I counted on you. You can count on me

As the dust settles from the midterm elections and we assess where we are as a country, I find myself being very grateful to live in New Mexico’s House District 38.

In a year when many political races became acrimonious and bitter, the voters of Grant, Hidalgo and Sierra Counties elevated the political dialog in their communities. Every person I met on the campaign trail asked thoughtful questions about ways we can improve life in New Mexico, and they carefully evaluated the answers that were presented to them.

As a result, a significant number of voters, especially in Grant County, spilt their ballots. I am honored that many of those split-ballot voters chose me to represent them in New Mexico’s House of Representatives. 

With the occasional exception here or there, New Mexico has traditionally elected Democrats to fill state offices, especially Legislative seats. And while Grant County tends to lean blue, it also has a knack for supporting bipartisan consensus-builders who know how to get the job done, including former U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Harrison “Jack” Schmitt as well as State Representatives Murray Ryan and Dianne Hamilton. I am humbled to be included on this distinguished list of officials chosen by Grant County voters to represent them.

I do not take this honor for granted. In this era of pre-packaged tickets and soundbite politics, voters in Grant County closely studied the issues, and almost 50% of them decided to mark their ballots for me, even though I belong to a different party from many of them. This is a remarkably rare privilege for a candidate these days. I commit to do my best every day to earn this honor and repay the faith you have placed in me.

Since the election, many people have reached out to me with their congratulations. These conversations often end with the command, “now let’s get to work.” I was especially grateful when one prominent Grant County resident affiliated with a different party told me, “I’d say, let’s get back to work, but you never stop working. That’s why you got my vote. That’s why you have my support.”

I ran for elected office because I care about building a strong state for all New Mexicans, regardless of party identification. These past two years were just a start, and I am excited to continue working on your behalf. Thank you for your support.

Your state representative,

Rebecca Dow