Adolf Zubia wants to build community confidence back into government. With that goal in mind, Zubia announced his intention on Facebook to join the race for Congress in New Mexico's southern district, where he said he would "fight for health care and ensure our grandchildren have [a] habitable earth by transitioning to renewable energy jobs that improve our economy and will keep our children here in New Mexico."
Zubia becomes the fifth Democrat to announce their intention to enter the primary race for the 2nd Congressional District, which spans from Lordsburg to Hobbs. The seat is now held by Republican Rep. Steve Pearce, who earlier this month announced he would be vacating the seat to make a bid for governor.
Born in Hatch, N.M., and raised in southern Doña Ana County, Zubia is a graduate of New Mexico State University. Following a stint in the U.S. Navy, Zubia joined the Las Cruces Fire Department in 1986. In 1998, he became the Dona Ana County fire marshal. From 2001 to 2009, he served as fire chief for Las Cruces, the 2nd Congressional District's largest city. In 2011, he was appointed by Gov. Nikki Haley as fire marshal for the state of South Carolina where he advocated for a building code requiring residential sprinklers in the state. Zubia then served in fire departments in California and Nevada before returning to Las Cruces in March.
Zubia is a former president of the International Code Council board of directors, serving from 2008–2009. He also serves on the Governing Committee of the ICC Fire Service Membership Council. He is Chair of the Fire and Life Safety Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Immediate Past President of the New Mexico Fire Chiefs Association.
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