Aubrey L. Dunn Jr. announced today that he’s running for the Second Congressional District seat being vacated by Steve Pearce, making him the third Republican to enter the race.
“People are talking about immigration ‘reform,’ but I believe it’s time we enforce the laws that are already on the books,” Dunn said in a news release. “I’ll be a strong voice in Congress for protecting our border and fighting illegal immigration.”
Dunn said he is signing the taxpayer protection pledge from Americans for Tax Reform, which asks candidates to “oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates for individuals and or businesses.” According to the group’s Web site, no other candidate in the Second Congressional District has signed the pledge.
“With Democrats in control of Congress, it’s only a matter of time before they start pushing tax increases on the American people,” Dunn said. “I’ll fight the Democrats at every turn and ensure that American families keep more of their hard-earned money.”
Dunn, 51, is a graduate of
Dunn is a former member of the board of directors for the New Mexico Bankers Association and has been active in economic development in Otero and Chaves counties. He currently serves as chairman of the Chaves County Soil and Water Conservation District and is a member of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association.
Dunn resides in
The other Republicans who have entered the race are former Bernalillo County GOP executive director Bob Cornelius and restaurant-chain owner and rancher Ed Tinsley. Several others are considering the race.
On the Democratic side, state Rep. Joseph Cervantes, retired Presbyterian minister Al Kissling, Doña Ana County Commissioner Bill McCamley, Roswell businessman and retired teacher Frank McKinnon and former Lea County Commissioner Harry Teague are running.
Update, 6:10 p.m.
A source close to the candidate said Dunn will be personally committing $300,000 to kickstart his campaign.