Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed Martha Garcia to the House District 6 seat Wednesday. (Courtesy photo and photo from Anna Padilla)
On Wednesday, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham selected Martha Garcia, a former Cibola County Commissioner and president at the Ramah Navajo Chapter House, to replace the late Rep. Eliseo Alcon for the New Mexico House District 6 seat.
The seat, which includes Cibola and McKinley counties, including the Village of Milan, the Pueblo of Zuni and parts of the Navajo Nation, has remained empty since Alcon’s resignation due to declining health in late November. Alcon, 74, died in January.
Sen. Angel Charley (D-Acoma), whose Senate District 30 overlaps with HD 6, congratulated Garcia and called her appointment “historic” in a written statement to Source NM.
“Today’s appointment marks a significant milestone, not only for House District 6 but for the generations who have fought for a voice in decisions that shape our future. Martha’s commitment to justice, equity, and the well-being of our people will serve as a guiding light in the legislature,” Charley said. “I look forward to working alongside her to uplift our small towns and tribal communities in western New Mexico and protect the values we hold dear.”
Garcia did not return voicemails requesting comment on Wednesday.
Former and current Cibola County Commissioners also celebrated news of Garcia’s appointment.
“She’s considerate, she’s thoughtful, and she has all this history of service behind her,” Chair Christine Lowery told Source, noting Garcia’s service on the Ramah Navajo School Board Inc., including testimony before U.S. Congress requesting funds for programs on the Navajo Nation.
Grants Code Enforcement Officer Robert Windhorst served with Garcia on the Cibola County Commission and also praised her approach in a call with Source NM.
“She has great wisdom,” he said. “I don’t usually attribute that to a lot of politicians, but she can take a look at a problem and see it from all sides.”
Following Alcon’s resignation, governing boards in Cibola and McKinley counties nominated two other candidates to replace her, which prompted investigations into their addresses. One candidate was ineligible due to residency requirements.
The House has scheduled Garcia’s swearing-in tentatively for Thursday.