Tara Jaramillo was chosen by El Defensor Chieftain readers as the best local politician.

Jaramillo has served one year on the Socorro Consolidated School District School Board and is about to begin her first term as New Mexico State House Representative for District 38.

While Jaramillo is not far into a political career, she has run three elections within a year—first for school board, then in the primary race for District 38, and finally in the general election for District 38.

Jaramillo said she was humbled by Socorro’s support in her District 38 race.

“They believed in me, and I need to count my blessings for those people that believed in me.”

Jaramillo plans to continue serving on the school board through the end of her term.

“I fundamentally believe that you should have children in school to be on the school board,” she said.

Her daughter will be a high school senior next year, so she will not run for reelection on the school board.

Cathy Cook | El Defensor Chieftain Editor