Re-Elect
RAY
LARA
NM STATE REPRESENTATIVE
Terms Served
House District
As your representative and the Majority Caucus Leader, it is both an honor and responsibility to advocate for the priorities that contribute to the prosperity and well-being of our community. I’m focused on critical areas that need attention in House District 34, such as infrastructure, community centers & parks, education, and economic development. I look forward to representing you to ensure our community sustains continued positive growth and delivers opportunities for everyone.
Working for Southern New Mexico
Delivering Results for House District 34
Representative Raymundo “Ray” Lara proudly serves the communities of Sunland Park, Santa Teresa, La Union, Chamberino, La Mesa, and San Miguel in the New Mexico House of Representatives.
Since being elected in 2019, Ray has focused on strengthening public education, expanding early childhood opportunities, improving infrastructure, supporting healthcare access, and promoting economic growth across southern New Mexico.
Ray currently serves in House leadership as Majority Caucus Chair, making him the only legislator from Doña Ana County serving in House leadership. In this role, Ray works with legislative leadership and colleagues from across the state to advance policies that support working families while ensuring southern New Mexico has a strong voice at the Roundhouse.
From the classroom to the Capitol, Ray remains committed to delivering results for the communities he serves.
About Ray
A Lifetime of Service to Our Community
Ray Lara is an educator, community advocate, and State Representative dedicated to improving opportunities for families across southern New Mexico.
Before serving in the Legislature, Ray spent nearly two decades working in public education, supporting students, teachers, and schools throughout the region. His experience in education continues to shape his work in the Legislature, where he advocates for policies that strengthen schools and expand opportunities for children from early childhood through high school.
Ray earned his degree from New Mexico State University and has deep roots in southern New Mexico. He understands the challenges facing working families, small businesses, and rural communities because he has lived them.
Since taking office in 2019, Ray has worked to deliver investments and policies that help communities grow and thrive.
Leadership
Proven Leadership at the Capitol
Ray Lara has earned the trust of his colleagues and currently serves in House leadership as Majority Caucus Chair.
He is proud to be the only legislator from Doña Ana County serving in House leadership, ensuring southern New Mexico has strong representation in major policy decisions.
Ray also serves in key legislative roles including:
House Leadership
- Majority Caucus Chair
Committee Leadership
- Vice Chair — Transportation, Public Works & Capital Improvements Committee
- Member — House Education Committee
- Member — House Rules & Order of Business Committee
Statewide Policy Committees
- Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee
- Legislative Education Study Committee
These roles allow Ray to advocate directly for investments in education, early childhood programs, infrastructure, and economic development across New Mexico.
Results for Southern New Mexico
A Record of Delivering
Throughout his time in the Legislature, Ray has sponsored and supported legislation focused on practical solutions that strengthen communities and improve quality of life.
His work centers on several key priorities.
Strengthening Public Education
As a longtime educator, Ray has been a strong advocate for students, teachers, and school communities.
His work has supported policies that:
- Improve recruitment and retention of educators
- Reduce the financial burden on teachers and school employees
- Strengthen math instruction and early academic success
- Expand career and technical education opportunities
- Ensure schools have the resources needed to support student success
Ray believes that strong schools create strong communities and remains committed to improving opportunities for students across southern New Mexico.
Supporting Early Childhood Education
Ray believes that investing in children early in life creates lasting benefits for families, schools, and communities.
He has supported policies and investments that:
- Expand access to high-quality early childhood programs
- Strengthen early learning and school readiness initiatives
- Support early childhood educators and providers
- Improve access to childcare for working families
These efforts help ensure that children enter school ready to learn and that families have access to the early education opportunities they need.
Expanding Access to Healthcare
Access to healthcare remains a significant challenge in many rural and border communities.
Ray has supported legislative efforts that help:
- Recruit and retain doctors in New Mexico
- Strengthen the healthcare workforce
- Expand access to medical services in underserved areas
- Improve healthcare access for families in southern New Mexico
These efforts help ensure that residents in our region can receive the care they need close to home.
Protecting Water and Natural Resources
Water security is essential for the future of southern New Mexico.
Ray has supported policies focused on:
- Responsible watershed governance
- Protection of regional water resources
- Infrastructure improvements for water systems
- Long-term sustainability for communities and agriculture
These efforts help ensure reliable water resources for future generations.
Investing in Infrastructure
As Vice Chair of the House Transportation, Public Works & Capital Improvements Committee, Ray plays an important role in shaping infrastructure investments across New Mexico.
His work supports efforts to:
- Improve transportation corridors and road safety
- Strengthen infrastructure in growing communities
- Support border-region economic activity
- Modernize infrastructure that supports job creation
Strong infrastructure helps communities grow and ensures southern New Mexico remains competitive.
Supporting Economic Growth
Ray has championed policies that support economic development throughout southern New Mexico.
His work supports initiatives that:
- Strengthen the Santa Teresa Port of Entry region
- Promote regional and cross-border economic partnerships
- Encourage workforce development opportunities
- Support infrastructure that attracts new businesses and industry
These efforts help position southern New Mexico as a growing hub for commerce and opportunity.
Proudly Serving District 34
House District 34 includes the communities of:
- Sunland Park
- Santa Teresa
- La Union
- Chamberino
- La Mesa
- San Miguel
Ray works closely with local leaders, schools, businesses, and residents to ensure these communities receive the support and investment they need to continue growing and thriving.
Moving Southern New Mexico Forward
Ray Lara believes southern New Mexico deserves strong leadership and a clear vision for the future.
As Majority Caucus Chair and the only House leadership member from Doña Ana County, Ray continues to ensure that the voices and priorities of southern New Mexico are heard at the state capitol. Together, we can continue building stronger schools, healthier communities, and greater opportunities for families across House District 34.