roosevelt County two county commissioner seats as well as the county clerk, county treasurer and probate judge are on the ballot.

Municipal elections will be held March 4 with today being the filing day for candidates seeking municipal office. In Portales, four of the seven city council seats will be up for election.