Another Blow to N.M. Republicans No Candidate Listed for New Mexico House District 38 After Court Removes Rebecca Dow’s Name from Primary Ballot; Appeal Headed to State Supreme Court

By Chris Edwards 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News & KALH Radio

Alamogordo, N.M. – April 8, 2026

In yet another blow to the New Mexico Republican Party in its effort to field candidates for state and federal offices this cycle, a district court ruling has removed incumbent Rep. Rebecca Dow (R-Truth or Consequences) from the ballot in House District 38 over a technical paperwork dispute. As of this morning, no comment has been issued by state Republican Party leadership on the disqualification as of 9 am. 

Voters in the rural southern New Mexico district will now have no candidate on the June 2, 2026, Republican primary ballot. Dow, who regained the seat in the 2024 general election after previously serving from 2017–2022, announced the development directly to constituents today.

“I am writing to the people of House District 38—my neighbors, friends, and the many of you who signed my nominating petition and placed your trust in me to fight for our communities in Santa Fe,” Dow stated. “Recently, a district court decision removed my name from the ballot. … This decision came down to a dispute over paperwork—a technical issue that has now resulted in our district having no candidate on the ballot. That should concern every one of us!”

Dow confirmed she is filing an immediate appeal to the New Mexico Supreme Court, arguing the ruling disregards the valid signatures gathered and the clear will of District 38 voters.

House District 38 includes portions of Sierra County (home to Truth or Consequences), Doña Ana County, and surrounding rural communities. Dow had been the sole Republican to file by the March 10 deadline. A Democrat, David L. Mooney of Radium Springs, filed as a write-in candidate on the Democratic side on March 17.

The disqualification adds to a string of Republican candidate filing setbacks in the 2026 cycle, including multiple disqualifications earlier this year for insufficient signatures in races for U.S. Senate, governor, and congressional seats. Those earlier issues left some major races without Republican names on the primary ballot, forcing last-minute write-in efforts in certain contests.

Dow stressed that the court’s action was not about the legitimacy of voter support. “When you signed my petition, you weren’t just supporting me—you were exercising your voice,” she wrote. “You were saying that rural New Mexico matters, that our communities deserve strong representation, and that we should have a choice in who speaks for us in Santa Fe. This ruling takes that choice away, not just from me, but from every voter in District 38.”

She reaffirmed her commitment to core issues regardless of the legal outcome: affordable and reliable utilities, strong rural infrastructure, support for seniors, and opportunities for local children to thrive without leaving home.

“I have always believed that elections should be decided by the people, not by technicalities,” Dow said. “Our system is strongest when it protects access, encourages participation, and respects the will of the voters. What has happened here falls short of those principles. … I am not going anywhere.”

Dow thanked her petition signers, volunteers, and supporters: “Your support means more than I can put into words. I know this decision is frustrating, and I share that frustration. But I also know the strength of this community. We have never backed down from a challenge, and we will not start now.”

She described the situation as larger than a single race: “This moment is bigger than one race. It is about whether your voice will be heard and whether your vote will count. I will continue to fight for both.”

Supporters wishing to back Dow’s continued efforts and appeal can contribute to:

Committee To Elect Rebecca Dow

1309 N. Riverside Dr.

TorC, NM 87901

Or donate online: https://secure.winred.com/committee-to-elect-rebecca-dow/give-now

As of publication, the New Mexico Secretary of State’s candidate portal still listed Dow as “Qualified,” with no updated removal notice or appeal filing reflected publicly. The June 2 primary and November 3 general election dates remain unchanged.

2nd Life Media will continue monitoring the Supreme Court appeal, any response from New Mexico Republican Party leadership, and official updates from the Secretary of State’s office.

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