New Mexico governor’s husband is new Doa Ana County Deputy Assessor

The first gentleman of New Mexico is now the new deputy assessor in Doña Ana County, confirming he and Gov. Susana Martinez are moving back to Las Cruces.

“I feel very grateful that I was given this opportunity,” Chuck Franco told ABC-7 on Tuesday.

Franco replaces County Assessor Andy Segovia’s outgoing deputy. Because Segovia terms out in November, Franco will only have the position for the next three months.

“The position of first gentleman has really prepared me for anything I come across in the future,” Franco said. “It has exposed me to not only politics, but to ranchers and farmers and other aspects of life that affect New Mexico.”

Franco’s wife, Gov. Martinez, also terms out in November. He said they plan to move back to Doña Ana County.

“Our priority right now is to assist her family with her brother,” Franco said. “Her brother is ill. He’s in El Paso.”

Franco said he has also applied for an administrative position at the Doña Ana County Detention Center. He said the governor, formerly the Doña Ana County District Attorney, will likely return to the field of law after she leaves Santa Fe.

“She’s got it in her heart,” Franco said. “You have to really enjoy it to be pursue it the way she does. She’s awesome in the courtroom. Any type of litigation, she’s very good at. I don’t foresee that being ruled out of her life. I don’t.”