Javier Gonzales
With Republicans set to pick their new state chairman this weekend, the Democratic Party of New Mexico has its own leadership battle.
Democratic Party Chairman Javier Gonzales is being challenged by Letitia Montoya, The Santa Fe New Mexican’s Steve Terrell is reporting. Montoya most recently worked on outgoing Secretary of State Mary Herrera’s unsuccessful re-election campaign.
From Terrell:
“Among (Montoya’s) promises is to hold elected Democratic officials accountable if they supported Republicans in the election. That’s bound to be a reference to the Herrera race. At least six Democratic county clerks, including Santa Fe County Clerk Valerie Espinoza, supported Herrera’s Republican opponent Dianna Duran, who beat Herrera by a 15-point margin.”
Montoya has run unsuccessfully for secretary of state and state senator several times, Terrell reported.
Here are portions of Montoya’s letter to party members, which was obtained by Terrell:
“This last election made me upset that we lost the 3 highest statewide positions, several legislative races and numerous local races to the republicans. Why did this happen? No coordination from the state Democratic Party. That is why I am going to run for NM State Democratic Chair.”
“…We need to create better communication out reach for all candidates. Outreach programs MUST get more democrats involved, campaign training schools, and an updated website. Last but not least is to start holding county central members, state central members and elected Democrat officials ACCOUNTABLE FOR HELPING REPUBLICANS.”
Democrats won’t gather until April to select their next party chair.