Errol Chavez
Republican State Auditor candidate Errol Chavez has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and is currently hospitalized, the state GOP said late tonight.
Harvey Yates Jr., chairman of the state Republican Party, said he spoke today with Chavez, who is in a hospital in Las Cruces. He said Chavez was diagnosed with the tumor on Wednesday and is being transported to an out-of-state hospital on Friday.
Here is Yates’ full statement:
“For the last several weeks Errol has been suffering from a medical condition, the cause of which was unknown. However, yesterday medical examinations revealed that Errol has a brain tumor. Tomorrow he is being transported to a major out-of-state hospital for further diagnosis and treatment of the tumor. While we wait for additional information, our thoughts and prayers are with Errol and his family during this difficult time.”
Update, 2 p.m.
Chavez Campaign Director Christopher Martinez says Chavez is determined to stay in the race. He sent this statement:
“After last night’s press release from Chairman Yates regarding Errol’s diagnosis with a brain tumor, we wanted to send out an update on Errol Chavez’s condition to all of our loyal supporters.
“I spoke with Errol yesterday and he was adamant about staying in this race. Errol has campaigned for more than a year now with an all volunteer staff. We each got involved due to the high level of dedication that Errol has for cleaning up this state and stopping the rampant waste, fraud and abuse. Each one of you that is familiar with Errol’s unique background know that this man does not back down from a fight. He has survived having a million dollar hit on his head by the Mexican Cartels and he has survived being the only agent in Medellin, Colombia during Pablo Escobar’s reign. He joked to me that this is nothing compared to those fights.
“Errol asks that all of his supporters stay very positive and he promises to fight this with everything he has. He is undergoing more tests in Houston and is getting the best possible care available.
“Please send Errol your prayers and if you would like to send him a card, please feel free to do so at:
“Errol J. Chavez
5665 Georgia O’keefe Road
Las Cruces, NM 88011”