8-19-2024 3:30am

Otero and Dona Ana Residents Mourn the Death of Dr Jon Hill Candidate NM House District 53

Chris Edwards Editor

Dr. Jon Hill is known and remembered by the many hats he has worn in the public realm: career educator: teacher, program specialist, principal, special educator, superintendent and most recently a dedicated candidate for the New Mexico House of Representatives – District 53

District 53 includes the Chaparral area of Otero County and Dona Ana Counties of New Mexico.

On January 15th of 2024 he announced he has overcome a 2 year battle with cancer and had dedicated himself to public service as a candidate for state representative.

Dr. Hill easily beat out the incumbent Willie Madrid with almost 60 percent of the vote in support of his candidacy in the primary. Dr. Hill was popular and was running a very competitive race against his Republican competitor, Elizabeth Winterrowd.

With a competitive race that polls were showing him holding a slight lead, supporters were shocked to hear his announcement, that he was withdrawing as a candidate, as the Democratic nominee due to health concerns.

At the time of his announcement of withdrawal he was interviewed by AlamogordoTownNews.org's Anthony Lucero for our streaming newcast on KALHRadio.org explaining his decision...

https://youtu.be/08o5vKfCV5M?si=1H0S4j7fgULnUHq

As reported in our story, Otero County Will Not Have a Vote in the Replacement of Candidate Dr Jon Hill Per DPNM Rules, the Democratic Party was spun into finding another candidate, and embroiled in controversy, as Otero County's voice is not apart of the voting, given no Democratic Central Committee members from Otero County, reside in the boundaries of District 53. The Democratic party has been attempting to find a way to let Otero voices be heard even though they won't have a vote in the nominee as a replacement for Dr. Hill. Democrats will be able to vote in the November general election between Elizabeth Winterrowd and the Democratic Party nominee.

Republican candidate, Elizabeth Winterrowd issued a statement as condolences concerning the passing of Dr. Hill via a quick phone call with Anthony Lucero for our streaming newscast on KALHRadio.org which can be heard via the clip exerpt below...

Elizabeth Winterrowd Comments On The Passing Of Dr. Jon Hill
https://youtu.be/DhC4Rw2SeMs

Dr. Hill was a well respected community educational leader recognized around the stste for his leadership and his passion. Dr. Hill is survived by his wife Judy and three children. More information and details of services and remembrance will be released in the upcoming days.