Las Cruces state senator announces his candidacy for governor

A southern New Mexico Democratic senator in the state’s swing region is jumping into the race for governor.

Sen. Joseph Cervantes, an architect and Las Cruces attorney, announced Wednesday in front of a packed room at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Museum, that he is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor.

His candidacy is in a direct challenge to Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham and other Democrats wanting to succeed Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.

Cervantes says he wants to focus on fixing the state’s economy and educational system, and will try to change various policies that drive young people from the state.

“It’s time for us to make a commitment to finally move this state from the highest number of unemployed people in the country,” Cervantes said. “It’s time for us to make the same level of commitment to take us away from the highest number of children living in poverty.”

The 56-year-old Democrat says he is different from his Democratic opponents because he’s a small business owner and worked on a farm as a teen.

“The time on waiting for New Mexico’s problems to solve themselves is over.” Cervantes said. “It should be clear to all of us that this administration intends to leave this state’s financial problems on the shoulders of the next governor. And better than any candidate for governor, I will know how the legislature has struggled to try and deal with the severe decline with the oil and gas revenues and how much work is going to be needed that has been put off for years.”

Cervantes served six terms in the New Mexico House of Representatives and has served as a state senator since 2013.

Term limits prevent Republican Gov. Susana Martinez from seeking re-election in 2018.