Chavez, Chandler seek Republican nod
DEMING — Republican candidates for the vacant State Representative District 32 seat are both residents of Luna County, raised in Deming. District 32 incorporates Luna and Hidalgo counties and a portion of Grant County.
Vicki Chávez, executive director of the Southwest Regional Education Cooperative in Deming and Scott Chandler, a rancher, are challenging for the Republican Party's nod in the June 7 New Mexico Primary Election.
Chávez, a former Deming Public Schools teacher and school principal, was active in FFA, 4-H, and student government as a youth. She has deep roots in Luna County where she has served in various capacities including youth and high school soccer coach, Deming Youth Soccer League Board Member, board member of The Children’s Reading Foundation of Luna County, and Girl Scout Troop Leader. In addition to her local service, Chávez works on several state level association boards that promote education across New Mexico.
Her passion for this community is evident in her vision and work ethic that unites people for an important cause. “Our southwest region is rich with history and has many assets to elevate the next generation through education, job training and job creation. My purpose for running is to unite our diverse region and provide representation that protects, engages and empowers our citizens and propels our economy," said Chávez
Chávez has a master’s degree in curriculum and Instruction and a bachelor’s degree in Finance, both from New Mexico State University. She has also studied at Western New Mexico and Eastern New Mexico universities to earn endorsements in Educational Leadership and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
Chávez is active in her church, serving in the music and cleaning ministries. She is married with two children. She can be reached by email at: email@example.com.
Rancher carries loud voice
Chandler says he can carry the weight of District 32 to the House in Santa Fe and have a voice that will be loud and clear. "The counties represented in District 32 are steeped with rich history and culture, plus have a strong agricultural base and hard-working citizens," he said. "We need to have a powerful voice in Santa Fe, as well as Washington, that brings attention to issues such as border security which needs to include building good relations with our sister communities south of the international border. Our location is prime for businesses due to our proximity to the border, interstate and railroad. Given these factors, our area has all the ingredients for great economic growth."
Outside of ranching, Chandler co-founded the New Mexico Outfitters and Guides Association building a reputable guiding business that still operates today.
In his late 20's he founded a program for troubled teens at Tierra Blanch High Desert Youth Ranch. The program focuses on at-risk youth and shows them they can become productive citizens who can have a positive influence on society.
Additionally, Chandler wants to address federal land rights issues, water issues in our region, infrastructure for economic development, job training for citizens, educational needs both currently and for the future and tourism opportunities.
He was in FFA, Honor Society, 4-H and lettered in multiple sports before graduating from Deming High School. He played football at UTEP and received his degree in criminal justice from Western New Mexico University.
"I am passionate about preserving our agricultural lifestyle and bringing the distinct issues that face our region to the forefront," he said.