Stephanie Garcia Richard is suspending her campaign for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor of New Mexico, citing her husband’s health.
Garcia Richard, who is also currently the state’s Public Land Commissioner, broke the news on her campaign’s Facebook page on Thursday afternoon that her husband was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
“Over the past several months, we’ve made multiple trips out of state for treatment, and after much thought and consideration, we’ve come to the hard decision that we need to prioritize his health. For that reason, I am suspending my race for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico,” Garcia Richards wrote in the post.
She also expressed her thanks to her supporters and vowed to continue fighting “for our communities, our families and the future of our state.”
Garcia Richard, in March, became the first candidate from either party to officially enter the race for lieutenant governor. A former teacher, who resides in Los Alamos, she served three terms in the New Mexico House of Representatives from 2013 until 2019. She was elected to the office of public land commissioner in 2018 and reelected four years later.
Early Thursday evening, the campaign of one of her competitors for the Democratic nomination, Sen. Harold Pope (D-Albuquerque), issued a statement extending his thoughts to Garcia Richard and her family. He said that the decision for Garcia Richard to put her campaign on hold “reflects the courage, strength, and selflessness that have always defined her public service and applauded Garcia Richard’s record in office.
“She has been a tireless advocate for New Mexico’s land, water, and people —- leading with conviction, integrity, and heart. Her leadership as Land Commissioner has inspired so many to fight for what’s right, protect our shared resources, and always put New Mexicans first. Family comes before politics, and Stephanie’s decision is a powerful reminder of that truth,” Pope said.
The news came just as reports released this week showed Garcia Richard’s campaign had raised $165,605, significantly more than her two competitors for the nomination, Pope and Jackie Lee Onsuarez, a Loving village councilor.
Manuel Lardizabal, a former New Mexico Senate candidate from Albuquerque, is the only Republican in the race so far.
Current Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, a Democrat, is unable to seek reelection due to term limits.
I lived in a tiny town represented by Stephanie when she was in the House. She & her husband would come & hold town halls with us. Other people who represented us never did that. But Stephanie cared. She worked to represent ALL of us. We are a poor town that could give her little but our confidence and our vote. We were forever grateful that she cared & drove 1 1/2 hrs one way to be with us. We hope & pray for her husband’s recovery.