LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Julia Ruiz, Republican nominee for New Mexico House District 36, is calling on incumbent Rep. Nathan Small to publicly demand the immediate resignation of Democratic Rep. Joseph Hernandez.
Recent reporting based on a Chicago police report and eyewitness accounts state that Hernandez was found naked in a Chicago hotel hallway and banging on guests' doors during a national legislative conference. Police escorted him from the property.
Hernandez later apologized, accepted responsibility for his behavior and said he was seeking help regarding his relationship with alcohol. He has withdrawn from his reelection campaign but intends to remain in office through the end of his term.
“Withdrawing from a campaign while keeping the title and authority of a state representative is not accountability. I sincerely hope Representative Hernandez receives the help he says he needs, but personal recovery and public accountability are separate matters. His conduct was incompatible with the dignity and responsibilities of public office. He should resign immediately.”
Nathan Small chairs the powerful House Appropriations and Finance Committee, where Hernandez currently serves as a member.
“Nathan Small is not a bystander. He chairs the committee on which Representative Hernandez serves and holds one of the most influential leadership positions in the New Mexico House. I am calling on Nathan Small to publicly demand Hernandez's resignation today and to ask House leadership to remove Hernandez from his committee assignments if he refuses to step down.”
“Leadership is tested when holding someone accountable is politically uncomfortable. District 36 voters deserve to know whether Nathan Small will place integrity ahead of party loyalty. Silence is not leadership, and protecting political allies is not accountability.”
Julia Ruiz is the Republican nominee for New Mexico House District 36, challenging Democratic incumbent Nathan Small in the November 3 general election.
Learn more at JuliaForNM.com.
