Republican takes seat on Roosevelt commission

Fabian Muñoz is the new District 1 commissioner for Roosevelt County.

Muñoz, a Republican, beat Democrat Jake Lopez in Tuesday’s election, 503 votes to 382.

Muñoz said he believes he won because “the people wanted to see someone different in there.”

Portales native Dennis Lopez held the position for eight years and was term limited so he could not run again. Jake Lopez is Dennis Lopez’ father.

Muñoz said his top priority when he takes office in January will be to build a better relationship with city of Portales officials.

“I’ve already talked to some Council members,” he said last week. “We’ll see what I get figured out when I get in office.”

He added, “I want to say to the community of the county and Portales, I love you and I will do my best to do a great job.”

Muñoz works on wind turbines in Roosevelt County.

He said he is engaged to be married and is the father of five children.