Two long-time public leaders, both with a great deal of experience, are facing off in a New Mexico state primary Tuesday.

Democratic incumbent Mary Jane Garcia has held the seat for 24 years and has been the majority whip for 16 of those years.

Garcia told KFOX14 she's made fighting child abuse and improving early education a priority and plans to continue her goals if she wins this seat again.

Her opponent ,Oscar Vasquez Butler, also has many years serving the area. He is the former chairman of the Dona Ana County Board of Commissioners and is a member of the Colonias Infrastructres Board.

Butler said his main priority will be improving the water system in the county.

Both candidates said their experience in serving the community will help lead them to victory.

"I've been there the longest," Garcia said. "I've been there 24 years and with that comes a lot of knowledge, legislative knowledge."

"I'm a grassroots ground up legislator and leader in the community," Butler said. "I believe in public engagement civic engagement."

Whoever wins this seat Tuesday night will face the Republican challenger Lee Cotter in November.