Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News

LAS CRUCES - Democratic Rep. Raymundo “Ray” Lara won an unopposed fifth term representing southern Doña Ana County in Tuesday's election, securing another two years in the New Mexico House as he prepares to focus on infrastructure, education, health care access and economic development in the border region.

Lara received 5,366 votes in unofficial returns from House District 34, with no opponent listed on the ballot. All 20 precincts were marked as partially reporting, with none listed as fully reporting when the results were reviewed.

In a written response Wednesday to questions from Organ Mountain News, Lara said the issues facing his constituents have changed little, particularly when it comes to public infrastructure.

"We continue to have communities dealing with inadequate roads, drainage problems, flooding, and aging water and wastewater systems," Lara said. "These aren’t new issues, and they aren’t going to resolve themselves."

He said securing funding will remain a priority, along with ensuring public money is used effectively.

Infrastructure and flooding remain major concerns

House District 34 includes San Miguel, La Mesa, Chamberino, La Union, Santa Teresa and Sunland Park, communities where road conditions, water infrastructure and development pressures present continuing challenges.

Lara identified flooding as a particularly serious concern, citing the danger to homes, property and roads where drainage and flood-control infrastructure are inadequate.

The issue has had immediate consequences in the region. In October, the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority reported that Rio Grande overflow following heavy rainfall was affecting part of its wastewater collection system.

Lara said he intends to continue pursuing infrastructure funding while monitoring how agencies carry out the resulting projects.

Education and health care access

Lara, who has served in the House since 2019, is chair of the House Democratic caucus, vice chair of the House Transportation, Public Works and Capital Improvements Committee and a member of the House Education Committee.

Education remains central to his legislative agenda.

"I want to continue our work on improving literacy and math achievement and supporting our teachers," Lara told OMN. "We’ve made progress in some areas, but we need to remain focused on what is actually happening in our classrooms."

During the 2026 session, Lara was among the sponsors of House Bill 47, which passed both legislative chambers unanimously and was signed into law March 9. The measure requires public school districts and charter schools to cover at least 80% of employees' group health insurance costs.

The law also required a study of public school employee insurance sustainability, with recommendations intended for consideration during the 2027 session.

Beyond education, Lara said he wants to improve access to medical care in southern Doña Ana County.

"We need to do more to attract and retain healthcare professionals and improve access to services closer to home," he said.

Economic growth and community involvement

Lara also addressed economic development along the southern border, emphasizing the importance of involving residents in decisions affecting their communities.

"Growth should benefit the communities where it takes place, and residents deserve to have a voice in decisions that affect them," he said.

That position is consistent with commentary Lara contributed to Organ Mountain News in August 2025, when he argued that continued development around Sunland Park and Santa Teresa required investment in water infrastructure, workforce preparation and regional cooperation.

In his latest response, Lara emphasized that constituent service extends beyond introducing and passing bills.

"Not everything requires legislation," he said. "Sometimes it’s about bringing the right people together, asking difficult questions, and making sure government agencies are doing what they’re supposed to do."

Lara said he remains committed to being accessible to District 34 residents and following through on their concerns.

The 60-day New Mexico legislative session begins Jan. 19, 2027.

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.