Raymundo Lara

Provide a short bio of yourself and tell us how you got into public service?

I was born and raised in the border region of southern New Mexico and have proudly called House District 34 home for many years. I graduated from New Mexico State University with a degree in English and have spent more than two decades working in public education with the Gadsden Independent School District. My work in education gave me the opportunity to work closely with students, families, teachers, and community members every day, which strengthened my belief in the importance of service and advocacy.

I got into public service because I wanted to help address the challenges facing our communities and ensure that southern New Mexico had a strong voice at the state level. My background in education and community engagement showed me how important it is to invest in our schools, infrastructure, economic development, and quality of life for working families.

That desire to serve and make a positive impact ultimately led me to run for the New Mexico House of Representatives, where I currently serve as the Majority Caucus Chair representing House District 34.

Residents across Doña Ana County continue to raise concerns about crime and juvenile violence. What specific state-level changes — whether in juvenile justice laws, behavioral health funding, schools or law enforcement support — do you believe are most urgently needed?

Public safety is one of our most important responsibilities, but we also have to address the root causes contributing to juvenile violence and crime. Reports showing that nearly 32,000 young New Mexicans are neither working nor in school should concern all of us because those challenges are often tied to disengagement, behavioral health needs, poverty, and lack of opportunity.

Having spent more than two decades in public education, I have seen firsthand how challenges outside the classroom impact student success and public safety outcomes. That is why we need a balanced approach focused on both accountability and prevention. At the state level, we must continue investing in youth behavioral health services, early intervention programs, counselors, and workforce training opportunities that reconnect young people to productive pathways.

I also support ensuring there is meaningful accountability for serious and repeat offenders while still emphasizing rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. Long-term public safety depends on strong schools, strong families, economic opportunity, and accessible behavioral health care.

Project Jupiter has generated excitement about economic growth but also questions about water use, infrastructure and public transparency. What role should the state legislature play in overseeing or supporting large-scale economic development projects like this?

Large-scale economic development projects can create important opportunities for New Mexico, particularly in southern New Mexico where we have worked to diversify the economy and invest in infrastructure and workforce development.

At the same time, projects of this scale must be approached responsibly and transparently.

Local governments are often the first point of contact through zoning and permitting, while much of the oversight involving water, environmental compliance, and utilities is handled through state agencies with the expertise to evaluate those issues.

I believe the legislature’s role is to ensure those agencies have the resources and accountability necessary to do their jobs effectively while supporting long-term infrastructure planning and public transparency. I do not believe a one-size-fits-all legislative approach is always appropriate because every project and community is different. We can support economic growth while also protecting critical resources and ensuring development is sustainable for local communities.

New Mexico continues to rank near the bottom nationally in education outcomes despite increased spending in recent years. What do you believe is missing from the current approach, and what changes would you prioritize if elected?

New Mexico has made significant investments in education in recent years, particularly in teacher pay, early childhood education, literacy initiatives, and student support services. Those investments are important, but meaningful results in education do not happen overnight. In many cases, it can take five years or more before major educational investments begin to show measurable long-term outcomes.

As someone who has spent more than two decades working in public education, I believe one of the biggest challenges is that schools cannot solve every issue alone. Student success is heavily impacted by poverty, chronic absenteeism, behavioral health challenges, family stability, and workforce conditions in the communities students come from.

Moving forward, I believe we must stay focused on early literacy, math proficiency, attendance, and career and technical education while continuing to support teachers and school staff. We also need stronger collaboration between schools, families, behavioral health providers, and community organizations to ensure students receive support both inside and outside the classroom. Improving education outcomes requires consistency, accountability, and long-term commitment.

Affordable housing has become a growing issue in Las Cruces and surrounding communities. What can the state realistically do to increase housing availability while also addressing concerns about rising property values and cost of living?

Affordable housing is becoming a growing issue across southern New Mexico, including many of the communities I represent in Doña Ana County and including the City of Sunland Park. While local governments control many zoning and development decisions, the state can support housing growth through investments in infrastructure, workforce housing, and economic development.

In recent years, the legislature has supported major investments in affordable and workforce housing through programs like the New Mexico Housing Trust Fund and workforce housing initiatives administered through state agencies. I believe the focus should be on supporting responsible growth while recognizing that housing needs vary from community to community. A blanket approach is not always appropriate, especially in border and rural communities that face different infrastructure and economic challenges than larger cities.

Many voters feel increasingly divided politically, even within their own communities and parties. How would you describe your governing style, and how would you work with people who strongly disagree with you on major issues?

My governing style is collaborative, respectful, and focused on results. I have always believed that effective leadership requires listening to people, even when there are disagreements, and working toward practical solutions that benefit our communities.

Throughout my time in the legislature, I have worked in a bipartisan manner on many issues because I understand that meaningful progress often requires collaboration across different perspectives. My background in public education also taught me the importance of communication, patience, and finding common ground.

People may not always agree on every issue, but most want safe communities, strong schools, economic opportunity, and a better future for their families. I believe it is important to keep the focus on those shared goals and work respectfully, even during difficult conversations.