Russell Hernandez announces run for Mesilla mayor

Small business owner and community activist Russell Hernandez has announced is a candidate for mayor of Mesilla. The non-partisan election will be held Nov. 7, 2023.

Hernandez and his husband, Doña Ana County Commissioner Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez, reside in Mesilla where they are raising their three children, Hernandez said in a news release. They co-own Salud de Mesilla, which has more than 30 employees.

Hernandez was born and raised in Mesilla, “continuing generations of steadfast traditions,” he said.

The adoption of their children and the decision to raise them in Mesilla “marks the fifth and newest generation for the family,” the news release said.

“It is always important to remember our roots and where we started from,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez said he has served his community in multiple ways throughout the years, including serving as chair of the Mesilla Planning, Zoning and Historical Appropriateness Commission, during which Hernandez said he ran effective and concise meetings, followed town ordinances and was fair and transparent.

Hernandez currently serves as chair and past president of the New Mexico Restaurant Association, “where he championed effective communication, teamwork, and lobbying efforts that have benefitted restaurants across the state,” he said.

Hernandez also serves as a hill-runner for the National Restaurant Association, continuing grassroots efforts in communication with New Mexico’s federal delegation to support the hospitality and

tourism industry across the nation, the news release said.

He is a member of the New Mexico State University Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management Board of Advisors and is vice president of Mesilla Valley Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Hernandez was recently named the NMSU 2020 Young Alumni Service Award winner.

Hernandez graduated from NMSU with a bachelor of science degree in agriculture economics and agricultural business.

Hernandez was one of the founders of Experience Mesilla, “a collaborative of businesses that work together to support and promote each other,” he said. “This organization has assisted in bringing economic prosperity to the Town of Mesilla since 2018.

“We have a special community, with authentic cultural and historical values,” Hernandez said. “Sharing it with the world is a great way to strengthen our tourism, and continue our legacy for future generations.”

Hernandez said he will bring a respected business mindset to the Town of Mesilla, with values that are “an honest reflection of the town and will be represented though transparency with day-to-day operations and thought-out budgets,” he said.

Hernandez said he plans to focus on economic growth and the longevity of the town while maintaining “our unique and historical qualities.”

Mesilla elections will be held Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023.

Visit  Russell Hernandez for Mayor of Mesilla on Facebook.