Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Two sitting Tucumcari city commissioners will face each other in the Republican primary for Quay County Commissioner District 2 on June 2.
District 5 city commissioner Todd Duplantis and District 4 city commissioner Chris Arias each filed for the county's District 2 during the final hour of filing for primary elections Tuesday at the Quay County Clerk's Office. They also will face a third primary challenger for the seat, Jerri Rush of Forrest.
Current Quay County District 2 commissioner Mike Cherry is term-limited after this year, as is District 1 county commissioner Sue Dowell.
Duplantis said he'd been considering running for a county seat for several years.
"I thought it was an opportunity to continue with the work of the county, as well as working with the community," Duplantis stated in a text message Monday evening.
"I think it's fine with Commissioner Arias running as well. I'm sure he has great intentions as well," Duplantis added.
Arias said he ran for county commission because he wanted to see growth in the region.
"It is my strongest belief that a rising tide raises all ships; and that growth in one portion of the county extends to all," Arias stated in a text Monday night. “I have always aimed to better my community and be of sound moral reasoning. I believe now is the opportunity for me to have the most positive impact. If elected, my only promise is to do what is best for Quay County and all her citizens. I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve the City of Tucumcari and District 4, and I am proud of the work we have accomplished. I take this opportunity to run as a true test of faith that together we can better all of Quay County.”
As for running against a fellow city commissioner, Arias stated: "Todd and I have a well-rounded working relationship as colleagues of the City Commission, and I anticipate a positive and clean primary. Having known both I have the utmost respect for both Mrs. Rush and Commissioner Duplantis, and I know Quay County is poised to be in good hands.”
No Democrat filed for the county's District 2 office.
In Quay County District 1, Robert Lopez and Daniel Garcia will face each other for the Democratic nomination for Dowell's seat. No Republican filed for that office.
Both county commission seats are four-year terms.
Longtime District 8 state Sen. Pete Campos drew a Democratic primary challenger from Connie Trujillo of Las Vegas for a four-year term.
Several incumbents will be unopposed for several county and state offices in the primary and general election:
– County Treasurer Patsy Gresham, a Republican (four-year term)
– County Clerk Ellen White, a Democrat (four-year term)
– District 7 state Sen. Pat Woods, a Republican (four-year term)
– District 67 state Rep. Jack Chatfield, a Republican (two-year term)
Timothy Rose, 10th Judicial District Attorney, switched his party affiliation from Democrat to independent several months ago, White said. Independent and minor-party candidates don't have to file their candidacy for the November general election until June 25.