Noel Lyn Smith

nsmith@daily-times.com

FARMINGTON – Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's oldest child will make a campaign stop here on Friday.

Sean Sharer, chairman of the San Juan County Republican Party, said today Donald Trump Jr. is scheduled to arrive in Farmington at 2 p.m. Friday then speak at an event at Piñon Hills Community Church, 5101 N. Dustin Ave.

The event is free with doors opening at 1:30 p.m. and seating is first come, first served, Sharer said.

"We're excited about it. It shows New Mexico is in play," Sharer said.

Todd Johnson, the campaign's statewide director, confirmed the younger Trump's visit and said the campaign has not released information about what topics he will focus on during his speech.

Trump’s visit comes after his father visited Albuquerque on Sunday.

Sharer said the county party office learned about the younger Trump's visit late Monday afternoon.

Friday's event will include speeches by local candidates, including state Reps. Sharon Clahchischilliage and James Strickler and state Sen. William "Bill" Sharer.

Clahchischilliage is seeking a third term for the state House District 4 seat and faces a challenge from Democrat GloJean Todacheene.

Clahchischilliage was named a co-chair on the Native American Coalition for Trump, according to a press release from the Trump campaign. The coalition is composed of Native American grassroots leaders and elected officials from 15 states, the release states.

Strickler is seeking a sixth term and faces Democratic challenger Kenneth Robinson for the state House District 2 seat.

Sharer faces a challenge from Rebecca Morgan, a Democrat, for the state Senate District 1 seat.

Henry Silentman, chairman of the Democratic Party of San Juan County, said today he was not aware of Trump's visit and remains confident New Mexico will vote for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

"I don't think it'll make that much of a difference," Silentman said about Trump's appearance.

Also on Friday, the Navajo Republicans of Shiprock are scheduled to hold a rally at the Shiprock Chapter house after the Farmington event.

Noel Lyn Smith covers the Navajo Nation for The Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4636.