The upcoming primary election for Doña Ana County’s District 1 seat presents two distinct visions for the community’s future. With the current commissioner not seeking re-election, Democrat candidates Daisy Maldonado and Angela Garcia are competing to face Republican Samantha Barncastle Salopek in the November election.

Candidate Backgrounds

Angela Garcia, known for her advocacy in early childhood education, has been instrumental in passing significant legislation, such as the Early Childhood Education and Care Trust Fund bill. Her campaign emphasizes leveraging her established relationships with state leaders to benefit the county. Garcia’s personal journey from a challenging upbringing in Albuquerque to becoming a successful business owner in Las Cruces shapes her commitment to ensuring opportunities for all families in Doña Ana.

Daisy Maldonado, on the other hand, brings extensive experience in community organizing and policy expertise. As the Director of the Empowerment Congress of Doña Ana County, she has built coalitions and fought for issues like water security and affordable housing. Maldonado’s opposition to Project Jupiter, a major development initiative, stems from her concerns about environmental and community impacts.

Project Jupiter: A Divisive Issue

Project Jupiter is a focal point of debate in this election. Garcia supports the project with conditions, emphasizing the need for union jobs, local employment, and adherence to renewable energy targets. She stresses the importance of community input and monitoring the project’s commitments to safeguard local interests.

Maldonado opposes Project Jupiter as it currently stands, criticizing the approval process for its lack of transparency and environmental assessments. She highlights the potential strain on local resources, such as water and air quality, and calls for a moratorium on new data center approvals until these concerns are addressed.

Looking Ahead

The primary election will determine which candidate will represent the Democratic Party in the November general election. Both candidates offer distinct approaches to addressing the county’s challenges, with a shared focus on community engagement and sustainable development.

Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.