Stephanie Garcia Richard

By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com

On Thursday Maggie Toulouse Oliver announced she was suspending her campaign for lieutenant governor of New Mexico citing health and family concerns.

Fellow Democrat Stephanie Garcia Richard last year suspended her campaign for lieutenant governor for similar reasons, which in her case were related to the health of her husband Eric. He is now on the mend and with Toulouse Oliver’s withdrawal from the race followed by strong encouragement from constituents, Garcia Richard has announced on her Facebook page that she would be honored to serve in the position if called upon to do so.

”My heart is with Maggie as she focuses on what matters most — her health and her family…,” Garcia Richard said in her announcement. “I am deeply honored that so many New Mexicans have reached out to encourage me to step forward, and I would be humbled to serve our state as lieutenant governor. This role is a vital partnership, and I recognize that the next lieutenant governor must be someone who can work in lockstep as a true team with Deb Haaland to deliver for our families; that decision stands with Deb and the Democratic State Central Committee — but I’m ready to serve if called upon.”

Statement by Maggie Toulouse Oliver:

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham wished Toulouse Oliver the best in a statement on Thursday, “Maggie Toulouse Oliver has served New Mexicans with great distinction as Secretary of State, and she would have made an excellent lieutenant governor. Maggie is a good friend, and I know her decision to suspend her campaign today did not come easy. I respect that Maggie has chosen to prioritize her health and her family, and I wish her all the best.”