Lara wins Democratic primary for NM House District 34
Raymundo "Ray" Lara won the Democratic primary for New Mexico House District 34, where no Republican candidate filed for the November election.
No Republican candidate filed for the southern Doña Ana County seat represented by Rep. Raymundo Lara since 2019.
Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News
UPDATE: This article was updated at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, to include a statement from Rep. Raymundo Lara.
LAS CRUCES - Rep. Raymundo “Ray” Lara won the Democratic primary for New Mexico House District 34 on Tuesday night in a contest against challenger Juan A. Fuentes.
With all 20 precincts reporting partial returns at 10:05 p.m., Lara had 597 votes, or 76%, while Juan A. Fuentes had 190 votes, or 24%, according to unofficial election results from the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office.
No Republican candidate filed for the District 34 seat.
"I am grateful for the confidence that voters have placed in me and humbled by the opportunity to continue serving House District 34," Lara said in a statement provided to Organ Mountain News Wednesday morning. "I want to thank everyone who participated in this election, including my supporters, volunteers, family, and all those who exercised their right to vote.
"Now that the election is behind us, my focus remains where it has always been: serving our communities and delivering results," Lara continued. "I look forward to continuing the work of improving infrastructure, supporting public education, strengthening economic opportunities and addressing the needs of families throughout our district. I am committed to representing all residents of House District 34 and working together to build a stronger future for southern New Mexico."
Lara, a Democrat from Chamberino, has represented District 34 since 2019. The district includes Sunland Park, Santa Teresa, La Union, Chamberino, La Mesa and San Miguel, according to Lara’s campaign website.
Lara currently serves as vice chair of the House Transportation, Public Works and Capital Improvements Committee and as a member of the House Education Committee, according to the New Mexico Legislature.
In a May interview with KRWG, Lara said he was seeking to continue work on education, capital projects and community infrastructure. He identified water as a major issue for the heavily agricultural district, citing drought, low levels at Elephant Butte and limits tied to the Texas v. New Mexico water dispute.
Lara and Fuentes did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday night.
Updated unofficial vote counts are available on the Secretary of State's website. The results are unofficial until canvassed.
Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. If you have a personal story to share or a lead we should follow up on, reach out at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or connect with him on X at @damienwillis.
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