Stuart Ingle announces he will seek re-election

Veteran state senator Stuart Ingle, R-Portales, announced he will seek re-election to his District 27 Senate seat, according to a press release.

“It is very rewarding to serve the rural character of the people of Chaves, Curry, Roosevelt and DeBaca counties. It is a tremendous honor and privilege,” Ingle said. “I hope our fine folks believe I have made a difference for our district as I have fought in Santa Fe against more government intrusion in our lives; and for the freedom and independence we cherish and enjoy here on the east side of the state.”

Ingle has served in the Senate since 1985 and was elected Republican Floor Leader in 2000, 2002 and 2004 a position that he continues to hold. Prior to being Floor Leader, he ws Senate Minority Whip and Senate Republican Caucus Chair.

He previously served as vice chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and as a member of the Legislative Finance Committee.

During the session he currently serves on Corporations and Transportation Committee, the Rules Committee, Committees Committee, Public Affairs Committee and the Public School Capital Outlay Committee. Interim committees include the Legislative Council and the Legislative Ethics Committee.

Ingle said he has spent his 24 years in the Senate fighting for water resource protection, education and balanced, responsible state budgets. He says he has routinely been opposed to tax increases.

“My first thought on every action I take is for the voters of my district, no matter what their political party is,” Ingle said. “I understand we have unique needs and I will always be a strong voice for our rural district. Santa Fe will hear about our district as I stand in support of it, its interests and needs.”

Ingle said stood up in support of a viable mission for Cannon Air Force Base during the Base Realignment and Closure process and was the sponsor of a bill that created the Office of Military Bases Planning and Support and established the Military Bases Planning Commission.

Ingle says he is proud of the Lottery Scholarship program initiated several years ago by the legislature and is a strong advocate for the higher education institutions in his district.

“Clovis Community College, Eastern New Mexico University and its campus in Roswell are vitally important to our way of life,” Ingle said. They have a critical impact on all of us and on our entire state. I will continue to work hard to see these institutions of higer education prosper and I will continue to work to see that they receive the distinction and respect they have strive to earn.”

Ingle is a farmer in Portales, growing mainly wheat and sorghum, according to the release. He was born in Clovis and raised in Portales. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and Nutrition from Oklahoma State University.

He is the father of two adult daughters.