Staff Reports
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Supreme Court ruled on April 22 that incumbent Rep. Rebecca Dows, R, can be placed on the ballot for State House District 38. New Mexico Senate District 38 covers parts of Southwest New Mexico, primarily located in Grant, Hidalgo, and Sierra counties.
The N.M. Supreme Court issued the ruling after Dow appealed a prior ruling from a district court judge that removed her from the ballot following a challenge to paperwork that was filed for her candidacy.
Both the N.M. Republican and Democratic Parties released statements on the issue.
“The New Mexico Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to place Rebecca Dow back on the ballot is a victory for fairness, election integrity, and the rule of law,” Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Barela said. “After the partisan ruling from the Doña Ana County judge, the Supreme Court recognized the truth: the system is flawed, and the signatures collected were valid from the start because they were gathered in accordance with the process as it currently exists. This decision is a win for every candidate and every voter who believes elections should be conducted fairly and consistently.”
Democratic Party spokesperson Daniel Garcia had a different perspective.
“Let’s be real – if Rebecca Dow struggles to file paperwork correctly, should New Mexicans trust her to be an elected official?” he asked. “Creating law is a technical process, and if Rebecca Dow can’t handle straightforward paperwork, voters should wonder if she has what it takes to capably serve them in the legislature.”
