Las Vegas | Mar 08, 2022 – 

Las Vegas, NM –Today, Anita Gonzales, Deputy Director for NM MESA has officially filed her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for New Mexico Representative for House District 70, which includes parts of San Miguel and Torrance counties.  Gonzales turned in over double the amount of signatures required to run for the position, and is making her second run for the seat after falling short by just 3 percent of the vote in 2020 after Representative Tomas Salazar retired from the State Legislature. 

Anita Gonzales, a graduate of New Mexico Highlands University (BS, MBA), has worked for over the past 19 years to improve STEM education, provide quality youth programs and opportunities, offer support to our teachers, and foster collaboration with industry partners and educational institutions across regional, state, and national levels. 

Gonzales cites educational and work opportunities as the driving force in her run. “I truly believe that New Mexico’s best days are ahead of us, and I am excited to be a part of fighting for our future. I’m ready to fully invest in our educational system, support our workers, fight for women’s rights and equality, and protect our environment. I am ready to preserve our traditions and invest in a dynamic future that benefits the great people of House District 70.” Gonzales added…  “I’m running for state Representative because I believe that we each have a responsibility to give back to our communities, and to work to make them a better place to live,” said Gonzales.  “My grandparents, Rudolpho & Bersabe Lopez of Villanueva, Arthur and Cecilia Gallegos of Las Vegas, and Jack & Betty White of Tucumcari, left a legacy of strength and service that I am honored to help preserve.  As a mother, I am fiercely determined to protect what is special about northern New Mexico, while bringing positive changes to our families and communities.” 

Anita was born in and is a longtime, current resident of Las Vegas, NM and she is the proud mother of Curtis Gonzales.  In addition, Anita is a volunteer within the Northern NM Children’s Football League, the United World College, and local schools and programs.  She serves as a Commissioner for the Acequia de los Madres Vigiles and the Grzelachowski Ditch around the Las Vegas community.  She actively works with the state’s post-secondary institutions and has collaborated with different school districts across New Mexico.  A strong advocate for education, with a passion for providing access and equity for all children, Anita has a deep care and concern for her elders and for her cultural heritage.  

Aside from her two degrees from NM Highlands University, some of Anita’s past and current notable accomplishments include:  

• being a graduate of the 2021 cohort for Emerge New Mexico, a leadership training program for Democratic women; 
• being recognized by the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce for her accomplishments as a Hispanic in Public Service who has made contributions to the State of New Mexico; 
• receiving the Presidential Volunteer Service Award; 
• serving as the Regional Manager for the New Mexico Hispanic Youth Symposium/Institute; 
• being a long-term family caretaker; 
• being a board member for the Las Vegas Rotary Club;
• being a State Executive Committee Member for the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter; 
• current member and National Chair on a National Engineering Design Competition Committee; and 
• earning her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation. 

Gonzales is running against the current incumbent, Representative Ambrose Castellano who has served for 1 term.