Justine Fox-Young

Justine Fox-Young (born 1979) was a Republican member of the New Mexico House of Representatives, serving District 30. She was first elected in 2004, and was re-elected in 2006. She was defeated in 2008 by newcomer Karen Giannini.

Legislative career

In 2004, Representative Fox-Young won a tough primary against incumbent State Rep. Bob White to become the youngest sitting member and the youngest woman ever elected to the New Mexico Legislature.

At the time, Fox-Young was the office manager for attorney Mickey Barnett, a former Republican National Committeeman from New Mexico.

Although Fox-Young initially earned a reputation as a moderate Republican; her vote on a controversial bill approving domestic partnerships caused some to view her as ideologically liberal. She was one of only two House Republicans to vote for the measure.

After the 2008 primary election in which she ran uncontested, Fox-Young participated in a press conference and announced that individuals had proof that there had been voter fraud in Democrat primary races.

Soon after, voters whose registrations Fox-Young claimed were fraudulent began to come forward and challenge her allegations. The government watchdog group Common Cause said her claims were “simply inaccurate.”

The American Civil Liberties Union sued Fox-Young for invasion of privacy, conspiracy and negligence. All the charges against her were later dismissed.

In 2008, Fox-Young was defeated by political newcomer Karen Giannini for the House District 30 seat. The defeat came as a surprise to many, since the seat was viewed as a "safe" Republican seat.