Roger Montoya/Courtesy photo

CAMPAIGN NEWS RELEASE

Roger Montoya, co-founder and artistic director of Moving Arts Española, has announced his campaign for New Mexico Representative for House District 40, which includes Mora County, and parts of Rio Arriba, San Miguel, and Colfax counties.

Montoya is an accomplished painter, dancer, and choreographer, who has dedicated the past 30 years to bringing the healing power of arts to local children—many of whom have suffered heart-breaking trauma and loss.  The community arts center he founded with his partner, Salvador Ruiz, offers classes ranging from music, dance and gymnastics to fashion design and culinary arts and STEM based programming.  Since 2008, the center has provided arts classes, free meals, tutoring and support to more than 5,000 children and youth.  Last month, he was honored as one of 10 CNN International Heroes of 2019 at a nationally televised gala.

“My motivation in running for state representative is to continue to be of service to our communities in northern New Mexico,” said Montoya, a Democrat.  “Moving into this realm is a new challenge for me, but I am excited about the opportunity to build bridges, foster creative collaboration, provide pathways to healing and success for our children, and uplift our communities.  I am inspired daily by the legacy of my mother, Dorotea “Dottie” Montoya, the mother of school-based wellness in New Mexico, and her work advocating for generations of young people.”

Montoya is the Collective Impact Director through United Way of Northern New Mexico. His leadership helped to catalyze a broad coalition to open the first ever Espanola Pathways Homeless Shelter in Rio Arriba county.

The incumbent in House District 40, Rep. Joseph Sanchez, is leaving the state legislature to run for election to the 3rd congressional district.