LaMantia: Why I am running for Senate District 27

HARLINGEN, Texas - A candidate for state Senate District 27 has told Rio Grande Valley healthcare professionals and executives where she stands on key issues in the race.Attorney Morgan LaMantia spoke at a campaign fundraiser hosted by Dr. Victor Gonzalez, MD, the incoming president of the Hidalgo-Starr County Medical Society. The event attracted doctors, nurses and healthcare administrators from the across the Valley. “I am running because it is time for the next generation of leadership to pick up the torch. I am running because there is so much to love about this community. But it has some challenges, like education, economic development, higher paying jobs and healthcare,” LaMantia said. LaMantia paid tribute to the Valley’s healthcare industry.“You know, we got hit with the pandemic just like everyone else but you saw how the healthcare community here pulled together and pooled all their resources to try to keep us all safe and healthy and get us better when we did get sick,” LaMantia said.“And what we need to do is make sure they have the support and make sure everyone here gets the healthcare they need and that we fix those nursing shortages and staffing shortages that you all have.”LaMantia said: “Just seeing what the community was able to do, the doctors and the nurses that are here. They pulled together to show how this community is. And with just little bit of support we have the highest potential.”This is the first time LaMantia has sought elected office. She is running in the Democratic Party primary and has three opponents in the race. SD 27 is open because the longterm incumbent, state Sen. Eddie Luico, Jr., is retiring at the next election.Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.