Former state Rep. Terry Marquardt has jumped into the fray in the 2nd district, joining six other Republicans who are running for the GOP nomination to replace Rep. Steve Pearce (R), who is vacating the southern New Mexico seat to run for Senate.

Marquardt, 58, is an Alamogordo optometrist and a former leader of the Republican caucus in the state House. He served in the Legislature for 12 years before losing his seat in 2006 to a Democrat.

The other Republicans seeking to replace Pearce in the 2nd district are business owner Greg Sowards, Hobbs Mayor Monty Newman, rancher and retired banker Aubrey Dunn Jr., restaurant owner and rancher Ed Tinsley, Republican activist Bob Cornelius and real estate broker Earl Greer.

The Democrats running include former Lea County Commission Chairman Harry Teague, Doña Ana County Commissioner Bill McCamley, retired teacher Frank McKinnon and retired Presbyterian minister Al Kissling.
— David M. Drucker