Evelyn Madrid Erhard
A longtime Democratic activist has formally announced her campaign to unseat U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., next year.
Evelyn Madrid Erhard made the announcement Wednesday in Las Cruces. From a news release:
“Public service was a family tradition for Madrid Erhard while growing up in Española. One of her ancestors was entrusted with a land grant. Another was an officer in the Civil War. Her maternal grandfather served as a U.S. Forest Ranger. Madrid Erhard’s father fought in World War II, earned a bachelors and masters degree on the G.I. Bill, and became a teacher and coach at Pojoaque High School. Her mother was a secretary at Los Alamos National Laboratories.
“When Madrid Erhard considers the critical jump-start that her parents received after the war, she sees a real need for Congress to refocus on the needs of the 99%. Creating jobs, strengthening public education, and making health care affordable are only some of the ways that she would work to extend the opportunity of a jump-start to working Americans and their families.”
Madrid Earhard is joined by Frank McKinnon of Roswell in a Democratic primary that thus far lacks a high-profile candidate. Former state Rep. Jeff Steinborn of Las Cruces says he’s considering running.
Pearce has drawn no primary opponent.
Madrid Earhard’s news release states that when Pearce “tries to attack her campaign, Madrid Erhard will be ready for him. She knows the 99% will stand behind her and she plans to help them see through Pearce’s promises and rhetoric. She will gladly debate him any day. Madrid Erhard has already figured out Pearce’s tricks and is not afraid of him.”
“I’ve heard people say, ‘well, he’s tough.’ You know he’s not tough. He’s really just mean,” Madrid Erhard said.
The former teacher at Doña Ana Community College and New Mexico State University has spent most of her life in Doña Ana County. She was a small-business owner for six years who sold folk art in a small storefront shop.
From her news release:
“Madrid Erhard was well received at the recent Western States Caucus of the Democratic National Committee. Once elected, she will be the ninth Hispanic woman to ever serve in Congress. She fully plans to mobilize the voters in CD2, which is New Mexico’s only Hispanic-majority Congressional District. She is already coordinating with national Hispanic organizations who want to help with her campaign.”