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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!
City of Las Cruces
Depending on where you live, you may have the below city races on your ballot.
Kasandra Gandara is running for Las Cruces Mayor. Gandara has served as a Las Cruces City Councilor for District 1 since 2015 and has been Mayor Pro Tempore since 2019. During her time on City Council, Gandara has collaborated on a number of projects including: developing policy review committees in the priority areas of health, housing, economic, quality of life, transportation, finance, and public safety; establishing programs such as the mayor's suicide task force; Doña Ana Resilience Leaders -- a collective group who work on addressing trauma in communities to build resilient children and families; safety net programs such as the Mano y Mano workforce reintegration program for homeless and near-homeless folks; ”Lift UP" -- an anti-poverty program in the most vulnerable neighborhood to be scaled out throughout the city; and helped shape the way the city works to be accountable and transparent to the public by the creation of the PEAK performance program -- a performance-based budgeting system designed to provide continuous improvement in each department to include its contractors externally.
Gandara retired in 2015 from the State of New Mexico after nearly three decades of service with the Department of Health, as well as Children, Youth and Families. She has also held a number of social work roles within the community prior to her retirement.
Gandara was born and raised in Bayard, New Mexico in a union family who taught her to always fight for what is right. In addition to being driven by her upbringing, Gandara is interested in representing the community by becoming the first Latina Mayor to be elected in Las Cruces history. Kasandra Gandara’s priority areas are improving quality of life through affordable access to opportunities for culturally-uplifting recreation and gathering and economic development through innovative public/private partnership such as healthcare, aviation, creative media, and green energy. Additionally, she will prioritize public safety through increased policy and oversight; updated training for Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD); and smart crime reduction strategies and policies. She will also address sustainability through balancing economic vitality, environmental health, and social responsibility with an emphasis on equitable approaches to addressing climate change, clean energy, and resiliency.
We recommend Kasandra Gandara for Las Cruces Mayor.
Kasandra Gandara is running for Las Cruces Mayor. Gandara has served as a Las Cruces City Councilor for District 1 since 2015 and has been Mayor Pro Tempore since 2019. During her time on City Council, Gandara has collaborated on a number of projects including: developing policy review committees in the priority areas of health, housing, economic, quality of life, transportation, finance, and public safety; establishing programs such as the mayor's suicide task force; Doña Ana Resilience Leaders -- a collective group who work on addressing trauma in communities to build resilient children and families; safety net programs such as the Mano y Mano workforce reintegration program for homeless and near-homeless folks; ”Lift UP" -- an anti-poverty program in the most vulnerable neighborhood to be scaled out throughout the city; and helped shape the way the city works to be accountable and transparent to the public by the creation of the PEAK performance program -- a performance-based budgeting system designed to provide continuous improvement in each department to include its contractors externally.
Gandara retired in 2015 from the State of New Mexico after nearly three decades of service with the Department of Health, as well as Children, Youth and Families. She has also held a number of social work roles within the community prior to her retirement.
Gandara was born and raised in Bayard, New Mexico in a union family who taught her to always fight for what is right. In addition to being driven by her upbringing, Gandara is interested in representing the community by becoming the first Latina Mayor to be elected in Las Cruces history. Kasandra Gandara’s priority areas are improving quality of life through affordable access to opportunities for culturally-uplifting recreation and gathering and economic development through innovative public/private partnership such as healthcare, aviation, creative media, and green energy. Additionally, she will prioritize public safety through increased policy and oversight; updated training for Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD); and smart crime reduction strategies and policies. She will also address sustainability through balancing economic vitality, environmental health, and social responsibility with an emphasis on equitable approaches to addressing climate change, clean energy, and resiliency.
We recommend Kasandra Gandara for Las Cruces Mayor.
Kasandra Gandara is running for Las Cruces Mayor. Gandara has served as a Las Cruces City Councilor for District 1 since 2015 and has been Mayor Pro Tempore since 2019. During her time on City Council, Gandara has collaborated on a number of projects including: developing policy review committees in the priority areas of health, housing, economic, quality of life, transportation, finance, and public safety; establishing programs such as the mayor's suicide task force; Doña Ana Resilience Leaders -- a collective group who work on addressing trauma in communities to build resilient children and families; safety net programs such as the Mano y Mano workforce reintegration program for homeless and near-homeless folks; ”Lift UP" -- an anti-poverty program in the most vulnerable neighborhood to be scaled out throughout the city; and helped shape the way the city works to be accountable and transparent to the public by the creation of the PEAK performance program -- a performance-based budgeting system designed to provide continuous improvement in each department to include its contractors externally.
Gandara retired in 2015 from the State of New Mexico after nearly three decades of service with the Department of Health, as well as Children, Youth and Families. She has also held a number of social work roles within the community prior to her retirement.
Gandara was born and raised in Bayard, New Mexico in a union family who taught her to always fight for what is right. In addition to being driven by her upbringing, Gandara is interested in representing the community by becoming the first Latina Mayor to be elected in Las Cruces history. Kasandra Gandara’s priority areas are improving quality of life through affordable access to opportunities for culturally-uplifting recreation and gathering and economic development through innovative public/private partnership such as healthcare, aviation, creative media, and green energy. Additionally, she will prioritize public safety through increased policy and oversight; updated training for Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD); and smart crime reduction strategies and policies. She will also address sustainability through balancing economic vitality, environmental health, and social responsibility with an emphasis on equitable approaches to addressing climate change, clean energy, and resiliency.
We recommend Kasandra Gandara for Las Cruces Mayor.
Other Candidates
Kasandra Gandara is being challenged by six other candidates.
Eric Enriquez is the former Las Cruces Assistant City Manager and Fire Chief. Enriquez is quoted in a Las Cruces Sun News article on August 7, 2023 as stating his priorities for Las Cruces “includes enhancing public safety, revitalizing our infrastructure, supporting our first responders and investing in economic development that creates jobs in a clean environment, access to quality education and healthcare and assessment of other needs that we face today.” However, aside from a number of Las Cruces Sun News articles, no public information about his mayoral campaign priorities and how he plans to achieve them could be found.
Isabella Solis is Republican candidate and a former County Commissioner who ran and won as a Democrat. She is firmly entrenched in the far-right Christian movement linked to the GOP. After losing her bid in 2022 for Lieutenant Governor, Solis and her husband, long affiliated with Chuck Pierce's Glory of Zion International, have launched an apostolic ministry in line with the The New Apostolic Reformation, which aims to, “take over government at all levels, and also to erode institutional Christianity, destroying all doctrines and denominations it sees as obstacles to the Kingdom of God.” On a call with The New Apostolic Reformation, Solis says, "It's time for the church to take dominion/possession" and called for God to "superimpose heaven on earth.” Given Isabella Solis’ far-right affiliations and her policies stated on her website, we strongly oppose Isabella Solis for Las Cruces Mayor.
Eugenia “Gina” Montoya Ortega is the current Doña Ana County Assessor. The only public information found on her is from her previous runs for office: twice for Las Cruces Mayor and twice for Doña Ana County Treasurer. No public information can be found on her current campaign for Las Cruces Mayor or policies she would prioritize, leading us to assume she is not making a real run for this seat.
Aside from a number of Las Cruces Sun News articles from past years, no public information about Alexander Paige Baca Fresquez’ campaign priorities and how he plans to achieve them could be found, leading us to assume he is not making a real run for this seat.
Aside from a number of public forum recaps and a Facebook page from 2019, no public information about Mike Tellez’ campaign priorities and how he plans to achieve them could be found, leading us to assume he is not making a real run for this seat.
No public information could be found on Mariah Hernandez, leading us to assume she is not making a real run for this seat.
Kasandra Gandara is being challenged by six other candidates.
Eric Enriquez is the former Las Cruces Assistant City Manager and Fire Chief. Enriquez is quoted in a Las Cruces Sun News article on August 7, 2023 as stating his priorities for Las Cruces “includes enhancing public safety, revitalizing our infrastructure, supporting our first responders and investing in economic development that creates jobs in a clean environment, access to quality education and healthcare and assessment of other needs that we face today.” However, aside from a number of Las Cruces Sun News articles, no public information about his mayoral campaign priorities and how he plans to achieve them could be found.
Isabella Solis is Republican candidate and a former County Commissioner who ran and won as a Democrat. She is firmly entrenched in the far-right Christian movement linked to the GOP. After losing her bid in 2022 for Lieutenant Governor, Solis and her husband, long affiliated with Chuck Pierce's Glory of Zion International, have launched an apostolic ministry in line with the The New Apostolic Reformation, which aims to, “take over government at all levels, and also to erode institutional Christianity, destroying all doctrines and denominations it sees as obstacles to the Kingdom of God.” On a call with The New Apostolic Reformation, Solis says, "It's time for the church to take dominion/possession" and called for God to "superimpose heaven on earth.” Given Isabella Solis’ far-right affiliations and her policies stated on her website, we strongly oppose Isabella Solis for Las Cruces Mayor.
Eugenia “Gina” Montoya Ortega is the current Doña Ana County Assessor. The only public information found on her is from her previous runs for office: twice for Las Cruces Mayor and twice for Doña Ana County Treasurer. No public information can be found on her current campaign for Las Cruces Mayor or policies she would prioritize, leading us to assume she is not making a real run for this seat.
Aside from a number of Las Cruces Sun News articles from past years, no public information about Alexander Paige Baca Fresquez’ campaign priorities and how he plans to achieve them could be found, leading us to assume he is not making a real run for this seat.
Aside from a number of public forum recaps and a Facebook page from 2019, no public information about Mike Tellez’ campaign priorities and how he plans to achieve them could be found, leading us to assume he is not making a real run for this seat.
No public information could be found on Mariah Hernandez, leading us to assume she is not making a real run for this seat.
District Races
Depending on where you live, you may have the following district races on your ballot.
Las Cruces City Council, District 1
Las Cruces City Council District 1 seat will be vacated by longtime City Councilor Kasandra Gandara who is now running for mayor. There are four candidates for this seat including two moderates, one conservative, and one progressive. We recommend Cassie McClure for Las Cruces City Council, District 1.
Cassie McClure is running for Las Cruces City Council, District 1. McClure is a well known progressive leader who has lived in Las Cruces since 2003, a Columnist with Creators.com, and a writer with McClure Publications. McClure is the columnist of “My So-Called Millennial Life '' which appears weekly in the Las Cruces Sun News. She is currently the Chair of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and a board member of the NM Writers Board. She has previously served as the President of Las Cruces Press Women and as the Secretary of New Mexico Press Women.
McClure’s children are what drives her interest in making Las Cruces better for all children. Cassie McClure’s priorities include improving communication between the city and its residents and creating safe and walkable neighborhoods where people can gather as friends and family. She will also prioritize working collaboratively with nonprofits, businesses, and NMSU to provide better jobs and sustainable development through infrastructure investments that preserve our natural resources and history.
We recommend Cassie McClure for Las Cruces City Council, District 1.
Cassie McClure is running for Las Cruces City Council, District 1. McClure is a well known progressive leader who has lived in Las Cruces since 2003, a Columnist with Creators.com, and a writer with McClure Publications. McClure is the columnist of “My So-Called Millennial Life '' which appears weekly in the Las Cruces Sun News. She is currently the Chair of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and a board member of the NM Writers Board. She has previously served as the President of Las Cruces Press Women and as the Secretary of New Mexico Press Women.
McClure’s children are what drives her interest in making Las Cruces better for all children. Cassie McClure’s priorities include improving communication between the city and its residents and creating safe and walkable neighborhoods where people can gather as friends and family. She will also prioritize working collaboratively with nonprofits, businesses, and NMSU to provide better jobs and sustainable development through infrastructure investments that preserve our natural resources and history.
We recommend Cassie McClure for Las Cruces City Council, District 1.
Cassie McClure is running for Las Cruces City Council, District 1. McClure is a well known progressive leader who has lived in Las Cruces since 2003, a Columnist with Creators.com, and a writer with McClure Publications. McClure is the columnist of “My So-Called Millennial Life '' which appears weekly in the Las Cruces Sun News. She is currently the Chair of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and a board member of the NM Writers Board. She has previously served as the President of Las Cruces Press Women and as the Secretary of New Mexico Press Women.
McClure’s children are what drives her interest in making Las Cruces better for all children. Cassie McClure’s priorities include improving communication between the city and its residents and creating safe and walkable neighborhoods where people can gather as friends and family. She will also prioritize working collaboratively with nonprofits, businesses, and NMSU to provide better jobs and sustainable development through infrastructure investments that preserve our natural resources and history.
We recommend Cassie McClure for Las Cruces City Council, District 1.
Other Candidates
Cassie McClure is being challenged by four other candidates for Las Cruces City Council, District 1. Jason Daniel Estrada has been associated with conservative political candidates and business owners in Las Cruces. Estrada previously announced his candidacy for Las Cruces mayor in 2021 but withdrew after having his business license for his gift shop revoked in the fall of 2021. Estrada had attempted to skirt cannabis laws by “gifting” cannabis to customers who purchased other items. Law enforcement investigated this and advised Estrada that he was in violation of state law and ordered him to stop. Jason Daniel Estrada was then caught violating cannabis laws a second time by undercover law enforcement for continuing to provide cannabis “gifts” with other purchases. While the charges were eventually dropped for these crimes, the Las Cruces City Council felt there was enough evidence of improper business practices and voted to revoke his business license. He is likely to claim the city council did this to silence him as a conservative mayoral candidate.
Daniel Gordon Buck is a local business owner in the cannabis industry and is relatively new to politics. While Buck's campaign website appears to lean progressive, his previous policy statements while engaging in activism in the community have been unclear.
Patrick W. Potter is a local property manager for his family’s business, Trust Properties, and has held his real estate license since 2011. Potter’s family also owns and operates Zia Comics in downtown Las Cruces. He claims that increased crime and homelessness, especially in the downtown area, are big motivations for him. Patrick Potter is a moderate candidate running on a conservative platform of stronger criminal sentencing, restoring trust in a council he believes is disconnected from voters, and economic development to bring better jobs to Las Cruces.
No public information could be found on Mark O’Neill, leading us to assume he is not making a real run for this seat.
Cassie McClure is being challenged by four other candidates for Las Cruces City Council, District 1. Jason Daniel Estrada has been associated with conservative political candidates and business owners in Las Cruces. Estrada previously announced his candidacy for Las Cruces mayor in 2021 but withdrew after having his business license for his gift shop revoked in the fall of 2021. Estrada had attempted to skirt cannabis laws by “gifting” cannabis to customers who purchased other items. Law enforcement investigated this and advised Estrada that he was in violation of state law and ordered him to stop. Jason Daniel Estrada was then caught violating cannabis laws a second time by undercover law enforcement for continuing to provide cannabis “gifts” with other purchases. While the charges were eventually dropped for these crimes, the Las Cruces City Council felt there was enough evidence of improper business practices and voted to revoke his business license. He is likely to claim the city council did this to silence him as a conservative mayoral candidate.
Daniel Gordon Buck is a local business owner in the cannabis industry and is relatively new to politics. While Buck's campaign website appears to lean progressive, his previous policy statements while engaging in activism in the community have been unclear.
Patrick W. Potter is a local property manager for his family’s business, Trust Properties, and has held his real estate license since 2011. Potter’s family also owns and operates Zia Comics in downtown Las Cruces. He claims that increased crime and homelessness, especially in the downtown area, are big motivations for him. Patrick Potter is a moderate candidate running on a conservative platform of stronger criminal sentencing, restoring trust in a council he believes is disconnected from voters, and economic development to bring better jobs to Las Cruces.
No public information could be found on Mark O’Neill, leading us to assume he is not making a real run for this seat.
Las Cruces City Council, District 2
Tessa Abeyta is running for her second term as Las Cruces City Council, District 2, where she has prioritized policies related to child welfare, health, and social services. Abeyta is the Co-Executive Director for the New Mexico Public Health Association. She is the President-Elect for the NM Municipal League, Vice Chair of the El Paseo Redevelopment Project, and Vice Chair of the Local Emergency Planning Committee of Dona Ana County.
Abeyta’s upbringing, combined with being a proud single mother, drives her interest in continuing to serve in her seat in Las Cruces City Council, District 2. Tessa Abeyta’s priorities are economic expansions by incentivizing small businesses and investing in key labor initiatives including apprentice and pre-apprenticeship programs. She will further prioritize infrastructure and community programs through investments in parks and roads; new affordable housing developments and after-school programs; and community and multi-generational centers. Lastly, Abeyta states she will prioritize public safety through investing in community policing. While Abeyta is generally supportive of police officers, she also focuses her priorities on holistic community safety such as advocating for the Las Cruces Crisis Response Team (LIGHT).
We recommend Tessa Abeyta for Las Cruces City Council, District 2.
Tessa Abeyta is running for her second term as Las Cruces City Council, District 2, where she has prioritized policies related to child welfare, health, and social services. Abeyta is the Co-Executive Director for the New Mexico Public Health Association. She is the President-Elect for the NM Municipal League, Vice Chair of the El Paseo Redevelopment Project, and Vice Chair of the Local Emergency Planning Committee of Dona Ana County.
Abeyta’s upbringing, combined with being a proud single mother, drives her interest in continuing to serve in her seat in Las Cruces City Council, District 2. Tessa Abeyta’s priorities are economic expansions by incentivizing small businesses and investing in key labor initiatives including apprentice and pre-apprenticeship programs. She will further prioritize infrastructure and community programs through investments in parks and roads; new affordable housing developments and after-school programs; and community and multi-generational centers. Lastly, Abeyta states she will prioritize public safety through investing in community policing. While Abeyta is generally supportive of police officers, she also focuses her priorities on holistic community safety such as advocating for the Las Cruces Crisis Response Team (LIGHT).
We recommend Tessa Abeyta for Las Cruces City Council, District 2.
Endorsed By: Equality New Mexico
,
Planned Parenthood Votes New Mexico
,
Sierra Club
,
Working Families Party New Mexico
,
Martin Heinrich, U.S. Senator
Tessa Abeyta is running for her second term as Las Cruces City Council, District 2, where she has prioritized policies related to child welfare, health, and social services. Abeyta is the Co-Executive Director for the New Mexico Public Health Association. She is the President-Elect for the NM Municipal League, Vice Chair of the El Paseo Redevelopment Project, and Vice Chair of the Local Emergency Planning Committee of Dona Ana County.
Abeyta’s upbringing, combined with being a proud single mother, drives her interest in continuing to serve in her seat in Las Cruces City Council, District 2. Tessa Abeyta’s priorities are economic expansions by incentivizing small businesses and investing in key labor initiatives including apprentice and pre-apprenticeship programs. She will further prioritize infrastructure and community programs through investments in parks and roads; new affordable housing developments and after-school programs; and community and multi-generational centers. Lastly, Abeyta states she will prioritize public safety through investing in community policing. While Abeyta is generally supportive of police officers, she also focuses her priorities on holistic community safety such as advocating for the Las Cruces Crisis Response Team (LIGHT).
We recommend Tessa Abeyta for Las Cruces City Council, District 2.
Endorsed By: Equality New Mexico
,
Planned Parenthood Votes New Mexico
,
Sierra Club
,
Working Families Party New Mexico
,
Martin Heinrich, U.S. Senator
Other Candidates
Tessa Abeyta is being challenged by William “Bill” Matice, former mayor of Las Cruces. Matice is a fiscal conservative who seems to have mostly stayed out of modern GOP politics but is still running on a pro-business platform. Bill Matice owns a travel agency in the Village of Mesilla, so technically his business isn’t even in Las Cruces. Given his lack of social media presence, it’s hard to gauge his current thoughts and feelings. However, since being out of city government, he has fairly routinely shown up in the local press with comments about local politics, usually regarding business issues.
Tessa Abeyta is being challenged by William “Bill” Matice, former mayor of Las Cruces. Matice is a fiscal conservative who seems to have mostly stayed out of modern GOP politics but is still running on a pro-business platform. Bill Matice owns a travel agency in the Village of Mesilla, so technically his business isn’t even in Las Cruces. Given his lack of social media presence, it’s hard to gauge his current thoughts and feelings. However, since being out of city government, he has fairly routinely shown up in the local press with comments about local politics, usually regarding business issues.
Las Cruces City Council, District 4
Johana Bencomo is running for her second term as Las Cruces City Councilor for District 4, where she has focused on ensuring the city prioritizes anti-poverty efforts to improve the quality of life for all Las Crucens. Bencomo was elected to the city council in November 2019, winning almost 63 percent of the vote after two rounds of ranked choice voting in the District 4 race.
Bencomo is currently the Program Director for the Future Presidents Project with the Women’s Democracy Lab. Prior to that, she served as the Executive Director for the faith-based organizing non-profit in Southern NM, NM CAFé. She is a board member of the New Mexico Environmental Law Center, a field instructor for NMSU’s School of Social Work, a WK Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network Fellow, and a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Racial Justice.
Bencomo was raised by immigrant parents who instilled in her to fight for what she loves, which drives her interest in continuing to serve on her seat in Las Cruces City Council, District 4. Johana Bencomo’s priority areas are community safety through continued investment in the crisis response model and bringing in more mental health and substance treatment resources. She will invest in housing stability by passing a Unified Housing Code and investment in affordable housing development, revitalization of neglected areas, and neighborhood infrastructure through funding a traffic calming project as well as street and sidewalk improvements.
We recommend Johana Bencomo for Las Cruces City Council, District 4.
Johana Bencomo is running for her second term as Las Cruces City Councilor for District 4, where she has focused on ensuring the city prioritizes anti-poverty efforts to improve the quality of life for all Las Crucens. Bencomo was elected to the city council in November 2019, winning almost 63 percent of the vote after two rounds of ranked choice voting in the District 4 race.
Bencomo is currently the Program Director for the Future Presidents Project with the Women’s Democracy Lab. Prior to that, she served as the Executive Director for the faith-based organizing non-profit in Southern NM, NM CAFé. She is a board member of the New Mexico Environmental Law Center, a field instructor for NMSU’s School of Social Work, a WK Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network Fellow, and a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Racial Justice.
Bencomo was raised by immigrant parents who instilled in her to fight for what she loves, which drives her interest in continuing to serve on her seat in Las Cruces City Council, District 4. Johana Bencomo’s priority areas are community safety through continued investment in the crisis response model and bringing in more mental health and substance treatment resources. She will invest in housing stability by passing a Unified Housing Code and investment in affordable housing development, revitalization of neglected areas, and neighborhood infrastructure through funding a traffic calming project as well as street and sidewalk improvements.
We recommend Johana Bencomo for Las Cruces City Council, District 4.
Endorsed By: Dreams in Action
,
Equality New Mexico
,
Planned Parenthood Votes New Mexico
,
Sierra Club
,
Working Families Party New Mexico
,
Martin Heinrich, U.S. Senator
Johana Bencomo is running for her second term as Las Cruces City Councilor for District 4, where she has focused on ensuring the city prioritizes anti-poverty efforts to improve the quality of life for all Las Crucens. Bencomo was elected to the city council in November 2019, winning almost 63 percent of the vote after two rounds of ranked choice voting in the District 4 race.
Bencomo is currently the Program Director for the Future Presidents Project with the Women’s Democracy Lab. Prior to that, she served as the Executive Director for the faith-based organizing non-profit in Southern NM, NM CAFé. She is a board member of the New Mexico Environmental Law Center, a field instructor for NMSU’s School of Social Work, a WK Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network Fellow, and a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Racial Justice.
Bencomo was raised by immigrant parents who instilled in her to fight for what she loves, which drives her interest in continuing to serve on her seat in Las Cruces City Council, District 4. Johana Bencomo’s priority areas are community safety through continued investment in the crisis response model and bringing in more mental health and substance treatment resources. She will invest in housing stability by passing a Unified Housing Code and investment in affordable housing development, revitalization of neglected areas, and neighborhood infrastructure through funding a traffic calming project as well as street and sidewalk improvements.
We recommend Johana Bencomo for Las Cruces City Council, District 4.
Endorsed By: Dreams in Action
,
Equality New Mexico
,
Planned Parenthood Votes New Mexico
,
Sierra Club
,
Working Families Party New Mexico
,
Martin Heinrich, U.S. Senator
Other Candidates
Gabriel Duran Jr. is challenging Johana Bencomo. There is very little public information available on Duran Jr. other than an upcoming “Meet-Guest Speaker” event held at a “Coalition of Conservatives in Action” (CCIA, a group of MAGA Republicans in Las Cruces) meeting on October 19th.
Little public information could be found on Ramon Ortega, leading us to assume he is not making a real run for this seat.. He did speak briefly at a CCIA candidate forum in Las Cruces on September 28 where his main concerns were rising utility prices, property crime to his small business, and a desire to increase policing to address the homeless population in the district.
No public information could be found on Lorenzo Medina, leading us to assume he is not making a real run for this seat
Gabriel Duran Jr. is challenging Johana Bencomo. There is very little public information available on Duran Jr. other than an upcoming “Meet-Guest Speaker” event held at a “Coalition of Conservatives in Action” (CCIA, a group of MAGA Republicans in Las Cruces) meeting on October 19th.
Little public information could be found on Ramon Ortega, leading us to assume he is not making a real run for this seat.. He did speak briefly at a CCIA candidate forum in Las Cruces on September 28 where his main concerns were rising utility prices, property crime to his small business, and a desire to increase policing to address the homeless population in the district.
No public information could be found on Lorenzo Medina, leading us to assume he is not making a real run for this seat
Las Cruces School District
Patrick Nolan is running for Las Cruces School Board, District 1. Nolan was appointed to the seat in April of 2023, following the resignation of the previous member. He is also the father of a Las Cruces Public Schools student. Nolan is the current Executive Director of the non-profit organization, Friends of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, dedicated to protecting public lands and previously worked on several educational issues during his time as Union Representative for the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico.
Nolan’s daughter attending the school district, and his desire to make school a critical piece to overall community well being, are what drives his interest in continuing to serve his seat in Las Cruces Public Schools, District 1. Patrick Nolan’s priorities are to support staff; address transportation issues; ensure well maintained, safe, and well-designed buildings; and provide more options for after school programs for students.
We recommend Patrick Nolan for Las Cruces Public Schools, District 1.
Patrick Nolan is running for Las Cruces School Board, District 1. Nolan was appointed to the seat in April of 2023, following the resignation of the previous member. He is also the father of a Las Cruces Public Schools student. Nolan is the current Executive Director of the non-profit organization, Friends of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, dedicated to protecting public lands and previously worked on several educational issues during his time as Union Representative for the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico.
Nolan’s daughter attending the school district, and his desire to make school a critical piece to overall community well being, are what drives his interest in continuing to serve his seat in Las Cruces Public Schools, District 1. Patrick Nolan’s priorities are to support staff; address transportation issues; ensure well maintained, safe, and well-designed buildings; and provide more options for after school programs for students.
We recommend Patrick Nolan for Las Cruces Public Schools, District 1.
Endorsed By: Dreams in Action
,
Equality New Mexico
,
NEA New Mexico
,
Sierra Club
,
Working Families Party New Mexico
Patrick Nolan is running for Las Cruces School Board, District 1. Nolan was appointed to the seat in April of 2023, following the resignation of the previous member. He is also the father of a Las Cruces Public Schools student. Nolan is the current Executive Director of the non-profit organization, Friends of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, dedicated to protecting public lands and previously worked on several educational issues during his time as Union Representative for the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico.
Nolan’s daughter attending the school district, and his desire to make school a critical piece to overall community well being, are what drives his interest in continuing to serve his seat in Las Cruces Public Schools, District 1. Patrick Nolan’s priorities are to support staff; address transportation issues; ensure well maintained, safe, and well-designed buildings; and provide more options for after school programs for students.
We recommend Patrick Nolan for Las Cruces Public Schools, District 1.
Endorsed By: Dreams in Action
,
Equality New Mexico
,
NEA New Mexico
,
Sierra Club
,
Working Families Party New Mexico
Other Candidates
Patrick Nolan is being challenged by Joseph Sousa. No public information could be found on Joseph Sousa, leading us to assume he is not making a real run for this seat.
Patrick Nolan is being challenged by Joseph Sousa. No public information could be found on Joseph Sousa, leading us to assume he is not making a real run for this seat.
Teresa Tenorio is running for her second term as Las Cruces School Board Member for District 4. Tenorio is currently the President of the Board. In her first term, she fought hard for equitable policies; stood with students and teachers on policies such as Equity and Excellence for All Students and Gender Inclusion in Schools; as well as oversaw two difficult transitions for the Superintendent. Tenorio routinely speaks up during meetings for good policy. She is also extremely active in the community and schools, regularly showing up for -- and participating in -- events with teachers and students.
Tenorio’s years of experience in the education sector, and having three children of her own attending Las Cruces Public Schools, drive her interest in running for reelection. Beyond her school board responsibilities, legislatively she supported the safe storage act for firearms, funding for energy efficiency in schools, 80/20 health insurance for school employees, and funding to meet student health needs. Tenorio’s priorities are to make sure the foundation of education is strong for our children through policy, budget, and support and oversight of the superintendent.
We recommend Teresa Tenorio for Las Cruces Public Schools, District 4.
Teresa Tenorio is running for her second term as Las Cruces School Board Member for District 4. Tenorio is currently the President of the Board. In her first term, she fought hard for equitable policies; stood with students and teachers on policies such as Equity and Excellence for All Students and Gender Inclusion in Schools; as well as oversaw two difficult transitions for the Superintendent. Tenorio routinely speaks up during meetings for good policy. She is also extremely active in the community and schools, regularly showing up for -- and participating in -- events with teachers and students.
Tenorio’s years of experience in the education sector, and having three children of her own attending Las Cruces Public Schools, drive her interest in running for reelection. Beyond her school board responsibilities, legislatively she supported the safe storage act for firearms, funding for energy efficiency in schools, 80/20 health insurance for school employees, and funding to meet student health needs. Tenorio’s priorities are to make sure the foundation of education is strong for our children through policy, budget, and support and oversight of the superintendent.
We recommend Teresa Tenorio for Las Cruces Public Schools, District 4.
Teresa Tenorio is running for her second term as Las Cruces School Board Member for District 4. Tenorio is currently the President of the Board. In her first term, she fought hard for equitable policies; stood with students and teachers on policies such as Equity and Excellence for All Students and Gender Inclusion in Schools; as well as oversaw two difficult transitions for the Superintendent. Tenorio routinely speaks up during meetings for good policy. She is also extremely active in the community and schools, regularly showing up for -- and participating in -- events with teachers and students.
Tenorio’s years of experience in the education sector, and having three children of her own attending Las Cruces Public Schools, drive her interest in running for reelection. Beyond her school board responsibilities, legislatively she supported the safe storage act for firearms, funding for energy efficiency in schools, 80/20 health insurance for school employees, and funding to meet student health needs. Tenorio’s priorities are to make sure the foundation of education is strong for our children through policy, budget, and support and oversight of the superintendent.
We recommend Teresa Tenorio for Las Cruces Public Schools, District 4.
Other Candidates
Julia Ruiz is challenging Teresa Tenorio. There is very little public information available on Ruiz. Julia Ruiz’ campaign is endorsed by and being shared by the “Coalition of Conservatives in Action,” a group of MAGA Republicans in Las Cruces who have been organizing and agitating at the local level for a couple of years.
No public information could be found on Edward Posey Howell, leading us to assume he is not making a real run for this seat.
Julia Ruiz is challenging Teresa Tenorio. There is very little public information available on Ruiz. Julia Ruiz’ campaign is endorsed by and being shared by the “Coalition of Conservatives in Action,” a group of MAGA Republicans in Las Cruces who have been organizing and agitating at the local level for a couple of years.
No public information could be found on Edward Posey Howell, leading us to assume he is not making a real run for this seat.
Edward “Ed” Frank is running for Las Cruces Public Schools, District 5. Ed Frank was a math teacher for 39 years at the middle school, high school, and community college levels. Frank has previously served as an Las Cruces Public Sc hools (LCPS) board member after being elected in 2015. He was a progressive member of the board and continues to advocate for student safety, valuing teachers, and improving standards and evaluations for students and teachers. Frank previously served as the Vice-President of the National Educators Association in Pennsylvania.
Franks’ 39 years as a teacher drives his interest in running for school board. Ed Frank’s priorities are for all students to feel safe at school; for educators to feel valued and appreciated; to implement appropriate and multi-faceted evaluations for students and educators; and to have exceptional student outcomes.
We recommend Ed Frank for Las Cruces Public Schools, District 5.
Edward “Ed” Frank is running for Las Cruces Public Schools, District 5. Ed Frank was a math teacher for 39 years at the middle school, high school, and community college levels. Frank has previously served as an Las Cruces Public Sc hools (LCPS) board member after being elected in 2015. He was a progressive member of the board and continues to advocate for student safety, valuing teachers, and improving standards and evaluations for students and teachers. Frank previously served as the Vice-President of the National Educators Association in Pennsylvania.
Franks’ 39 years as a teacher drives his interest in running for school board. Ed Frank’s priorities are for all students to feel safe at school; for educators to feel valued and appreciated; to implement appropriate and multi-faceted evaluations for students and educators; and to have exceptional student outcomes.
We recommend Ed Frank for Las Cruces Public Schools, District 5.
Edward “Ed” Frank is running for Las Cruces Public Schools, District 5. Ed Frank was a math teacher for 39 years at the middle school, high school, and community college levels. Frank has previously served as an Las Cruces Public Sc hools (LCPS) board member after being elected in 2015. He was a progressive member of the board and continues to advocate for student safety, valuing teachers, and improving standards and evaluations for students and teachers. Frank previously served as the Vice-President of the National Educators Association in Pennsylvania.
Franks’ 39 years as a teacher drives his interest in running for school board. Ed Frank’s priorities are for all students to feel safe at school; for educators to feel valued and appreciated; to implement appropriate and multi-faceted evaluations for students and educators; and to have exceptional student outcomes.
We recommend Ed Frank for Las Cruces Public Schools, District 5.
Other Candidates
Ed Frank is challenging incumbent Carol Lynn Cooper for Las Cruces Public Schools, District 5. Cooper has previously served as president of the Republican Women of the Mesilla Valley and is currently the only conservative member of the Las Cruces School Board.
It was called to our attention that Jose Aranda filled out a questionnaire in September that we unintentionally overlooked. We have apologized to the candidate for that oversight and extend our apologies to the community for this oversight as well. This section was updated 10/30/23. Jose Aranda is an Instructional Librarian at the Dona Ana Community College. His stated priority is to be an advocate for both students and teachers; specifically to improve test scores, mental health, and literacy rates. Aranda also states that he would focus on policy that is inclusive and equitable. When asked about support for school based health centers, Jose Aranda stated he did support them. However, when asked for more information, he indicated that he was unsure of whether school based health centers should be located within the schools themselves. As an organization that highly supports school based health centers, Aranda's statement gives us some pause. Since the first publishing of this website, a campaign Facebook page was created for Jose Aranda. While the Facebook page does not have any policy statements, it has links to a number of interviews with Aranda.
Ernest B. Carlson, IV works as a financial advisor and appears to hold conservative views though the only public information about his positions are on his campaign Facebook page.
Ed Frank is challenging incumbent Carol Lynn Cooper for Las Cruces Public Schools, District 5. Cooper has previously served as president of the Republican Women of the Mesilla Valley and is currently the only conservative member of the Las Cruces School Board.
It was called to our attention that Jose Aranda filled out a questionnaire in September that we unintentionally overlooked. We have apologized to the candidate for that oversight and extend our apologies to the community for this oversight as well. This section was updated 10/30/23. Jose Aranda is an Instructional Librarian at the Dona Ana Community College. His stated priority is to be an advocate for both students and teachers; specifically to improve test scores, mental health, and literacy rates. Aranda also states that he would focus on policy that is inclusive and equitable. When asked about support for school based health centers, Jose Aranda stated he did support them. However, when asked for more information, he indicated that he was unsure of whether school based health centers should be located within the schools themselves. As an organization that highly supports school based health centers, Aranda's statement gives us some pause. Since the first publishing of this website, a campaign Facebook page was created for Jose Aranda. While the Facebook page does not have any policy statements, it has links to a number of interviews with Aranda.
Ernest B. Carlson, IV works as a financial advisor and appears to hold conservative views though the only public information about his positions are on his campaign Facebook page.
Las Cruces City Council District 1 seat will be vacated by longtime City Councilor Kasandra Gandara who is now running for mayor. There are four candidates for this seat including two moderates, one conservative, and one progressive. We recommend Cassie McClure for Las Cruces City Council, District 1.