Gros enters the race for Senate District 28

Silver City resident Joseph Gros has entered the race for state senator in the 28th District.

Gros, senior pastor at Calvary Chapel of Silver City, said in a news release that he is running to represent an agenda reflective of the values and issues of the people in Grant, Socorro and Catron counties.

“Southern New Mexican values have been under attack in recent sessions,” the Republican said. “In the last session alone, legislators tried to pass a domestic-partnership bill that would cost the taxpayers and bring us closer to redefining marriage. That is the type of legislation that is not needed and I would fight against once elected.”

Gros has been leading Calvary Chapel for 15 years. As one of the longest-serving pastors in the area, he has maintained an active role in the community. Visiting schools, senior centers and community organizations on a regular basis, Gros said he has a unique knowledge of the issues facing voters in the district.

He helped found Calvary Christian Academy, a private school that has grown to an enrollment of 50 students in four years. Gros recently attended a leadership conference in Washington, D.C., where he met with elected officials and other leaders to talk about the important issues facing our country. He will attend another briefing hosted by members of Congress in May.

Married for 25 years to Andrea Gros, he has four children.

“I’ve been blessed with a great family and a wonderful community that I have lived in for the last 15 years,” Gros said. “As I continue in the ministry, I see this as an opportunity to bring a new direction for the state Senate. I would like to represent honesty, integrity and character in our state government. Those traits are often forgotten by our representatives.”

Other issues that Gros would bring to the table include ethics reform in government, economic development, drug reduction and education. Gros is an avid outdoorsman and hunter and said he strongly believes in protecting the Second Amendment.

“This week, the U.S. Supreme Court has heard a case regarding a Washington, D.C. gun ban. I hope that the justices support the individuals’ right to bear arms. That is certainly where I stand,” Gros said.

“One of my biggest issues is changing the mindset in government,” he said. “Passing new laws doesn’t necessarily translate into better societies. Governments and communities need to be reformed. Family values need to be brought back to the lawmaker’s table. That will have a trickle-down effect in all areas of our communities including the meth problem, teen pregnancy and bad work ethic.”

Gros said he will work “from now until Election Day… to spread the message of optimism amongst today’s voters. The New Mexico Legislature should be open to everyone and it should be reflective of those traditional American values that made this country great.”

Christopher Aquino and incumbent Howie Morales will square off in the Democratic primary for the right to take on Gros in November.