Fort Sumner woman running for District 63 representative

Melinda Russ of Fort Sumner announced Tuesday she is running for District 63 state representative.

Russ, an eastern New Mexico native and retired homemaker, is the current chair of the Republican party of De Baca County.

Rep. Jose Campos, D-Santa Rosa holds the position but has announced his candidacy for the position of lieutenant governor.

Russ said she has committed 30 years to volunteering and public service through community organizations and spent the last six years working as administrative support during legislative sessions.

The 49-year-old is a supporter of accountability from elected officials, lower taxes for business and property owners and reduced government spending.

Russ is at least the second candidate to announce for the District 63 seat.

Last November, Santa Rosa businessman George Dodge Jr., 52, said he planned to file for the position.

Dodge is currently serving as vice president of Farmers Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees based in Clovis.