Anthony “Ant” Thornton announced last week his candidacy for Republican nominee for New Mexico Senate for District 19, which includes Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Sandoval and Torrance counties.
“This is the district I want to represent in the state senate,” Thornton said in a Facebook post. “I love living here, and I want to ensure that it remains a beautiful place to live for all of us.” Thornton lives in the East Mountains with his family.
Thornton describes himself as a “walkaway” former Democrat and in 2022 he was the first Black Republican nominee for lieutenant governor in New Mexico when he ran an unsuccessful campaign with former weatherman Mark Ronchetti. Thornton is running to replace Sen. Gregg Schmedes, who announced last week he is retiring to focus on his family and medical practice. Schmedes also endorsed Thornton for State Senate.
“I am proud and honored to have Sen. Gregg Schmedes’ endorsement for the Republican primary election in Senate District 19,” Thornton said in a Facebook post. “Gregg has been a conservative champion for New Mexicans and we will all miss him as he is retiring from the State Senate.”
After receiving his degree in aerospace engineering in 1978, Thornton began working at Sandia National Laboratories. During his 27 years at Sandia, he became the first Black director in the lab’s history.
Thornton says his priorities include securing the border, supporting pro-life initiatives, recruiting more healthcare professionals, and prioritizing natural resource sectors in New Mexico. He also has plans to have a “listening tour” to learn what issues are most important to the communities in District 19.
Ant, have a listening tour stop at EVCA to hear from parents what its school board has done. Gregg supported EVCA when it was a Hillsdale College Member School. EVCAs board wrecked that. Teachers left. Kids are leaving so does funds. You get what you elect.