Tucumcari resident to run for House seat

A longtime Tucumcari resident, Craig Cosner, has announced he will run for the New Mexico House of Representatives District 67 seat.

Cosner, a Democrat, is seeking the seat held by state Rep. Brian Moore, R-Clayton. Moore announced in November he would not seek reelection.

“I recognize the importance of education, health care, fiscal responsibility and economic development,” Cosner said.

Cosner said he will bring his management experience in banking, agriculture and education to serve his constituents.

He emphasized open communication and an open door policy to enable constituents to discuss issues, Cosner said.

Cosner worked for First National Bank in Tucumcari until it merged in 1997 with Wells Fargo. He continued to work for Wells Fargo until 2006 when he retired.

Cosner served on the founding board of the New Mexico Finance Authority, the Board of Regents for Eastern New Mexico University and on the national agricultural committee of the American Banking Association.

A graduate of San Jon High School, Cosner completed his college education at New Mexico State University, where he was named outstanding graduating senior from the College of Agriculture.

Also running in the district race from Tucumcari is Republican Dennis Roch, who announced his candidacy in November. Roch is the assistant superintendent of Tucumcari Public Schools.

District 67 includes Quay, Harding and Union counties, and parts of Curry, Roosevelt and San Miguel counties.

The primary election is June 3 and the general election will be held Nov. 4.