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ProgressNow New Mexico Progressive Voters Guide
Welcome to the New Mexico Progressive Voters Guide! The Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. Please share this guide with your friends and family!
Albuquerque School District
The Albuquerque Public School, District 1 seat is being vacated by Yolanda Montoya-Cordova. There are three candidates running for this seat. We recommend Janelle Astorga because of her demonstrated commitment to Albuquerque Public Schools.
Janelle Astorga is running for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 1. Astorga was born and raised in Albuquerque and is a product of the Albuquerque Public School District. She is currently the Development Coordinator for Southwest Organizing Project and the Co-Director of The Learning Alliance of NM. Astorga has worked directly with Albuquerque Public Schools on events and conversations that center the voices of students and teachers, and has performed anti-racism training for APS staff. She has also worked in schools as an Education Assistant, Substitute Teacher, and Family Liaison.
Astorga’s personal experience with Albuquerque Public Schools, both as a student and as a consultant, drives her interest in running for school board. Astorga’s priorities include bilingual education and ethnic studies; mental health support for students and teachers in the form of meditation rooms; self-care workshops; and other forms of progress reports that are not just focused on testing. She prioritizes safety in schools through anti-racism workshops and equitable funding for infrastructure repairs; college and career readiness; and investing in technology for digital literacy.
We recommend Janelle Astorga for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 1.
Janelle Astorga is running for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 1. Astorga was born and raised in Albuquerque and is a product of the Albuquerque Public School District. She is currently the Development Coordinator for Southwest Organizing Project and the Co-Director of The Learning Alliance of NM. Astorga has worked directly with Albuquerque Public Schools on events and conversations that center the voices of students and teachers, and has performed anti-racism training for APS staff. She has also worked in schools as an Education Assistant, Substitute Teacher, and Family Liaison.
Astorga’s personal experience with Albuquerque Public Schools, both as a student and as a consultant, drives her interest in running for school board. Astorga’s priorities include bilingual education and ethnic studies; mental health support for students and teachers in the form of meditation rooms; self-care workshops; and other forms of progress reports that are not just focused on testing. She prioritizes safety in schools through anti-racism workshops and equitable funding for infrastructure repairs; college and career readiness; and investing in technology for digital literacy.
We recommend Janelle Astorga for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 1.
Endorsed By: Dreams in Action
,
Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate
,
NM Native Vote
,
OLÉ
,
Sierra Club
,
Working Families Party New Mexico
,
Adriann Barboa, Bernalillo County Commissioner, District 3, Latino Victory Fund, Diane Denish, Former Lt. Governor for New Mexico
Janelle Astorga is running for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 1. Astorga was born and raised in Albuquerque and is a product of the Albuquerque Public School District. She is currently the Development Coordinator for Southwest Organizing Project and the Co-Director of The Learning Alliance of NM. Astorga has worked directly with Albuquerque Public Schools on events and conversations that center the voices of students and teachers, and has performed anti-racism training for APS staff. She has also worked in schools as an Education Assistant, Substitute Teacher, and Family Liaison.
Astorga’s personal experience with Albuquerque Public Schools, both as a student and as a consultant, drives her interest in running for school board. Astorga’s priorities include bilingual education and ethnic studies; mental health support for students and teachers in the form of meditation rooms; self-care workshops; and other forms of progress reports that are not just focused on testing. She prioritizes safety in schools through anti-racism workshops and equitable funding for infrastructure repairs; college and career readiness; and investing in technology for digital literacy.
We recommend Janelle Astorga for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 1.
Endorsed By: Dreams in Action
,
Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate
,
NM Native Vote
,
OLÉ
,
Sierra Club
,
Working Families Party New Mexico
,
Adriann Barboa, Bernalillo County Commissioner, District 3, Latino Victory Fund, Diane Denish, Former Lt. Governor for New Mexico
Other Candidates
There are two other candidates running for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 1. Since the first publishing of this guide, Robert Trujillo has updated his website with information about his campaign. While we could not find policy priorities, Trujillo states that he will work collaboratively with parents, teachers, administrators, and community members to ensure that every child has access to high-quality education. The week of October 9, 2023 the website trujilloreport.com was launched, highlighting a violent incident between Trujillo and his then-wife and friend in 2006. Since then, Robert Trujillo has addressed the incident on his website and through a statement on October 17, 2023 to New Mexico Politics with Joe Monahan. In both statements, Trujillo states that he is not proud of his actions but quickly pivots back to his accomplishments. We found Robert Trujillo’s statement on the violent incident lacking the ownership and transparency from someone who understands the severity of his past actions. We also find conflict in Trujillo’s statement on his website in which says that the community deserves transparency and honesty versus Trujillo only now addressing this part of his past after it has come to light.
Verland Coker, who ran for this seat in 2019, has no public information about his policy priorities. His Facebook page, which is the only public information found, has very few posts related to his campaign.
There are two other candidates running for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 1. Since the first publishing of this guide, Robert Trujillo has updated his website with information about his campaign. While we could not find policy priorities, Trujillo states that he will work collaboratively with parents, teachers, administrators, and community members to ensure that every child has access to high-quality education. The week of October 9, 2023 the website trujilloreport.com was launched, highlighting a violent incident between Trujillo and his then-wife and friend in 2006. Since then, Robert Trujillo has addressed the incident on his website and through a statement on October 17, 2023 to New Mexico Politics with Joe Monahan. In both statements, Trujillo states that he is not proud of his actions but quickly pivots back to his accomplishments. We found Robert Trujillo’s statement on the violent incident lacking the ownership and transparency from someone who understands the severity of his past actions. We also find conflict in Trujillo’s statement on his website in which says that the community deserves transparency and honesty versus Trujillo only now addressing this part of his past after it has come to light.
Verland Coker, who ran for this seat in 2019, has no public information about his policy priorities. His Facebook page, which is the only public information found, has very few posts related to his campaign.
Albuquerque Public School, District 2 has three candidates running for the seat. We recommend Ronalda Tome because of her vast experience working in special education and with Native American families.
Ronalda Tome-Warito is running for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 2. Tome-Warito graduated from Crown Point High School and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Social Justice Studies from the University of New Mexico. She is a self-employed education consultant focusing on special education. Previously, she worked as a Project Specialist/Advocate for Education for Parents of Indian Children with Special Needs.
Tome-Warito's desire to bring her work experience with special education and her lived experience as a Native American to the school board drives her interest in running. Tome-Warito has an extensive list of outstanding awards and achievements that include the appointment by the Governor to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act State Advisory panel, serving on the NM Family/Parent Involvement Advisory Board as President, currently serving on the National Indian Education Association Board, and appointment to the NM Advisory Committee for Civil Rights. Her priorities include expanding parent advocacy, amplifying family involvement, and enhancing community engagement.
We recommend Ronalda Tome-Warito for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 2.
Ronalda Tome-Warito is running for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 2. Tome-Warito graduated from Crown Point High School and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Social Justice Studies from the University of New Mexico. She is a self-employed education consultant focusing on special education. Previously, she worked as a Project Specialist/Advocate for Education for Parents of Indian Children with Special Needs.
Tome-Warito's desire to bring her work experience with special education and her lived experience as a Native American to the school board drives her interest in running. Tome-Warito has an extensive list of outstanding awards and achievements that include the appointment by the Governor to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act State Advisory panel, serving on the NM Family/Parent Involvement Advisory Board as President, currently serving on the National Indian Education Association Board, and appointment to the NM Advisory Committee for Civil Rights. Her priorities include expanding parent advocacy, amplifying family involvement, and enhancing community engagement.
We recommend Ronalda Tome-Warito for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 2.
Ronalda Tome-Warito is running for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 2. Tome-Warito graduated from Crown Point High School and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Social Justice Studies from the University of New Mexico. She is a self-employed education consultant focusing on special education. Previously, she worked as a Project Specialist/Advocate for Education for Parents of Indian Children with Special Needs.
Tome-Warito's desire to bring her work experience with special education and her lived experience as a Native American to the school board drives her interest in running. Tome-Warito has an extensive list of outstanding awards and achievements that include the appointment by the Governor to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act State Advisory panel, serving on the NM Family/Parent Involvement Advisory Board as President, currently serving on the National Indian Education Association Board, and appointment to the NM Advisory Committee for Civil Rights. Her priorities include expanding parent advocacy, amplifying family involvement, and enhancing community engagement.
We recommend Ronalda Tome-Warito for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 2.
Other Candidates
Ronalda Tome-Warito is challenging incumbent Peggy Muller-Aragon. Muller-Aragon was elected in 2015 and has retained the position of board member for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 2 for the last 8 years. Peggy Muller-Aragon received an A rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA) in May of 2022 during her run for Lt. Governor. At a time when parents and students are worried every day about school shootings, asking for the NRA’s endorsement, even for a different electoral race, is appalling. She also earned support from anti-student inclusion group on Southern Poverty Law Center's "Hatewatch" list, Moms for Liberty, whose primary focus is to restrict curriculum and ban books. Muller-Aragon is also an active member of the Federation of Republican Women. Additionally, during her tenure on the APS Board, she has not once voted to approve any of the educator contracts brought by the Albuquerque Teachers Federation, putting educator contracts and support at risk. The support of Moms for Liberty alone is enough to say confidently that you should not vote for Peggy Muller-Aragon.
Adrian Nogales is currently a 6th grade social studies teacher and volunteer basketball coach for Albuquerque Public Schools. Over the course of 15 years, Nogales has served in several capacities including educational assistant, coach, and administrator. Very little public information could be found on Adrian Nogales, leading us to assume he is not making a real run for this seat.
Ronalda Tome-Warito is challenging incumbent Peggy Muller-Aragon. Muller-Aragon was elected in 2015 and has retained the position of board member for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 2 for the last 8 years. Peggy Muller-Aragon received an A rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA) in May of 2022 during her run for Lt. Governor. At a time when parents and students are worried every day about school shootings, asking for the NRA’s endorsement, even for a different electoral race, is appalling. She also earned support from anti-student inclusion group on Southern Poverty Law Center's "Hatewatch" list, Moms for Liberty, whose primary focus is to restrict curriculum and ban books. Muller-Aragon is also an active member of the Federation of Republican Women. Additionally, during her tenure on the APS Board, she has not once voted to approve any of the educator contracts brought by the Albuquerque Teachers Federation, putting educator contracts and support at risk. The support of Moms for Liberty alone is enough to say confidently that you should not vote for Peggy Muller-Aragon.
Adrian Nogales is currently a 6th grade social studies teacher and volunteer basketball coach for Albuquerque Public Schools. Over the course of 15 years, Nogales has served in several capacities including educational assistant, coach, and administrator. Very little public information could be found on Adrian Nogales, leading us to assume he is not making a real run for this seat.
The race for Albuquerque Public School, District 4 will fill the seat vacated by Barbara Peterson. There are two candidates running for this seat. We recommend Heather Benavidez because of her experience working with children and families.
Heather R. Benavidez is running for Albuquerque Public School, District 4. Benavidez graduated from Albuquerque Public Schools. She is the CEO of The Arc of New Mexico, a non-profit organization that advocates for people living with disabilities. Prior to that, Benavidez was Chief of Staff for the New Mexico State Treasurer’s Office. She is the Chair of the 100% Community Housing Taskforce in Valencia County and Juvenile Justice Advisory Board. She also serves on the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Taskforce and the DWI Planning Council.
Heather R. Benavidez did not return a questionnaire, so all information provided is from public sources.
Benavidez is running for school board because she sees the need for additional support for students with disabilities and special education. Her priorities will be increasing funding to support students with disabilities and special education, increasing student enrollment, filling vacant teaching positions, and increasing the safety of students, faculty, and staff. She will work with the board and the superintendent to support students and staff in a way that schools can focus resources to ensure they attract and retain the educators the students need and deserve.
We recommend Heather R. Benavidez for Albuquerque Public School, District 4.
Heather R. Benavidez is running for Albuquerque Public School, District 4. Benavidez graduated from Albuquerque Public Schools. She is the CEO of The Arc of New Mexico, a non-profit organization that advocates for people living with disabilities. Prior to that, Benavidez was Chief of Staff for the New Mexico State Treasurer’s Office. She is the Chair of the 100% Community Housing Taskforce in Valencia County and Juvenile Justice Advisory Board. She also serves on the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Taskforce and the DWI Planning Council.
Heather R. Benavidez did not return a questionnaire, so all information provided is from public sources.
Benavidez is running for school board because she sees the need for additional support for students with disabilities and special education. Her priorities will be increasing funding to support students with disabilities and special education, increasing student enrollment, filling vacant teaching positions, and increasing the safety of students, faculty, and staff. She will work with the board and the superintendent to support students and staff in a way that schools can focus resources to ensure they attract and retain the educators the students need and deserve.
We recommend Heather R. Benavidez for Albuquerque Public School, District 4.
Heather R. Benavidez is running for Albuquerque Public School, District 4. Benavidez graduated from Albuquerque Public Schools. She is the CEO of The Arc of New Mexico, a non-profit organization that advocates for people living with disabilities. Prior to that, Benavidez was Chief of Staff for the New Mexico State Treasurer’s Office. She is the Chair of the 100% Community Housing Taskforce in Valencia County and Juvenile Justice Advisory Board. She also serves on the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Taskforce and the DWI Planning Council.
Heather R. Benavidez did not return a questionnaire, so all information provided is from public sources.
Benavidez is running for school board because she sees the need for additional support for students with disabilities and special education. Her priorities will be increasing funding to support students with disabilities and special education, increasing student enrollment, filling vacant teaching positions, and increasing the safety of students, faculty, and staff. She will work with the board and the superintendent to support students and staff in a way that schools can focus resources to ensure they attract and retain the educators the students need and deserve.
We recommend Heather R. Benavidez for Albuquerque Public School, District 4.
Other Candidates
No public information from Stephen Cecco’s campaign can be found. Stephen Cecco has earned support from anti-student inclusion group on Southern Poverty Law Center's "Hatewatch" list, Moms for Liberty, whose primary focus is to restrict curriculum and access to books they don’t like. Even if information was publicly available, the support of Moms for Liberty alone is enough to say confidently that you should not vote for Stephen Cecco.
No public information from Stephen Cecco’s campaign can be found. Stephen Cecco has earned support from anti-student inclusion group on Southern Poverty Law Center's "Hatewatch" list, Moms for Liberty, whose primary focus is to restrict curriculum and access to books they don’t like. Even if information was publicly available, the support of Moms for Liberty alone is enough to say confidently that you should not vote for Stephen Cecco.
The Albuquerque Public School, District 1 seat is being vacated by Yolanda Montoya-Cordova. There are three candidates running for this seat. We recommend Janelle Astorga because of her demonstrated commitment to Albuquerque Public Schools.