First Candidate for Rhonda King's Seat Emerges

Venessa Chavez

Less than 24 hours after longtime state Rep. Rhonda King of Stanley announced that she won’t seek re-election, another Democrat has announced she will run for King’s seat.

Torrance County Commission Chairwoman Venessa I. Chavez of Tajique announced that she will run for the District 50 position. “I have spoken with Rep. King and thank her for her years of service”. Chavez said in a news release Thursday, She said she always has considered King to be a “great mentor.”

Chavez has worked with the city of Estancia and has served as vice chairwoman of the Tri-County Juvenile Justice Board, which includes representatives of Santa Fe, Torrance, and Valencia counties.

In other campaign news, it looks like Mark Moores has a challenger in the Republican primary in Albuquerque's District 21.

Rob Doughty, an Albuquerque lawyer who chairs the state Racing Commission announced he's running for the seat, currently held by Democrat Lisa Curtis.