Former Hobbs Mayor Monty Newman announced Monday he is running for Congress a second time to represent New Mexico’s Second Congressional District.
Newman, a Republican, is hoping to take the U.S. House of Representatives seat being vacated by Steve Pearce, R-N.M., who announced last month he is running for the office of New Mexico’s governorship.
“Congress has a courage problem,” Newman said in a news release. “The federal government has been broken and bloated far too long and the people we send to Congress must have the guts to fix it. We have to stand up to the liberal special interests and media elites who oppose securing our borders, fixing a broken healthcare system and reforming the tax code. Congress needs to get something done for the working men and women of this great country.”
Newman has owned and operated a real estate company for more than 30 years, serving as mayor of Hobbs from 2004 to 2008. He also was elected chairman of the Republican Party of New Mexico in 2010.
He came in second in a field of five candidates the Republican primary election of 2008, losing to Edward Tinsley of Capitan, whom he immediately endorsed for the general election.
“With my broad range of experience in the private sector and as chief executive of New Mexico’s fifth largest city, I believe I am particularly well-suited to represent the people of southern New Mexico.” Newman said.
The congressman elected to replace Pearce must be ready to hit the ground running as a strong leader in Washington, Newman said.
“Frankly, the American people would benefit from having more small businessmen and rural leaders in Congress,” continued Newman. “We need leaders who know their district, who understand what it means to work hard and earn a paycheck.”
Newman said he believes faith, family and religious freedom are critical cornerstones of American society. He has been married to his wife Vicki, a former public school teacher, for 43 years and together, they have two sons, Ryan and Reagan. Ryan, a graduate of West Point, served in Iraq in 2003, before returning to the United States and completing law school. Reagan, who graduated from New Mexico State University, is the controller for a private equity group.
At least nine other Republicans who Newman will face in the 2018 primary have announced their candidacy for Pearce’s seat in Congress: Bill Burt, Aubrey Dunn, Nora Espinoza, Ron Griggs, Yvette Herrell, Cliff Pirtle, Greg Sowards, Jack Volpato and Allen Weh.
Democrats who have announced intentions to run for the 2nd Congressional District seat are David Baake, Ron Fitzherbert, Madeline “Mad” Hildebrandt, Tony Martinez, Merrie Lee Soules and Adolf Zubia.
