Dear Editor,

I want to set the record straight about the most recent hit piece against me, mailed by a Republican PAC supporting Gabriel Ramos. The lawsuit that the mailer referenced was settled and dismissed 20 years ago with no finding of guilt, and is being resurrected now as a smear tactic to derail my campaign for senate. This is exactly the kind of mudslinging that turns people off from politics.

Our community should know that I did nothing wrong, and I was never named as a party to the lawsuit. What this means as a practical matter is that I had no control over the case – I couldn't decide whether to settle or go to trial. If it had been up to me, I would have had a jury hear my side of the story. A lawsuit's allegations are just that – one person's narrative. Remember when Trump alleged in court that the election was stolen? I was neither fired nor disciplined in my job as a police officer as a result of those allegations. This lack of official repercussions underscores the absence of wrongdoing in my professional conduct.

This dirty trick reminds me of what a PAC closely tied to then Governor Susana Martinez once did to an opponent. The PAC sent out nasty mailers accusing Scott Chandler of horrible things. He turned around and sued for defamation … and won a $375,000 court settlement. This Ramos-supporting PAC has crossed the line, and I am currently consulting with an attorney.

People don't want these scorched-earth tactics in our politics. Let's all take a breather, calm down, and think about what really matters.

I'm focusing on the issues that matter to voters in my district and I'd encourage my opponent and his friends to do the same. You know what I'm hearing about from voters? How concerned people are about Gabriel Ramos and his MAGA Republican pals banning abortion the minute they get the chance. I'm also hearing that they're worried about what Ramos will do in office – since he won't debate and explain himself.

I am confident that voters will judge me by my character and performance throughout my career in public service. And this is why I am the best candidate to represent Senate District 28. I am a solid Democrat, a good man, and will be a great senator for our community.

I am focused and committed to winning the Senate District 28 seat and serving our community with integrity.

- Chris Ponce, Democratic Candidate for Senate District 28