SF superintendent leaves Senate race
Garcia had said last week she would run for the Albuquerque seat
SANTA FE — A week after announcing plans to run for the state Senate seat in Albuquerque District 21, Santa Fe Public Schools Superintendent Veronica García has dropped her candidacy.
“I have been so moved by those who have encouraged and supported my decision to run,” García said in a statement Thursday. “It is evident that there is a definite need for more voices in the Legislature with on-the-ground experience in educational leadership and who can expertly advocate for the needs of our teachers and students. So now, it is with sadness that I’m withdrawing my candidacy for public office.”
When she announced her candidacy just last week, García she felt she could continue to do her job as superintendent while serving in the Legislature, and noted that others have done it. But on Thursday she said it would be too difficult to serve as superintendent and run a competitive campaign at the same time.
“While I believe my service in the senate would benefit my senate district, the Santa Fe Public Schools and the educational system in New Mexico, it has become abundantly clear to me that I do not have enough time for the business side of running a campaign in a competitive race while fulfilling my duties as superintendent of schools.”
García intended to run in a Republican-leaning district in Albuquerque’s far Northeast Heights currently represented by GOP Sen. Mark Moores. She has a full-time residence in Albuquerque and formerly had a Santa Fe apartment.
“That was a fleeting campaign,” Moores said when told that García wasn’t running.
Moores, who upon news of her announcement said that he was looking forward to running against a liberal from Santa Fe who spent most her time 60 miles away from the Senate district, said Thursday that García ultimately made the right choice.
“I think that’s prudent. Campaigning is not an easy job,” he said, adding that it takes time and money to run. “And it’s important to work hard as a state senator and represent your district, keeping your constituents first in mind.”