Las Cruces Bulletin Report
Doña Ana County Commissioner Diana Murillo, a Democrat who also serves as the mayor of Anthony, had sought a second term at the county but was ousted in the Une 4 primary by fellow Democrat and Anthony resident Gloria Gameros. Elected in 2020, Murillo’s term ends in December.
The victory by Gameros, a former Anthony city trustee, in District 2 clears the way for a new county commissioner as she faces Republican Lorraine Limon McCullough in the November general election. The race pitted the two women from Anthony, New Mexico, against each other and was set against a backdrop of political turmoil in the small town. The district represents the county’s Texas and Mexican borders, including the Santa Teresa Port of Entry the cities of Anthony and Sunland Park and unincorporated communities.
“It was a low turnout, but everything went well,” Murillo said in an interview with the Bulletin Wednesday before congratulating Gameros.
In a phone interview, Gameros said she was grateful for the support of the voters and the support of the people who campaigned for her. Gameros said she was also surprised by how few people voted, but gave praise to Murillo for making it a close race.
“To me, that was a close race,” Gameros said.
Two other seats on the county board are up for election in 2024. In District 4, incumbent Susana Chaparro and her Republican opponent in November, Stacie Durham, both were unopposed in the primary. In District 5, incumbent Democrat Manuel Sanchez had no primary challenger and, with no Republican candidate for his seat, is unopposed for a new term.