Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
State Senator Clint Harden, R-Clovis, has announced he will not seek a fourth term and plans to retire following 10 years in the state Legislature.
"It's something I've been thinking about during the interim, basically since last session," said Harden, who was appointed to the position in 2002 by then-Gov. Gary Johnson. His predecessor, Patrick Lyons, was elected to become state land commissioner. Harden won two more races for the seat. Harden previously served in Johnson's administration as secretary of the state Department of Labor.
District 7 includes parts of Curry, San Miguel and Taos counties and all of Quay, Harding, Union and Colfax counties. Redistricting will move the portions in Harding and Colfax counties to another district.
Harden said looking back, he was pleased with work he was able to do for regulatory reform; health issues for kids, particularly autism; early childhood education and legislation to remove barriers for ex-convicts who want to turn their lives around and re-enter the work force.
"I want to thank Sen. Clint Harden for his service to New Mexico, both in the state senate as well as in the Johnson administration," Gov. Susana Martinez said in a release. "He was committed to championing important causes, such as increasing access to services for children with autism, and he made a difference for our state."
His committee assignments include soil and the water conservation, New Mexico finance authority oversight, rural economic development, courts and corrections, health and human services, and welfare reform oversight committees.
"I am looking forward to finishing my term representing my constituents on the interim committees to which I have been assigned," Harden said in a release. "I am honored and consider it a privilege to have worked for and with the people of this great state."
Harden said he wouldn't be supporting the one candidate who announced Friday that she would seeking his seat, Republican Angie Spears of Clovis. Harden said he wouldn't support Spears because he doesn't know her.