Española, NM (KKOB) – Early voting is underway across New Mexico, but in Rio Arriba County, one candidate is facing a DWI charge. Josie Valdez, a Democratic candidate for County Assessor, was arrested following a crash in Española.
According to police, Valdez drove into a light pole, then got out of the vehicle and began yelling at people nearby. Police reports say Valdez told officers she had a “margarita or two.” She then declined a breathalyzer test, but failed a field sobriety test and was taken into custody. Valdez later released a statement on Facebook, saying in part, “I take full responsibility for my actions and I fell short of the standard you deserve from someone seeking public office.”
