Art was born in Las Cruces and raised in Anthony, New Mexico, where he and his family lived on the same land were his grandmother worked for 20 years. He graduated from Gadsden High School in 1998 and went on to study at New Mexico State University (NMSU). After earning a bachelor’s degree in Government from NMSU in 2003, he worked as regional field director for John Kerry’s presidential campaign.
 
During the following years, Art was honored to have worked for several nonprofits, as well as the Anthony Water and Sanitation District where he helped organize community members to advocate for environmental and economic justice in the Anthony-Berino area. 
 
In 2008, Art worked for Harry Teague on his successful run for Congress and then served as a legislative assistant to the Congressman. He worked on legislation and programs dealing with agriculture, defense, law enforcement, and veterans affairs. These issues are vitally important to the district as it’s home to the base for White Sands Missile Range, we have numerous farms in the district, and issues of community safety the district faces. 
 
Art then went on to work for the American Counseling Association where he advocated for mental health and school counseling resources. 
 
Art currently advocates for solar energy legislation and policy which would bring jobs to District 31. He is currently completing a master’s degree program with the Sol Price School for Public Policy at the University of Southern California.