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Quezada, who grew up in a gang-plagued neighborhood and
played DEA agent Steven Gomez in the now-concluded series, will
run on the Democratic ticket for Bernallilo County District Two.
He told Reuters he wants to support not only public, but also
charter, educational opportunities for all children in the
district, which is the city's most crime-ridden.
"I want to give mothers who are working two jobs choices to keep
their kids out of trouble," he said in an interview. "I know
what it is like to grow up here."
Quezada, 52, assumed a vacant seat on the Albuquerque School
Board shortly after "Breaking Bad" aired, and he said he quickly
saw the need to expand his involvement in the community.
He referred to Albuquerque's crime rate, which is twice the
national average, as well as local schools and families
struggling under financial hardship.
"We have to figure out as a county how we can work more closely
with schools," Quezada said.
He is an advocate of stronger mental health services for
children in schools in order to identify at-risk children and
intervene before it is too late. Albuquerque has recently seen
high profile murders allegedly committed by teenagers.
"By the time they cross that line, it is too late," Quezada
said. His career as an actor and comedian is already being used
against him by his opponents, he added.
"Acting is my job, just like a candidate may be a contractor or
lawyer," he said. "I know what is needed and I am willing to
show it."
Quezada said he has two college-age daughters, which makes
quitting acting to take up politics full-time unrealistic.
"I see what needs to be done and I have the passion for it," he
said.
Officials with the Bernalillo County Board of elections said
there are currently three people running against Quezada for the
November election.
(Reporting by Joseph Kolb; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Sandra
Maler)
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