The Republican Party of Torrance County will host a candidate meet-and-greet event Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. at the East Torrance Soil and Water Conservation Complex in Estancia.
The event will feature state Sen. Anthony “Ant” Thornton, R-District 19, who assumed office in January after winning the election in 2024, according to party officials.
Congressional candidate Ndidiamaka “Di Di” Okpareke, who is seeking the Republican nomination for New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District in 2026, is also scheduled to attend. Okpareke is challenging incumbent Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M.
Local county candidates are invited to participate in the program, which will include 15-minute speaking segments. Candidates must contact Dutch Shaver by Sept. 25 to schedule their time slot, organizers said.
The event will be held at 701 10th Street in Estancia.
The Republican Party of Torrance County is organizing the candidate forum as part of efforts to connect voters with candidates ahead of upcoming elections.
