Dem. Cates Ousts 20-Year Republican Powdrell-Culbert in State House 44

Kathleen Cates joins a Democratic majority in the State House after flipping 20-year Republican incumbent Jane Powdrell-Culbert in House District 44.

During her campaign, Democrat Kathleen Cates received the support of prominent Corrales citizens and organizations like Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood, Veterans & Military Families Caucus and NM Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO Teamsters Local 492. Their faith in her paid off on Election Day with a victory against Republican Jane Powdrell-Culbert.

Cates said in an interview with Corrales Comment that "Sandoval County is the fastest growing county in the state. I believe that we need representation in the Roundhouse that understands that and can work—not just spending their capital outlay, but actually, work—on budget investment at a line-item level."

She stated her experience as a business owner and longtime resident of Dist. 44 as qualifications for office."I would be a strong supporter in protecting what I think is so unique and special about Corrales. Corrales needs to stay the agricultural community and village that it is. That’s what makes it so special. I understand that economic growth is important up the hill, but we need to do it without jeopardizing our neighbors in Corrales. I don’t want any more water-based industries."

At press time, Cates was winning her race with a slim lead of just over 230 votes ahead of Powdrell-Culbert who has served in that seat since 2003.

District 44 covers parts of Rio Rancho and Corrales.