Las Vegas-area state Rep. Ambrose Castellano (D-Serrafina) has defeated his challenger in this year鈥檚 District 70 Democratic primary election twice before, but by . This round, the more progressive Anita Gonzales has the support of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham behind her.
As a conservative Democrat, Castellano has broken with his party several times over his two terms in the Roundhouse. He repealing in 2021 and the 2023 . He cutting small loan interest rates from storefront lenders from 175% to 36%. And he contributed to failing by two votes earlier this year.
He told , 鈥淚t is crucial that these initiatives support our small businesses and do not undermine the livelihood of our hard-working families.鈥�
A general contractor and rancher, Castellano said on that he has, 鈥渁 distinctive perspective on the economic, agricultural, and infrastructure concerns faced by the region.鈥�
The more progressive Gonzales also lists residents鈥� pocketbooks as a priority on . In direct contrast, however, she said securing paid family and medical leave and protecting lower interest rates on payday loans are key ways to do that. She also said she supports access to reproductive health care 鈥渨ithout government interference.鈥�
Lujan Grisham wrote in , 鈥淚 trust Anita to fight for the policies that support families struggling to make ends meet.鈥� She also cited Gonzales鈥� educational equity work as a Deputy Director for New Mexico Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (NM MESA) and protection of natural resources as an acequia commissioner.
Meanwhile, Castellano has the endorsement of House Speaker Javier Martinez (D-Albuquerque), who said Castellano, 鈥渃ontributes a significant depth of knowledge to our efforts at the Roundhouse鈥� through his professional background and 鈥渃onsistently puts the needs of his constituents and district first.鈥�
Castellano $149,420 for his reelection campaign, which is more than double what Gonzales at $70,169, according to the latest campaign finance records. However, their funding sources differ greatly. While individual donors have given close to half of Gonzales鈥� contributions, they account for less than 3% of Castellano鈥檚, according to the Secretary of State's Office.
Castellano is defending his campaign spending in response to an ethics complaint filed by former Democratic state lawmaker and attorney Damon Ely, who alleges the candidate used campaign funds for personal expenses. Those included a trip to Hawaii, tires for his vehicle, and more than $1,000 at restaurants. Castellano said all of the costs were related to his duties and complied with campaign spending rules.
No Republicans are running for the seat. Early voting in the 2024 primary ends Saturday, June 1. Election Day is Tuesday, June 4.
