Rebecca Dow, seeking the District 38 New Mexico House seat formerly held by Dianne Hamilton-R, Silver City, clinched the June 7 Republican primary, and will now face Democratic candidate Mary Hotvedt, a former Grant County Democratic Party Chair, in the Nov. 8 election, unless a recount in the 31 vote difference occurs between Hotvedt and her Democratic opponent Karen Whitlock.
Dow also has the endorsement of current (and retiring) Rep. Dianne Hamilton and of Murray Ryan, who held that office before Hamilton.
A Truth or Consequences resident, Dow led Grant County voting with 926 votes, with Silver City's Daniel Galindo trailing with 303 votes.
In Sierra County Dow carried approximately 80 percent of the ballot.
Republicans have a 37-33 majority in the House now; Democrats have a 24-18 majority in the Senate.
ENDORSEMENTS
Before the primary Hamilton, who held that seat for 18 years, endorsed Dow.
"As I leave the New Mexico Legislature, it is critically important to me that I leave the people of Grant, Sierra and Hidalgo Counties in good hands," said Hamilton. "That is why I hope you will join me in supporting Rebecca Dow as my replacement for the New Mexico House of Representatives, District 38. I have no doubt that she will be an extraordinary addition to the New Mexico Legislature and will be a conservative voice in Santa Fe.
"Rebecca has dedicated her career to improving the lives of New Mexico youth and I know she will bring that same dedication to the people of southwestern New Mexico," said Hamilton. "She is the founder and director of AppleTree Educational Center, a nationally accredited faith based non-profit located in Sierra County. AppleTree provides early care and education, New Mexico PreK and Early PreK, K-12 private schooling, service learning for youth 13-18, New Mexico Home Visiting, and family support services.
Hamilton listed the many contributions Dow has made to her community and the state. "She serves as the Policy Chair of the New Mexico Child Care and Education Association, is a founding member of the New Mexico Early Childhood Alliance, and is the founder and president of the Boys and Girls Club of Sierra County. She is the founding chair of the Sierra County Juvenile Justice Advisory Council. Rebecca represents the State of New Mexico on the National Early Childhood Education Consortium. She holds an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood from Tulsa Community College and a bachelors in Business Management from Oral Roberts University."
In addition, said Hamilton, Dow is the recipient of the Governor's Award for Outstanding New Mexico Woman, Distinguished Alumni of Tulsa Community College, and has received a Leadership Award from the National Childcare Association. AppleTree was recognized with the Excellence in Education award from Educate New Mexico, Pioneers in New Mexico Pre-K from the N.M. Lieutenant Governor, the Exemplary Program Award from the Association of Christian Schools International, and the Rio Grande Award for Excellence in Youth Services from the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico.
"I know that Rebecca will work tirelessly for the people of southwestern New Mexico, and I hope you will join me in supporting her," said Hamilton.
Murray Ryan, who served as representative for the district for 30 years prior to Hamilton's election, said he believes Dow's tenacity and reputation as a hardworking person, and one who has a long history of service in the community, will be an asset in the legislature.
"I think the other members will gravitate to her," said Ryan. "Her personality and confidence will inspire respect from them."
He said party affiliation doesn't matter as much as respect in the state legislature, and she is the one who can work with others to get things accomplished.
"She is very bright, and determined to improve the lives of the people in this district," said Murray. "She has been working to that end for many years, and having her serve is a real asset to this state."
Murray will be riding with Dow during the July 4 parade in Silver City.