Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
The Daily Lobo The Independent Voice of UNM since 1895
Latest Issue
Read our print edition on Issuu
Hector Balderas, the Democratic candidate for attorney general, places an “I voted” sticker on his lapel after voting Tuesday morning at the West Bluff polling center. Balderas defeated Republican candidate Susan Riedel for the attorney general’s seat.

Hector Balderas, the Democratic candidate for attorney general, places an “I voted” sticker on his lapel after voting Tuesday morning at the West Bluff polling center. Balderas defeated Republican candidate Susan Riedel for the attorney general’s seat.

AG-elect Balderas to 'fight like hell' for underprivileged

Balderas beat out his Republican opponent Susan Riedel, by a margin of votes.

Balderas said being elected as the attorney general was a special moment for him because he feels he has an important mission.

“We are going to use the office of attorney general as a sword and as a shield and to fight like hell for those underprivileged communities. It does not matter whether you are winning or losing, we are going to fight. Together I know we are going to overcome and together we are going to inspire,” Balderas said.

He said he could identify with the state’s underprivileged communities since he grew up in poverty in the small rural town of Wagon Mound.

“I want to be the kind of attorney general that protects people, that protects families, and that there are no forgotten communities and no forgotten people in the state of New Mexico,” Balderas said. “And this is the value I learned from those people in Wagon Mound. And this is the value that is protected and perfected by a great party and by a number of individuals, who took a chance on a bald guy from Wagon Mound and made him attorney General. “

During his victory speech Balderas thanked his mother, his wife, his campaign team and the people who volunteered for his campaign.

“I believe that the people of New Mexico have given us a special challenge. Thank you for believing in me. Let us go out and make New Mexico a special place on earth,” he said, concluding his speech.

During his election campaign Balderas had promised to keep the children of New Mexico his priority. He has also promised to prioritize security for families, senior citizens and the natural heritage of New Mexico.

“I think Hector will prove an incredible attorney general,” said Fabian Trujillo, a volunteer and a friend of Balderas. “He will fight for the children in New Mexico and he is going to be a great leader to fight for the underprivileged of New Mexico as an Attorney General. He did a great job as an auditor and I expect the same from him as an attorney general.”

Diane Denish, a Hector Balderas supporter and former lieutenant governor, said she thought he would bring a vision of New Mexico that is very real.

“He has lived a life that many New Mexicans are still living today,” Denish said. “He will try to improve their lives. He will work hard to fight for families, to protect families whether its payday lending or consumer fraud or child abuse, or whether its corruption in the public office.”

Enjoy what you're reading?
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Subscribe

She thinks Balderas would be able to stand against Governor Susana Martinez, if Martinez tries to implement harmful policies for New Mexico, she said.

“I think Hector will be the person to be called upon to review whether some policies are constitutional, appropriate or legal,” she said.

Balderas’ opponent, Riedel, said she was happy for Balderas and happy with her campaign team.

“I am proud of my team and proud of the people who supported me. I wish well to Balderas in the new office,” she said.

Sayyed Shah is assistant news editor at the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at assistant-news@dailylobo.com, or on Twitter @DailyLobo.

Comments
Powered by SNworks Solutions by The State News
All Content © 2024 The Daily Lobo