Gov. Bill Richardson on Wednesday appointed Grant County Commission Chairman and Bayard Mayor Rodolpho “Rudy” Martinez to replace Manuel Herrera as the District 39 representative in the New Mexico House.
“Rodolpho Martinez is a proven and trusted leader, I am confident that he will serve the constituents of Grant and Hidalgo counties well,” Richardson said in a news release. “His legislative experience will be a valuable asset to the New Mexico House of Representatives.”
Herrera died in October following a long battle with cancer.
Martinez is the facility services manager for GEO Care, Inc. and a volunteer firefighter. He also worked for Chino Mines for more than 30 years. He has a bachelor’s degree from Western New Mexico University, is a graduate of Cobre High School in Bayard and is an Air Force veteran.
Martinez’s term began Wednesday. He’ll have to seek re-election next year if he wants to keep the seat.