Debate about who should be the next chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico is quickly evaporating as other candidates and potential candidates are announcing their support for New Mexico State University Regent Javier Gonzales.
The only other announced candidate, Sandoval County Democratic Party Chairman David Montoya, dropped his candidacy today and endorsed Gonzales.
“Nothing is more important to me than making sure that we elect Diane Denish Governor. The Lt. Governor and I share a commitment to the core principles of this party — health care, education, creating good paying jobs, and fighting to protect the civil rights of every New Mexican,” he wrote. “I am therefore withdrawing my candidacy for Chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico and endorsing the candidacy of my good friend, Javier Gonzales.”
Almost immediately, the outgoing chairman, Brian Colón, appointed Montoya as “senior advisor to the chairman and director of party strategy.”
There was also a group urging Michael Ray Huerta of Las Cruces to run for party chair. Huerta put a stop to that moments ago with a posting on his Facebook page.
“In the next 60 days, New Mexico Democrats will gather to elect a new leader of our party. Now, more than ever, we need a leader with vision, experience, and the ability to unite. We need Javier Gonzales,” Huerta wrote. “Javier’s experience as a county commissioner gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing New Mexico cities and counties. His work as an NMSU Regent gives him a real understanding of our states true diversity. And his strong, proven commitment to New Mexico gives him the passion and strength to lead our party into the challenging years to come.”
Gonzales released this statement about Montoya’s support:
“David is a real fighter for Democratic values and I am honored by his support. I also applaud Chairman Colón’s appointment today of David to the role of senior advisor and party strategist. If I am successful in my bid to become the next chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, I look forward to working closely with David in that capacity toward our shared goal of electing Diane Denish the next governor of New Mexico and winning races for Democrats from the top to the bottom of the ticket.”