The Steve Pearce Story

Steve and his wife Cynthia raised their family in Hobbs, New Mexico. Together they owned and operated Lea Fishing Tools, an oilfield services firm. They grew that firm 10-fold in 10-years, increasing employment from four to over 40. Steve and Cynthia were honored by the Association of Commerce and Industry with the VIVA Award for outstanding business in New Mexico. The Pearce's understand what it takes to run a successful business.

Born in 1947, Steve was raised in Hobbs, New Mexico. He attended New Mexico public schools, and graduated from New Mexico State University with a BBA degree in economics and from Eastern New Mexico University with an MBA. Steve was elected Student Body President at NMSU.

Steve was a pilot in the Air Force, serving in the Philippines, flying missions into Vietnam. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. Returning to the U.S., he was assigned to the Strategic Air Command at Blytheville Air Force Base, Arkansas. He separated honorably with the rank of Captain.

Steve was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives in 1996 and re-elected in 1998. Steve served as Republican Caucus Chairman and was selected as "Outstanding Legislator" by the New Mexico Technology Showcase for his work in economic development using technology.

Steve was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002, after having won a five-way primary election, he came out on top in one of the nation's toughest congressional battles-and one of the most contested races in Southern New Mexico's history. In 2008, Steve sought New Mexico’s open United States Senate seat, but came up short in the wave that carried Democrats into the White House, as well as solidifying majorities in the Congress.

In 2010, Steve challenged the then first-term incumbent representative for the Second Congressional District of New Mexico. Having never lost the broad support of the voters for his honesty, experience and conservative style, Steve was solidly elected to once again go to Washington on behalf of southern New Mexico.

Upon the commencement of the 112^th Congress, Steve is currently serving his 4^th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He sits on the House Committee on Financial Services and is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus.