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ProgressNow New Mexico Votes 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!
Federal
Martin Heinrich is running for re-election to the US Senate. He has held the position since 2013, and serves as chairman of the Joint Economic Committee, chairman of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, and previously as chairman of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies subcommittee.
Previously, Heinrich represented New Mexico's 1st Congressional District from 2009-13 and also served as an Albuquerque City Councilor, and Council President, from 2004-08. He has also run his own public affairs firm, led a nonprofit focused on educating young people on the environment and science, served on the executive committee of the Sierra Club's Rio Grande Chapter, and was appointed by NM Governor Bill Richardson to be the state's Natural Resources Trustee.
Heinrich’s priorities include land conservation and protecting agriculture, ranching, and food systems, investing in infrastructure via rebuilding roads/bridges, expanding access to clean drinking water, and increasing high-speed internet access, protecting civil liberties and individual freedoms, expanding education, healthcare, and wellness programs, and leading efforts to grow jobs and the economy via renewable and clean energy.
His track record includes championing reproductive rights and healthcare – he advanced legislation protecting access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), contraception, and abortion, and co-sponsored Medicare-For-All legislation in 2017. He is a strong supporter of civil rights and was an original cosponsor of 2009 legislation to repeal the ban on gay marriage. Heinrich has advocated for and passed common sense gun safety laws, expanded health care access for veterans in both urban and rural areas, and led efforts to expand and invest in mental/behavioral services including specifically addressing the opioid/fentanyl public health crisis.
Heinrich is also well known for his work supporting clean/renewable energy jobs and protecting the environment and public lands. He co-sponsored the Green New Deal in 2019, which would establish net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and led efforts to establish Columbine-Hondo Wilderness in the Carson National Forest, the creation of the Rio Grande Del Norte and Organ Mountains Desert-Peaks National Monuments, creating the Sabinoso Wilderness, expanded public access to the Valles Caldera National Preserve, Passed the Great American Outdoors Act to address billions of dollars of deferred maintenance on public lands, and designating White Sands as a National Park.
Martin Heinrich is being challenged by Nella Domenici. Domenici is the daughter of former US Senator Pete Domenici, who served from 1973 to 2009. Previously, she worked as CFO for Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund, and has also worked for Citadel and Credit Suisse. Domenici’s stated priorities include increasing oil and gas extraction while reducing regulations, spending more on border security and law enforcement, and lowering taxes. Additionally, on the topic of reproductive health, while she has labeled herself as moderate via TV ads, Domenici has donated close to $20K to extreme anti-abortion candidates, including Yvette Herrell and Mark Ronchetti in New Mexico, Adam Laxalt in Nevada, and her former Bridgewater CEO Dave McCormick in Pennsylvania.
We highly recommend Martin Heinrich for US Senate based on his clear and consistent record of protecting civil and individual rights, investing in infrastructure, spurring sustainable economic growth and renewable/clean energy jobs, and championing public lands and the environment, which are essential to New Mexico’s heritage, traditions, and economy.
Martin Heinrich is running for re-election to the US Senate. He has held the position since 2013, and serves as chairman of the Joint Economic Committee, chairman of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, and previously as chairman of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies subcommittee.
Previously, Heinrich represented New Mexico's 1st Congressional District from 2009-13 and also served as an Albuquerque City Councilor, and Council President, from 2004-08. He has also run his own public affairs firm, led a nonprofit focused on educating young people on the environment and science, served on the executive committee of the Sierra Club's Rio Grande Chapter, and was appointed by NM Governor Bill Richardson to be the state's Natural Resources Trustee.
Heinrich’s priorities include land conservation and protecting agriculture, ranching, and food systems, investing in infrastructure via rebuilding roads/bridges, expanding access to clean drinking water, and increasing high-speed internet access, protecting civil liberties and individual freedoms, expanding education, healthcare, and wellness programs, and leading efforts to grow jobs and the economy via renewable and clean energy.
His track record includes championing reproductive rights and healthcare – he advanced legislation protecting access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), contraception, and abortion, and co-sponsored Medicare-For-All legislation in 2017. He is a strong supporter of civil rights and was an original cosponsor of 2009 legislation to repeal the ban on gay marriage. Heinrich has advocated for and passed common sense gun safety laws, expanded health care access for veterans in both urban and rural areas, and led efforts to expand and invest in mental/behavioral services including specifically addressing the opioid/fentanyl public health crisis.
Heinrich is also well known for his work supporting clean/renewable energy jobs and protecting the environment and public lands. He co-sponsored the Green New Deal in 2019, which would establish net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and led efforts to establish Columbine-Hondo Wilderness in the Carson National Forest, the creation of the Rio Grande Del Norte and Organ Mountains Desert-Peaks National Monuments, creating the Sabinoso Wilderness, expanded public access to the Valles Caldera National Preserve, Passed the Great American Outdoors Act to address billions of dollars of deferred maintenance on public lands, and designating White Sands as a National Park.
Martin Heinrich is being challenged by Nella Domenici. Domenici is the daughter of former US Senator Pete Domenici, who served from 1973 to 2009. Previously, she worked as CFO for Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund, and has also worked for Citadel and Credit Suisse. Domenici’s stated priorities include increasing oil and gas extraction while reducing regulations, spending more on border security and law enforcement, and lowering taxes. Additionally, on the topic of reproductive health, while she has labeled herself as moderate via TV ads, Domenici has donated close to $20K to extreme anti-abortion candidates, including Yvette Herrell and Mark Ronchetti in New Mexico, Adam Laxalt in Nevada, and her former Bridgewater CEO Dave McCormick in Pennsylvania.
We highly recommend Martin Heinrich for US Senate based on his clear and consistent record of protecting civil and individual rights, investing in infrastructure, spurring sustainable economic growth and renewable/clean energy jobs, and championing public lands and the environment, which are essential to New Mexico’s heritage, traditions, and economy.
Congress
1st 选区
Melanie Stansbury is running for re-election to New Mexico's 1st Congressional District. She has held the position since 2021, and serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
Before serving in Congress, Stansbury served in the NM State Legislature as House District 28 Representative from 2019-21. Previously, she worked as a STEM Educator and researcher on land and water issues across New Mexico, and as a staffer for the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the White House Office of Management and Budget. She is a graduate of Cornell University, Saint Mary's College of California, and Cibola High School.
Stansbury’s priorities include addressing the climate crisis through renewable energy and protection of natural resources, economic opportunity via fair wages, workplace protections, and supporting small businesses, increased access to healthcare including Medicaid expansion and protections for those with pre-existing conditions, and investing in public education including early childhood programs, higher education, and workforce development.
Her track record includes: passing legislation promoting renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, working to increase funding for public education and early childhood programs, supporting bills expanding Medicaid coverage and protecting healthcare access for vulnerable populations, collaborating with local businesses and organizations to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Melanie Stansbury is being challenged by Steve Jones. Jones describes himself as a graduate of the University of Houston, certified Public Accountant, retired Army Medic, and has also worked as a CFO and investor in the energy sector. His stated priorities are to improve the economy by lowering taxes and reducing government spending, spend more on border security, and protect the 2nd Amendment by promoting education and training while opposing any legislative or regulatory action.
We highly recommend Melanie Stansbury for US Congressional District 1 based on her unique blend of scientific expertise and policy experience, and her track record on climate action, economic opportunity, healthcare access, education, and her close alignment with New Mexican values.
Melanie Stansbury is running for re-election to New Mexico's 1st Congressional District. She has held the position since 2021, and serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
Before serving in Congress, Stansbury served in the NM State Legislature as House District 28 Representative from 2019-21. Previously, she worked as a STEM Educator and researcher on land and water issues across New Mexico, and as a staffer for the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the White House Office of Management and Budget. She is a graduate of Cornell University, Saint Mary's College of California, and Cibola High School.
Stansbury’s priorities include addressing the climate crisis through renewable energy and protection of natural resources, economic opportunity via fair wages, workplace protections, and supporting small businesses, increased access to healthcare including Medicaid expansion and protections for those with pre-existing conditions, and investing in public education including early childhood programs, higher education, and workforce development.
Her track record includes: passing legislation promoting renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, working to increase funding for public education and early childhood programs, supporting bills expanding Medicaid coverage and protecting healthcare access for vulnerable populations, collaborating with local businesses and organizations to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Melanie Stansbury is being challenged by Steve Jones. Jones describes himself as a graduate of the University of Houston, certified Public Accountant, retired Army Medic, and has also worked as a CFO and investor in the energy sector. His stated priorities are to improve the economy by lowering taxes and reducing government spending, spend more on border security, and protect the 2nd Amendment by promoting education and training while opposing any legislative or regulatory action.
We highly recommend Melanie Stansbury for US Congressional District 1 based on her unique blend of scientific expertise and policy experience, and her track record on climate action, economic opportunity, healthcare access, education, and her close alignment with New Mexican values.
2nd 选区
Gabe Vasquez is running for re-election to New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District. He has held the position since 2022, and serves on the House Armed Services Committee and House Agriculture Committee.
Prior to serving in Congress, Vasquez was a member of Las Cruces City Council from 2017-21. Previously, he worked as Deputy Director of the Western Conservation Foundation, Deputy Director of New Mexico's chapter of the Wilderness Society, Director of Community Relations for the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, and was also executive director of the Las Cruces Hispano Chamber of Commerce and a Field Representative for Senator Martin Heinrich’s office. He is a graduate of New Mexico State University.
Vasquez’ priorities include strengthening economic development by investing in renewable energy and promoting sustainable agriculture, protecting natural resources, improving healthcare by strengthening the Affordable Care Act, expanding Medicaid, and increasing funding for community health centers, and supporting veterans via mental health support and job training programs.
His track record includes leading efforts to designate the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument, sponsoring legislation to return water rights and management to the Pueblo of Zuni, investing in smart technology to detect fentanyl at ports of entry, and providing a pathway to citizenship for essential workers and agricultural workforces.
We recommend Gabe Vasquez for US Congressional District 2 based on his focus of creating good-paying jobs, protecting our land and water, improving healthcare, and supporting our veterans.
Gabe Vasquez is running for re-election to New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District. He has held the position since 2022, and serves on the House Armed Services Committee and House Agriculture Committee.
Prior to serving in Congress, Vasquez was a member of Las Cruces City Council from 2017-21. Previously, he worked as Deputy Director of the Western Conservation Foundation, Deputy Director of New Mexico's chapter of the Wilderness Society, Director of Community Relations for the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, and was also executive director of the Las Cruces Hispano Chamber of Commerce and a Field Representative for Senator Martin Heinrich’s office. He is a graduate of New Mexico State University.
Vasquez’ priorities include strengthening economic development by investing in renewable energy and promoting sustainable agriculture, protecting natural resources, improving healthcare by strengthening the Affordable Care Act, expanding Medicaid, and increasing funding for community health centers, and supporting veterans via mental health support and job training programs.
His track record includes leading efforts to designate the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument, sponsoring legislation to return water rights and management to the Pueblo of Zuni, investing in smart technology to detect fentanyl at ports of entry, and providing a pathway to citizenship for essential workers and agricultural workforces.
We recommend Gabe Vasquez for US Congressional District 2 based on his focus of creating good-paying jobs, protecting our land and water, improving healthcare, and supporting our veterans.
其他候选人
Gabe Vasquez is being challenged by Yvette Herrell. Herrell previously served in the 2nd Congressional District seat from 2021-23.
Previously, Herrell served in the NM State Legislature as House District 51 Representative from 2011-19. Her professional background includes working as a realtor and real estate broker for Future Real Estate in Alamogordo, NM.
Herrell’s priorities include increasing oil and gas extraction, cutting investments in renewable energy, increased spending on law enforcement and border patrol personnel, and “stopping woke politics.”
Her track record includes troubling positions and policy on abortion access, elections/democracy, and the environment. Herrell cosponsored 2021’s Life at Conception Act, which sought to redefine “human being” to include “all stages of life, including the moment of fertilization,” and made no exceptions for in vitro fertilization (IVF). During a 2020 candidate forum she also said “I wish we could have eliminated all abortion in the state.”
One of her first actions as a sitting congresswoman was to object to the certification of the 2020 presidential election results days before the January 6th insurrection, and she also received $2,900 in August 2022 from Deborah Maestas, former NM Republican Party chair and a fake elector who submitted a fraudulent electoral vote. During her tenure in congress, Herrell was also a top recipient of oil and gas contributions, denied any connection between fossil fuels and climate change, and voted against legislation to crack down on price gouging by the oil and gas industry during emergencies.
Based on Herrell’s past positions and track record, we do not recommend her for New Mexico’s US Congressional District 2.
Gabe Vasquez is being challenged by Yvette Herrell. Herrell previously served in the 2nd Congressional District seat from 2021-23.
Previously, Herrell served in the NM State Legislature as House District 51 Representative from 2011-19. Her professional background includes working as a realtor and real estate broker for Future Real Estate in Alamogordo, NM.
Herrell’s priorities include increasing oil and gas extraction, cutting investments in renewable energy, increased spending on law enforcement and border patrol personnel, and “stopping woke politics.”
Her track record includes troubling positions and policy on abortion access, elections/democracy, and the environment. Herrell cosponsored 2021’s Life at Conception Act, which sought to redefine “human being” to include “all stages of life, including the moment of fertilization,” and made no exceptions for in vitro fertilization (IVF). During a 2020 candidate forum she also said “I wish we could have eliminated all abortion in the state.”
One of her first actions as a sitting congresswoman was to object to the certification of the 2020 presidential election results days before the January 6th insurrection, and she also received $2,900 in August 2022 from Deborah Maestas, former NM Republican Party chair and a fake elector who submitted a fraudulent electoral vote. During her tenure in congress, Herrell was also a top recipient of oil and gas contributions, denied any connection between fossil fuels and climate change, and voted against legislation to crack down on price gouging by the oil and gas industry during emergencies.
Based on Herrell’s past positions and track record, we do not recommend her for New Mexico’s US Congressional District 2.
State Senate
State Senator, District 9
Cindy Nava is running for the open seat in Senate District 9. Nava left her appointment by the White House as Senior Policy Advisor to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development early this year in order to run for this seat. Prior to that Nava was Executive Director of Transform Education NM, managed/owned her own consulting firm, NAVA Strategies, and was the Political Director for Ben Ray Lujan’s U.S. Senate Campaign. Her volunteer and leadership experience includes serving on the board for Youth Development Inc. (YDI), and she is also a founding Board Member of the American Mexican Association (AMA-USA).
Nava’s personal experience of being undocumented, becoming a Dreamer (DACA recipient), and receiving her U.S. citizenship drives her passion to run for Senate District 9. Her priorities include improving education from early childhood through secondary education by increasing pay for educators and creating facilities that support learning, increasing investments in affordable housing and first-time home buyer programs as well as low interest loans, and making healthcare more affordable by reducing premium rates through New Mexico’s health exchange as well as focusing on recruitment and retention of high quality health care providers to New Mexico.
We highly recommend Cindy Nava for Senate District 9 based on her policy work, lived experience, and demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of all New Mexicans.
Cindy Nava is running for the open seat in Senate District 9. Nava left her appointment by the White House as Senior Policy Advisor to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development early this year in order to run for this seat. Prior to that Nava was Executive Director of Transform Education NM, managed/owned her own consulting firm, NAVA Strategies, and was the Political Director for Ben Ray Lujan’s U.S. Senate Campaign. Her volunteer and leadership experience includes serving on the board for Youth Development Inc. (YDI), and she is also a founding Board Member of the American Mexican Association (AMA-USA).
Nava’s personal experience of being undocumented, becoming a Dreamer (DACA recipient), and receiving her U.S. citizenship drives her passion to run for Senate District 9. Her priorities include improving education from early childhood through secondary education by increasing pay for educators and creating facilities that support learning, increasing investments in affordable housing and first-time home buyer programs as well as low interest loans, and making healthcare more affordable by reducing premium rates through New Mexico’s health exchange as well as focusing on recruitment and retention of high quality health care providers to New Mexico.
We highly recommend Cindy Nava for Senate District 9 based on her policy work, lived experience, and demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of all New Mexicans.
其他候选人
Cindy Nava is being challenged by Republican Audrey Trujillo for Senate District 9. Trujillo is a prominent MAGA Republican who previously ran for House District 23 in 2020 and NM Secretary of State in 2022.
During the 2022 campaign, she appeared on Steve Bannon’s War Room show, where she uplifted the “Big Lie” that former President Trump won the 2020 election. She also regularly uplifts harmful conspiracy theories about school shootings, public health, and immigration, and has shared antisemitic content on social media, the latter of which she was denounced for by her own party leading into the 2024 primary election. She has also appeared at events alongside nationally recognized extremists and conspiracy theorists like Mike Lindell, Joe Oltmann and Seth Keshel. Trujillo is also recognized for spreading dis/misinformation about LGBTQ+ communities, including a recent example where she stated in a social media post that “humanity is under a major attack” and “I believe the confusion comes from Satan and his desire to destroy God’s creation.”
Her priorities include using state funds to build a border wall and deploy the National Guard, addressing public safety/crime through harsher sentencing and reinstating the death penalty, and supporting oil and gas producers. She also opposes worker protections like Paid Family Medical Leave and raising the minimum wage, and additional environmental protections for New Mexico’s land, air, and water.
We do not recommend Audrey Trujillo for Senate District 9 based on her stated priorities and track record of spreading dis/misinformation, including content aimed at destabilizing New Mexico’s elections.
Cindy Nava is being challenged by Republican Audrey Trujillo for Senate District 9. Trujillo is a prominent MAGA Republican who previously ran for House District 23 in 2020 and NM Secretary of State in 2022.
During the 2022 campaign, she appeared on Steve Bannon’s War Room show, where she uplifted the “Big Lie” that former President Trump won the 2020 election. She also regularly uplifts harmful conspiracy theories about school shootings, public health, and immigration, and has shared antisemitic content on social media, the latter of which she was denounced for by her own party leading into the 2024 primary election. She has also appeared at events alongside nationally recognized extremists and conspiracy theorists like Mike Lindell, Joe Oltmann and Seth Keshel. Trujillo is also recognized for spreading dis/misinformation about LGBTQ+ communities, including a recent example where she stated in a social media post that “humanity is under a major attack” and “I believe the confusion comes from Satan and his desire to destroy God’s creation.”
Her priorities include using state funds to build a border wall and deploy the National Guard, addressing public safety/crime through harsher sentencing and reinstating the death penalty, and supporting oil and gas producers. She also opposes worker protections like Paid Family Medical Leave and raising the minimum wage, and additional environmental protections for New Mexico’s land, air, and water.
We do not recommend Audrey Trujillo for Senate District 9 based on her stated priorities and track record of spreading dis/misinformation, including content aimed at destabilizing New Mexico’s elections.
State Senator, District 10
Katy Duhigg is running for re-election in the General Election for Senate District 10. Duhigg has held the position since 2021, and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Judiciary and as a member of the Senate Committees’ Committee.
Katy Duhigg works as an attorney with Sutin Thayer & Browne, where she specializes in litigation. Before joining the firm, she ran her own law practice advocating for New Mexicans in consumer protection cases. Her expertise in election law led to her appointment as Albuquerque City Clerk in 2018, where she oversaw significant reforms to the city’s election code and ethics policies. Raised in Senate District 10, Duhigg comes from a family of local attorneys, small business owners, and public servants, and she also has leadership/volunteer experience with multiple boards and councils, including Common Cause New Mexico, the Bernalillo County Code of Conduct Review Board, and the RFK Charter School Governance Council.
Duhigg is motivated to run for re-election for Senate District 10 to continue her work and dedication to protecting vulnerable populations. Her advocacy in the state legislature over the past few years includes sponsoring and supporting critical bills like the Voting Rights Act, prohibiting intimidation of election officials, and protecting reproductive health and gender affirming care. She has also passed critical legislation to expand public financing for judicial candidates, allow non-major-party voters to participate in Primary elections, and protect lower-income patients from debt collection. She has also reinforced New Mexican families by closing loopholes in wage laws and ending predatory lending practices.
Katy Duhigg is being challenged by Republican Rudy Mora. Mora, a retired NM state police officer, has stated priorities that include the economy, border, and crime, which he would address via increased law enforcement in place of supporting policies that address the root causes of these issues. Given Mora’s positions, we do not recommend him for Senate District 10.
We highly recommend Katy Duhigg for re-election for Senate District 10 based on her voting record and her willingness to sponsor bills that make a difference in the lives of New Mexicans.
Katy Duhigg is running for re-election in the General Election for Senate District 10. Duhigg has held the position since 2021, and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Judiciary and as a member of the Senate Committees’ Committee.
Katy Duhigg works as an attorney with Sutin Thayer & Browne, where she specializes in litigation. Before joining the firm, she ran her own law practice advocating for New Mexicans in consumer protection cases. Her expertise in election law led to her appointment as Albuquerque City Clerk in 2018, where she oversaw significant reforms to the city’s election code and ethics policies. Raised in Senate District 10, Duhigg comes from a family of local attorneys, small business owners, and public servants, and she also has leadership/volunteer experience with multiple boards and councils, including Common Cause New Mexico, the Bernalillo County Code of Conduct Review Board, and the RFK Charter School Governance Council.
Duhigg is motivated to run for re-election for Senate District 10 to continue her work and dedication to protecting vulnerable populations. Her advocacy in the state legislature over the past few years includes sponsoring and supporting critical bills like the Voting Rights Act, prohibiting intimidation of election officials, and protecting reproductive health and gender affirming care. She has also passed critical legislation to expand public financing for judicial candidates, allow non-major-party voters to participate in Primary elections, and protect lower-income patients from debt collection. She has also reinforced New Mexican families by closing loopholes in wage laws and ending predatory lending practices.
Katy Duhigg is being challenged by Republican Rudy Mora. Mora, a retired NM state police officer, has stated priorities that include the economy, border, and crime, which he would address via increased law enforcement in place of supporting policies that address the root causes of these issues. Given Mora’s positions, we do not recommend him for Senate District 10.
We highly recommend Katy Duhigg for re-election for Senate District 10 based on her voting record and her willingness to sponsor bills that make a difference in the lives of New Mexicans.
State Senator, District 12
Phillip Ramirez is running in the General Election for the open seat in Senate District 12. A lifelong resident of Albuquerque's South Valley, Ramirez has spent his career working to improve the lives of New Mexicans. Currently, he works at his family business, a signatory company with the Local UA 412 union, as a project manager and is a Union Refrigeration journeyman. He was also appointed to the Construction Industry’s Commission in 2019, where he was also elected vice chairman in 2021. In addition to his professional experience, Ramirez is passionate about reinforcing young people and is active as a volunteer in little league baseball, serving as the district safety officer and umpire.
Phillip Ramirez is motivated to run for Senate District 12 by his belief that every New Mexican deserves access to quality education, affordable healthcare, and economic opportunities. Passionate about creating a more just and equitable society, his priorities include supporting a trade education curriculum in public schools by reintroducing courses like electrical and auto shops, lowering medical and prescription drug costs, and ensuring workers have a living wage to offer families a sense of financial stability. He also prioritizes investing in renewable energy, electrification, and clean energy jobs, and policies that ensure access to clean water. Additionally, he supports reinforcing and growing small businesses by streamlining permitting, increasing access to grants and low interest loans, and spurring local procurement within government agencies and large institutions.
We highly recommend Phillip Ramirez for Senate District 12 based on his background, experience, and focus on investing in education, healthcare, and New Mexican families.
Phillip Ramirez is running in the General Election for the open seat in Senate District 12. A lifelong resident of Albuquerque's South Valley, Ramirez has spent his career working to improve the lives of New Mexicans. Currently, he works at his family business, a signatory company with the Local UA 412 union, as a project manager and is a Union Refrigeration journeyman. He was also appointed to the Construction Industry’s Commission in 2019, where he was also elected vice chairman in 2021. In addition to his professional experience, Ramirez is passionate about reinforcing young people and is active as a volunteer in little league baseball, serving as the district safety officer and umpire.
Phillip Ramirez is motivated to run for Senate District 12 by his belief that every New Mexican deserves access to quality education, affordable healthcare, and economic opportunities. Passionate about creating a more just and equitable society, his priorities include supporting a trade education curriculum in public schools by reintroducing courses like electrical and auto shops, lowering medical and prescription drug costs, and ensuring workers have a living wage to offer families a sense of financial stability. He also prioritizes investing in renewable energy, electrification, and clean energy jobs, and policies that ensure access to clean water. Additionally, he supports reinforcing and growing small businesses by streamlining permitting, increasing access to grants and low interest loans, and spurring local procurement within government agencies and large institutions.
We highly recommend Phillip Ramirez for Senate District 12 based on his background, experience, and focus on investing in education, healthcare, and New Mexican families.
其他候选人
Jay Block is running against Phillip Ramirez for Senate District 12. Block has aligned himself with well known MAGA players such as Rep. John Block, who was at the Capitol in Washington, DC on Jan. 6, 2021 and proudly talks about it on his campaign website and social media. Block’s priorities include defunding public schools through school choice, supporting policies that make it harder to vote, and combating fentanyl by stopping immigration, even though 90% of interdicted fentanyl is caught at Ports of Entry and primarily in vehicles driven by U.S. citizens.
During Block’s time as a County Commissioner for Sandoval County, he repeatedly voted against gun safety reform, put the interests of CEOs over those of working people, and spread disinformation about election security and the results of the 2020 Presidential election.
In 2019, Block voted for a “2nd Amendment Sanctuary” Resolution in Sandoval County, allowing Sandoval County Sheriffs to refuse to enforce the state mandated Red Flag Law that allows courts to order the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. In an interview with New Mexico Business First in 2020, Block stated that he did not support increasing minimum wage or an ordinance giving workers mandated paid leave in Sandoval County.
In 2021, Block attempted to arrange an election audit conducted by the same company that led to voter intimidation in Otero County, in Sandoval County. While the audit did not end up happening, the discussions in the County Commission meetings, led by Block, further spread disinformation about the security of New Mexico elections.
Block also has the highest rating possible from the NRA. Given his track record of putting profits and special interest over people, his position on immigration and the border, and consistently sharing dis/misinformation about elections, we do not recommend Jay Block for Senate District 12.
Jay Block is running against Phillip Ramirez for Senate District 12. Block has aligned himself with well known MAGA players such as Rep. John Block, who was at the Capitol in Washington, DC on Jan. 6, 2021 and proudly talks about it on his campaign website and social media. Block’s priorities include defunding public schools through school choice, supporting policies that make it harder to vote, and combating fentanyl by stopping immigration, even though 90% of interdicted fentanyl is caught at Ports of Entry and primarily in vehicles driven by U.S. citizens.
During Block’s time as a County Commissioner for Sandoval County, he repeatedly voted against gun safety reform, put the interests of CEOs over those of working people, and spread disinformation about election security and the results of the 2020 Presidential election.
In 2019, Block voted for a “2nd Amendment Sanctuary” Resolution in Sandoval County, allowing Sandoval County Sheriffs to refuse to enforce the state mandated Red Flag Law that allows courts to order the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. In an interview with New Mexico Business First in 2020, Block stated that he did not support increasing minimum wage or an ordinance giving workers mandated paid leave in Sandoval County.
In 2021, Block attempted to arrange an election audit conducted by the same company that led to voter intimidation in Otero County, in Sandoval County. While the audit did not end up happening, the discussions in the County Commission meetings, led by Block, further spread disinformation about the security of New Mexico elections.
Block also has the highest rating possible from the NRA. Given his track record of putting profits and special interest over people, his position on immigration and the border, and consistently sharing dis/misinformation about elections, we do not recommend Jay Block for Senate District 12.
State Senator, District 15
Heather Berghmans is currently a policy analyst and finance consultant and recently worked as Finance Director for the New Mexico House Democratic Campaign. Previous roles include Director of Special Projects to Speaker of the House Javier Martinez, Policy Analyst for Speaker of the House Brian Egolf, and Lead Policy/Committee Analyst - New Mexico House of Representatives. She also served on the City of Albuquerque’s 2022 Redistricting Committee.
Prior to her policy and legislative work, Berghmans worked as an operations director for high growth e-commerce companies and on the administrative/operations team at New Mexico Kids Network. She received her undergraduate degree at UNM, and earned a Master’s in Public Administration from the UNM School of Public Administration.
Berghmans’ motivation to run for Senate District 15 comes from her passion for public service as a way of improving the lives of children, women, and families, and her experience with passing important policies in the legislature.
Over the last few years, Berghmans has played a critical role in the passage of policies related to protections for abortion access, gun violence prevention, access to education, working families rights, voting protections, and more. Her priorities include addressing housing and homelessness through an increase in affordable housing and rent control, public safety through improved gun control regulations, and healthcare equality through policies such as access to full spectrum healthcare and innovative initiatives to support our doctors, along with strategic expansion of telehealth and mobile health clinics.
Additionally, Berghmans supports expanding early childhood education and increasing educators' pay as well as zero dollar copays for healthcare, improving our economy by supporting both emerging industry and small businesses, and protecting our environment through a just transition to adopting renewable energy.
Heather Berghmans is being challenged by Republican Craig Degenhardt for Senate District 15. While Degenhardt’s campaign website has very little details on the policies he supports, a review of his platform and campaign Facebook shows he supports policies unfavored by New Mexicans such as increasing law enforcement presence to reduce crime, without mention of other safety programs for our communities, expanding “energy” sources by increasing oil & gas operations in our state, and addressing the current border crisis without stating any policies that would address the root cause of the issue.
We highly recommend Heather Berghmans for Senate District 15 based on her experience with policies in the state Legislature and her demonstrated commitment to New Mexicans.
Heather Berghmans is currently a policy analyst and finance consultant and recently worked as Finance Director for the New Mexico House Democratic Campaign. Previous roles include Director of Special Projects to Speaker of the House Javier Martinez, Policy Analyst for Speaker of the House Brian Egolf, and Lead Policy/Committee Analyst - New Mexico House of Representatives. She also served on the City of Albuquerque’s 2022 Redistricting Committee.
Prior to her policy and legislative work, Berghmans worked as an operations director for high growth e-commerce companies and on the administrative/operations team at New Mexico Kids Network. She received her undergraduate degree at UNM, and earned a Master’s in Public Administration from the UNM School of Public Administration.
Berghmans’ motivation to run for Senate District 15 comes from her passion for public service as a way of improving the lives of children, women, and families, and her experience with passing important policies in the legislature.
Over the last few years, Berghmans has played a critical role in the passage of policies related to protections for abortion access, gun violence prevention, access to education, working families rights, voting protections, and more. Her priorities include addressing housing and homelessness through an increase in affordable housing and rent control, public safety through improved gun control regulations, and healthcare equality through policies such as access to full spectrum healthcare and innovative initiatives to support our doctors, along with strategic expansion of telehealth and mobile health clinics.
Additionally, Berghmans supports expanding early childhood education and increasing educators' pay as well as zero dollar copays for healthcare, improving our economy by supporting both emerging industry and small businesses, and protecting our environment through a just transition to adopting renewable energy.
Heather Berghmans is being challenged by Republican Craig Degenhardt for Senate District 15. While Degenhardt’s campaign website has very little details on the policies he supports, a review of his platform and campaign Facebook shows he supports policies unfavored by New Mexicans such as increasing law enforcement presence to reduce crime, without mention of other safety programs for our communities, expanding “energy” sources by increasing oil & gas operations in our state, and addressing the current border crisis without stating any policies that would address the root cause of the issue.
We highly recommend Heather Berghmans for Senate District 15 based on her experience with policies in the state Legislature and her demonstrated commitment to New Mexicans.
State Senator, District 18
Natalie Figueroa is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 30. Figueroa has held the position since 2019, and currently serves as Vice Chair of the House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs committee and as a member of the House Appropriations & Finance Committee.
Figueroa works as a Spanish language teacher at Volcano Vista High School and holds a Tier III New Mexico Teaching License. Coming from a family of educators, her passion for teaching has earned her numerous grants and scholarships, and she is well known for her leadership/volunteer experience, including serving as a mentor teacher at UNM’s School of Education, and working with the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Language and the Southwest Conference on Language Teaching. She also volunteers at The Storehouse, Asbury Pie Café, and assists with tax preparation for older adults.
She is motivated to run for re-election for Senate District 18 because of her commitment to ensuring children have access to quality education, affordable healthcare, and a safe and healthy environment. Her advocacy and work in the state legislature over the past few years include supporting critical bills like Paid Family Medical Leave, prohibiting firearms at state drop boxes and polling locations, increasing the oil and gas royalty rate, establishing state clean energy standards, and protecting abortion access and gender affirming care. She has also voted in favor of investing in affordable housing, establishing a service members suicide prevention program, and increasing funding for early childhood education and care programs.
Natalie Figueroa is being challenged by MAGA Republican and Trump supporter Kurstin Johnson. Her top priority is addressing crime via harsher sentencing, including prosecuting smaller offenses like shoplifting and trespassing instead of addressing the root causes of crime. In 2022-24 candidates surveys, she stated she supports eliminating the Gross Receipts Tax and moving to a sales tax that would disproportionately impact working families. She also stated that the oil and gas industry “should be protected and offered pathways to increase production” and would like to see additional extraction, including uranium and rare earth minerals. Additionally, she opposes Paid Family Medical Leave and raising the state minimum wage to $15/hr.
We highly recommend Natalie Figueroa for Senate District 18 based on her legislative and voting record which demonstrate her consistency to safeguarding the values of New Mexicans.
Natalie Figueroa is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 30. Figueroa has held the position since 2019, and currently serves as Vice Chair of the House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs committee and as a member of the House Appropriations & Finance Committee.
Figueroa works as a Spanish language teacher at Volcano Vista High School and holds a Tier III New Mexico Teaching License. Coming from a family of educators, her passion for teaching has earned her numerous grants and scholarships, and she is well known for her leadership/volunteer experience, including serving as a mentor teacher at UNM’s School of Education, and working with the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Language and the Southwest Conference on Language Teaching. She also volunteers at The Storehouse, Asbury Pie Café, and assists with tax preparation for older adults.
She is motivated to run for re-election for Senate District 18 because of her commitment to ensuring children have access to quality education, affordable healthcare, and a safe and healthy environment. Her advocacy and work in the state legislature over the past few years include supporting critical bills like Paid Family Medical Leave, prohibiting firearms at state drop boxes and polling locations, increasing the oil and gas royalty rate, establishing state clean energy standards, and protecting abortion access and gender affirming care. She has also voted in favor of investing in affordable housing, establishing a service members suicide prevention program, and increasing funding for early childhood education and care programs.
Natalie Figueroa is being challenged by MAGA Republican and Trump supporter Kurstin Johnson. Her top priority is addressing crime via harsher sentencing, including prosecuting smaller offenses like shoplifting and trespassing instead of addressing the root causes of crime. In 2022-24 candidates surveys, she stated she supports eliminating the Gross Receipts Tax and moving to a sales tax that would disproportionately impact working families. She also stated that the oil and gas industry “should be protected and offered pathways to increase production” and would like to see additional extraction, including uranium and rare earth minerals. Additionally, she opposes Paid Family Medical Leave and raising the state minimum wage to $15/hr.
We highly recommend Natalie Figueroa for Senate District 18 based on her legislative and voting record which demonstrate her consistency to safeguarding the values of New Mexicans.
State Senator, District 19
William Burton Scott, a retired Army veteran, is running as the Democratic party candidate for Senate District 19. Scott did not return a questionnaire, has no campaign website and has no recent activity on his social media platform.
Catherine Ann McDivitt, a nutritionist and dietician, is also running for Senate District 19 as the Libertarian candidate for the race. McDivitt did not return a questionnaire, has no campaign website, or a social media platform. From the little information we gathered, she has no political background and believes that more work must be done to retain health professionals and reduce crime in our state.
Anthony “Ant” Thornton, a retired aerospace engineer, is running as the Republican party candidate for this seat. Thornton’s priorities include supporting oil and gas producers, closing the border, opposing abortion access and reproductive healthcare, increased law enforcement and defunding public schools by advancing school choice. He has also shared dis/misinformation on immigration and climate change, supports fake pregnancy clinic Care Net, and attended events with Americans for Prosperity (AFP), a right-wing group that opposes access to healthcare and worker protections. Given his views and track record, we do not recommend Ant Thornton for Senate District 19.
There is not enough public information for us to make a recommendation for or against William Burton Scott or Catherine McDivitt for Senate District 19 at this time.
William Burton Scott, a retired Army veteran, is running as the Democratic party candidate for Senate District 19. Scott did not return a questionnaire, has no campaign website and has no recent activity on his social media platform.
Catherine Ann McDivitt, a nutritionist and dietician, is also running for Senate District 19 as the Libertarian candidate for the race. McDivitt did not return a questionnaire, has no campaign website, or a social media platform. From the little information we gathered, she has no political background and believes that more work must be done to retain health professionals and reduce crime in our state.
Anthony “Ant” Thornton, a retired aerospace engineer, is running as the Republican party candidate for this seat. Thornton’s priorities include supporting oil and gas producers, closing the border, opposing abortion access and reproductive healthcare, increased law enforcement and defunding public schools by advancing school choice. He has also shared dis/misinformation on immigration and climate change, supports fake pregnancy clinic Care Net, and attended events with Americans for Prosperity (AFP), a right-wing group that opposes access to healthcare and worker protections. Given his views and track record, we do not recommend Ant Thornton for Senate District 19.
There is not enough public information for us to make a recommendation for or against William Burton Scott or Catherine McDivitt for Senate District 19 at this time.
State Senator, District 20
Martin Hickey is running in the General Election for re-election for Senate District 20. Hickey has held the position since 2021, and currently serves as a member of the Senate Education and Senate Health & Public Affairs Committees.
Hickey is well known for his work as CEO for True Health New Mexico, CEO for NM Health Connections, and CEO and Chief Medical Officer for Lovelace Health Systems, and is the only member of the legislature who is also a physician. Prior experience includes working as an Associate Professor of Medicine and Medical Director at UNM Medical Center and as an internist with the Indian Health Services on the Navajo Nation. He holds a B.A. in Social and Behavioral Health from Johns Hopkins University. He has also served as a board member of beWell NM, United Way Campaign, on the NM Medical Insurance Board, and is a Former Chair, New Mexico Hospital Association.
Hickey is motivated to run for re-election for Senate District 20 by his lifelong commitment to service, rooted in the values instilled by his parents, with a particular focus on education, hard work, and helping those less fortunate. His priorities include addressing public safety through a balance of accountability and investment, including increased sentencing while also increasing mental/behavioral health and diversion programs. He also supports strengthening the economy by focusing on small businesses and increasing investment in trade skills and accelerated training programs. On healthcare, he supports improving drug affordability, focusing on prevention by lowering costs and eliminating copays for behavioral health visits and common chronic illness medications, and addressing the physician shortage via tuition reimbursement for medical students who stay in New Mexico as well as extra stipends for those who choose to work in rural areas.
His track record includes voting for critical bills like requiring health insurance companies to reimburse for mental health coverage, protecting access to abortion and gender affirming care, paid family medical leave, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, and establishing gun storage safety reforms. He has also voted in favor of requiring disclosure of AI-generated content in political advertising, requiring public colleges and universities to include material on affirmative consent during orientation, requiring background checks for employees of the state aging and long term services department, and sponsored legislation requiring health insurance companies to provide reimbursement for mental health coverage.
Martin Hickey is being challenged by Republican Wayne Yevoli. Yevoli, a small business owner and engineer, has stated that his top priorities are addressing crime and cutting state spending. He supports eliminating the Gross Receipts Tax, increased law enforcement, and reinstating qualified immunity for police officers. He also opposes Paid Family Medical Leave and additional environmental protections, such as a one mile setback to protect children against pollution coming from oil and gas production facilities.
We highly recommend Martin Hickey for Senate District 20 based on his voting record over the past years which shows his commitment to meeting the needs of New Mexicans.
Martin Hickey is running in the General Election for re-election for Senate District 20. Hickey has held the position since 2021, and currently serves as a member of the Senate Education and Senate Health & Public Affairs Committees.
Hickey is well known for his work as CEO for True Health New Mexico, CEO for NM Health Connections, and CEO and Chief Medical Officer for Lovelace Health Systems, and is the only member of the legislature who is also a physician. Prior experience includes working as an Associate Professor of Medicine and Medical Director at UNM Medical Center and as an internist with the Indian Health Services on the Navajo Nation. He holds a B.A. in Social and Behavioral Health from Johns Hopkins University. He has also served as a board member of beWell NM, United Way Campaign, on the NM Medical Insurance Board, and is a Former Chair, New Mexico Hospital Association.
Hickey is motivated to run for re-election for Senate District 20 by his lifelong commitment to service, rooted in the values instilled by his parents, with a particular focus on education, hard work, and helping those less fortunate. His priorities include addressing public safety through a balance of accountability and investment, including increased sentencing while also increasing mental/behavioral health and diversion programs. He also supports strengthening the economy by focusing on small businesses and increasing investment in trade skills and accelerated training programs. On healthcare, he supports improving drug affordability, focusing on prevention by lowering costs and eliminating copays for behavioral health visits and common chronic illness medications, and addressing the physician shortage via tuition reimbursement for medical students who stay in New Mexico as well as extra stipends for those who choose to work in rural areas.
His track record includes voting for critical bills like requiring health insurance companies to reimburse for mental health coverage, protecting access to abortion and gender affirming care, paid family medical leave, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, and establishing gun storage safety reforms. He has also voted in favor of requiring disclosure of AI-generated content in political advertising, requiring public colleges and universities to include material on affirmative consent during orientation, requiring background checks for employees of the state aging and long term services department, and sponsored legislation requiring health insurance companies to provide reimbursement for mental health coverage.
Martin Hickey is being challenged by Republican Wayne Yevoli. Yevoli, a small business owner and engineer, has stated that his top priorities are addressing crime and cutting state spending. He supports eliminating the Gross Receipts Tax, increased law enforcement, and reinstating qualified immunity for police officers. He also opposes Paid Family Medical Leave and additional environmental protections, such as a one mile setback to protect children against pollution coming from oil and gas production facilities.
We highly recommend Martin Hickey for Senate District 20 based on his voting record over the past years which shows his commitment to meeting the needs of New Mexicans.
State Senator, District 21
Athena Christodoulou is running in the General Election for Senate District 21. Christodoulou is a retired Navy engineer veteran, and has also worked as a technology entrepreneur and consultant. She also served as the committee analyst for the Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources committee in the NM House during the 2023 legislative session, where she analyzed 40 different bills.
Christodoulou has an extensive leadership/volunteer experience, including advocating for solar energy in all NM communities for years (she lives fossil fuel free herself, as a private citizen), and serving as the political director for Adelante Progressive Caucus, where she organized members to make public comments in support of the Civil Rights Act, Paid Sick Leave Act, and salary increases for teachers. She has also served as secretary and board member of the New Mexico Solar Energy Association, as a community solar coach for the Department of Energy, and is currently the Vice Chair for the Environmental Justice caucus of the Democratic Party of New Mexico.
Christodoulou is motivated to run for Senate District 21 by her passion for climate issues and experience in the energy sector, including uplifting legislation focused on clean energy and jobs. Her priorities include enhancing environmental protections and New Mexico’s economy via continued support for the 2019 Energy Transition Act, and accountability for clean air, water, and land. She also supports revisiting the Community Solar Act, forcing the closure of low producing wells, and expanding oil and gas reform. Additionally, Christodoulou has previous experience as an educator, and supports strengthening public education in New Mexico through policies such as zero copays for educator health insurance plus increased pay for early childhood educators and childcare providers.
Athena Christodoulou is being challenged by Republican Nicole Tobiassen. Tobiassen runs her own firm coaching business owners, and previously worked at Enterprise as an account manager servicing the Border Patrol agency. Tobiassen’s number one priority is addressing crime via harsher sentencing, including for teens. She supports increased funding for police and border enforcement, opposes gun safety reform, and is endorsed by the NRA. Additionally, she has shared dis/misinformation on multiple topics, including on immigration, the border, and education, where she advances on her website a falsehood that students “are receiving medical prescriptions and procedures without parental notification.” Tobiassen also opposes worker protections, including Paid Family Medical Leave and increasing the state minimum wage.
We highly recommended Athena Christodoulou for Senate District 21 based on her extensive experience in climate issues, energy advocacy, and background in community organizing and entrepreneurship.
Athena Christodoulou is running in the General Election for Senate District 21. Christodoulou is a retired Navy engineer veteran, and has also worked as a technology entrepreneur and consultant. She also served as the committee analyst for the Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources committee in the NM House during the 2023 legislative session, where she analyzed 40 different bills.
Christodoulou has an extensive leadership/volunteer experience, including advocating for solar energy in all NM communities for years (she lives fossil fuel free herself, as a private citizen), and serving as the political director for Adelante Progressive Caucus, where she organized members to make public comments in support of the Civil Rights Act, Paid Sick Leave Act, and salary increases for teachers. She has also served as secretary and board member of the New Mexico Solar Energy Association, as a community solar coach for the Department of Energy, and is currently the Vice Chair for the Environmental Justice caucus of the Democratic Party of New Mexico.
Christodoulou is motivated to run for Senate District 21 by her passion for climate issues and experience in the energy sector, including uplifting legislation focused on clean energy and jobs. Her priorities include enhancing environmental protections and New Mexico’s economy via continued support for the 2019 Energy Transition Act, and accountability for clean air, water, and land. She also supports revisiting the Community Solar Act, forcing the closure of low producing wells, and expanding oil and gas reform. Additionally, Christodoulou has previous experience as an educator, and supports strengthening public education in New Mexico through policies such as zero copays for educator health insurance plus increased pay for early childhood educators and childcare providers.
Athena Christodoulou is being challenged by Republican Nicole Tobiassen. Tobiassen runs her own firm coaching business owners, and previously worked at Enterprise as an account manager servicing the Border Patrol agency. Tobiassen’s number one priority is addressing crime via harsher sentencing, including for teens. She supports increased funding for police and border enforcement, opposes gun safety reform, and is endorsed by the NRA. Additionally, she has shared dis/misinformation on multiple topics, including on immigration, the border, and education, where she advances on her website a falsehood that students “are receiving medical prescriptions and procedures without parental notification.” Tobiassen also opposes worker protections, including Paid Family Medical Leave and increasing the state minimum wage.
We highly recommended Athena Christodoulou for Senate District 21 based on her extensive experience in climate issues, energy advocacy, and background in community organizing and entrepreneurship.
State Senator, District 23
Harold Pope Jr. is running in the General Election for re-election for Senate District 23. Pope has held the position since 2021, and currently serves as Vice Chair on the Senate Education Committee and as a member of the Senate Conservation Committee.
Prior to his election, Pope Jr. retired from the U.S Air Force with 20 years of service, where his roles included serving as a Program Manager, Chemist, and contributing to satellite programs, weapon systems, nuclear deterrence, and security cooperation efforts. He has also worked as a Facility Transition Advisor for the City of Albuquerque, and as a substitute teacher for Albuquerque Public Schools. He is well known for his leadership/volunteer work, including with the NAACP Albuquerque Chapter and International District Community Development Corporation. Pope Jr. is a graduate of UNM and the UNM School of Business.
Pope is motivated to run for re-election to Senate District 23 by his belief that every New Mexican deserves access to quality education, affordable healthcare, and economic opportunities. His priorities include improving education in our state through increased funding for public education, expanded access for early childhood education, increasing compensation for educators, and providing bilingual education and improving our economy by focusing on sustainable development, workforce training, small business support and investing in renewable energy and infrastructure. He also prioritizes expanding Medicaid coverage, protecting natural resources, and addressing public safety at the root causes through policies that invest in mental health and addiction services, promote criminal justice reform, and provide opportunities for youth and at-risk individuals.
Pope has consistently voted in favor of legislation that protects and strengthens New Mexican families, earning him recognition as a champion of social justice and community development. He voted to support Paid Family Medical Leave, requiring disclosure of AI-generated content in political advertising, requiring transparency in prescription drug costs, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases and prohibiting firearms at state drop boxes and polling places, prohibiting discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, protecting abortion access and gender affirming care, establishing a $15 state minimum wage, and the Voting Rights Act.
Harold Pope Jr. is being challenged by Republican candidate Terry Lynn Aragon. Aragon’s priorities focus on cutting taxes and reducing government services, which would disproportionately harm low-income communities and communities of color.
We highly recommend Harold Pope Jr. for re-election for Senate District 23 based on his vote record, stated priorities, and proven track record of supporting policies that benefit everyday New Mexicans.
Harold Pope Jr. is running in the General Election for re-election for Senate District 23. Pope has held the position since 2021, and currently serves as Vice Chair on the Senate Education Committee and as a member of the Senate Conservation Committee.
Prior to his election, Pope Jr. retired from the U.S Air Force with 20 years of service, where his roles included serving as a Program Manager, Chemist, and contributing to satellite programs, weapon systems, nuclear deterrence, and security cooperation efforts. He has also worked as a Facility Transition Advisor for the City of Albuquerque, and as a substitute teacher for Albuquerque Public Schools. He is well known for his leadership/volunteer work, including with the NAACP Albuquerque Chapter and International District Community Development Corporation. Pope Jr. is a graduate of UNM and the UNM School of Business.
Pope is motivated to run for re-election to Senate District 23 by his belief that every New Mexican deserves access to quality education, affordable healthcare, and economic opportunities. His priorities include improving education in our state through increased funding for public education, expanded access for early childhood education, increasing compensation for educators, and providing bilingual education and improving our economy by focusing on sustainable development, workforce training, small business support and investing in renewable energy and infrastructure. He also prioritizes expanding Medicaid coverage, protecting natural resources, and addressing public safety at the root causes through policies that invest in mental health and addiction services, promote criminal justice reform, and provide opportunities for youth and at-risk individuals.
Pope has consistently voted in favor of legislation that protects and strengthens New Mexican families, earning him recognition as a champion of social justice and community development. He voted to support Paid Family Medical Leave, requiring disclosure of AI-generated content in political advertising, requiring transparency in prescription drug costs, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases and prohibiting firearms at state drop boxes and polling places, prohibiting discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, protecting abortion access and gender affirming care, establishing a $15 state minimum wage, and the Voting Rights Act.
Harold Pope Jr. is being challenged by Republican candidate Terry Lynn Aragon. Aragon’s priorities focus on cutting taxes and reducing government services, which would disproportionately harm low-income communities and communities of color.
We highly recommend Harold Pope Jr. for re-election for Senate District 23 based on his vote record, stated priorities, and proven track record of supporting policies that benefit everyday New Mexicans.
State House of Representatives
Representative, District 11
Javier Martinez is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 11. He has held the position since 2015 and currently serves as Speaker of the House and as a member of the House Judiciary and House Taxation and Revenue Committees.
Martinez is a long-time community organizer who currently works as Managing Director of National Policy for Abriendo Puertas | Opening Doors. Previously, he has also worked as Executive Director for Partnership for Community Action, and he began his career in 2000 as a community organizer in Albuquerque’s historic Barelas, Wells Park, and Sawmill neighborhoods.
Martinez’s passion to run for re-election to House District 11 stems from his childhood experience as an immigrant from Mexico whose parents came to the US in search of a better life for their children. His priorities and advocacy in the legislature over the past nine years has included supporting policies that ensure access to healthcare for all families, investments in early childhood education, and civil rights protections for all New Mexicans.
Martinez sponsored some of the most critical bills for New Mexican families over the past few years including the Voting Rights Act (2023), Establishing Income Tax Rebates (2023), Reducing Various Tax Rates (2022), Requires State Agencies to Implement Policies to Reduce Institutional Racism (2020) and Co-Sponsored the Constitutional Amendment allowing the use of the Permanent Fund to provide funding for early childhood education services. Additionally, he regularly votes to support environmental policies, common sense gun controls, expansion of affordable housing, and reproductive rights policies.
Javier Martinez is being challenged by Republican Bart Kinney. Kinney’s priorities include rolling back environmental protections, specifically the Energy Transition Act, and requiring unhoused people to “earn” the right to housing through treatment, as well as increasing police presence and incarceration, rather than programs that address the root causes of crime.
We highly recommend Speaker Javier Martinez for re-election to House District 11 based on his track record of supporting New Mexico’s working families by investing in early childhood education, access to healthcare, and voting and civil rights.
Javier Martinez is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 11. He has held the position since 2015 and currently serves as Speaker of the House and as a member of the House Judiciary and House Taxation and Revenue Committees.
Martinez is a long-time community organizer who currently works as Managing Director of National Policy for Abriendo Puertas | Opening Doors. Previously, he has also worked as Executive Director for Partnership for Community Action, and he began his career in 2000 as a community organizer in Albuquerque’s historic Barelas, Wells Park, and Sawmill neighborhoods.
Martinez’s passion to run for re-election to House District 11 stems from his childhood experience as an immigrant from Mexico whose parents came to the US in search of a better life for their children. His priorities and advocacy in the legislature over the past nine years has included supporting policies that ensure access to healthcare for all families, investments in early childhood education, and civil rights protections for all New Mexicans.
Martinez sponsored some of the most critical bills for New Mexican families over the past few years including the Voting Rights Act (2023), Establishing Income Tax Rebates (2023), Reducing Various Tax Rates (2022), Requires State Agencies to Implement Policies to Reduce Institutional Racism (2020) and Co-Sponsored the Constitutional Amendment allowing the use of the Permanent Fund to provide funding for early childhood education services. Additionally, he regularly votes to support environmental policies, common sense gun controls, expansion of affordable housing, and reproductive rights policies.
Javier Martinez is being challenged by Republican Bart Kinney. Kinney’s priorities include rolling back environmental protections, specifically the Energy Transition Act, and requiring unhoused people to “earn” the right to housing through treatment, as well as increasing police presence and incarceration, rather than programs that address the root causes of crime.
We highly recommend Speaker Javier Martinez for re-election to House District 11 based on his track record of supporting New Mexico’s working families by investing in early childhood education, access to healthcare, and voting and civil rights.
Representative, District 14
Miguel Garcia is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 14. Garcia has held the position since 1997 and currently serves as a member of the House Labor, Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee and member of the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
Garcia’s occupation is listed as a retired K-5 teacher. While there is no public information available on his work history or legislative priorities, Garcia has regularly voted for environmental protections, common sense gun safety laws, reproductive health and abortion access, increased access to affordable housing, and investing in child well-being and early childhood education programs.
In recent sessions, Garcia voted to support affordable housing, paid family medical leave, prohibiting firearms at state drop boxes and polling locations, prohibiting intimidation of elections officials, requiring disclaimers on political advertising that uses AI-generated content, establishing a service members suicide prevention program, requiring public colleges and universities to include information on affirmative consent during orientation, establishing state clean energy standards, protecting abortion and gender affirming care, requiring health insurance companies to provide reimbursement for mental health care, and expanded access to elections/voting via the Voting Rights Act.
Miguel Garcia is being challenged by Republican Konnie Legried. No public information could be found on Legried’s campaign.
We recommend Miguel Garcia for House District 14 based on his consistent voting history and commitment to policies that support New Mexicans.
Miguel Garcia is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 14. Garcia has held the position since 1997 and currently serves as a member of the House Labor, Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee and member of the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
Garcia’s occupation is listed as a retired K-5 teacher. While there is no public information available on his work history or legislative priorities, Garcia has regularly voted for environmental protections, common sense gun safety laws, reproductive health and abortion access, increased access to affordable housing, and investing in child well-being and early childhood education programs.
In recent sessions, Garcia voted to support affordable housing, paid family medical leave, prohibiting firearms at state drop boxes and polling locations, prohibiting intimidation of elections officials, requiring disclaimers on political advertising that uses AI-generated content, establishing a service members suicide prevention program, requiring public colleges and universities to include information on affirmative consent during orientation, establishing state clean energy standards, protecting abortion and gender affirming care, requiring health insurance companies to provide reimbursement for mental health care, and expanded access to elections/voting via the Voting Rights Act.
Miguel Garcia is being challenged by Republican Konnie Legried. No public information could be found on Legried’s campaign.
We recommend Miguel Garcia for House District 14 based on his consistent voting history and commitment to policies that support New Mexicans.
Representative, District 16
Yanira Gurrola Valenzuela is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 16. Gurrola Valenzuela has served in the seat since 2023, and is Vice Chair of the House Enrolling and Engrossing Committee and member of the House Education Committee and House Labor, Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee.
Gurrola Valenzuela works as a Project Coordinator for Dual Language Education NM, and previously worked as a Bilingual Math teacher, Computer and Spanish teacher, and ESL tutor. Her leadership/volunteer experience includes serving as a Federation Representative for Albuquerque Teachers Federation, ESL tutor for adults and children, and as a Youth Minister.
Gurrola Valenzuela’s passion to run for re-election to House District 16 comes from her rich and diverse background as an immigrant, educator, woman, and engineer, and her desire to create a foundation of equity, fairness, and sustainability for all New Mexicans. Her priorities include strengthening education by fully funding early childhood, K-12, and extracurricular programs, and ensuring the recruitment and retention of excellent teachers. She also supports public safety measures through equipping law enforcement with essential tools to prevent gun violence and crime.
Additionally, she is committed to reducing homelessness through investments in evidence-based mental health and substance abuse programs, and by increasing affordable housing options. She also supports the expansion of New Mexico’s renewable energy, technology, film, and healthcare sectors to create good-paying, lifelong career opportunities.
Her voting record in past legislative sessions aligns with a focus on equitable education, fair wages and safe working conditions, clean energy, and social justice, including support for clean energy standards (HB 41), protecting abortion and gender affirming healthcare (SB 13), authorizing paid family medical leave (SB 3), and co-sponsoring legislation requiring public colleges and universities to include information on affirmative consent during orientation (HB 151) as well as requiring menstrual products in public schools (HB 134).
Yanira Gurrola Valenzuela is being challenged by Republican Leland Benwood Bohannon for House District 16. Other than confirmation of his candidacy for the seat, no public information was available on Bohannon’s campaign.
We highly recommend Yanira Gurrola for House District 16 based on her consistent support for education, investing in social services and healthcare access, and focus on reinforcing young people and meaningful economic development.
Yanira Gurrola Valenzuela is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 16. Gurrola Valenzuela has served in the seat since 2023, and is Vice Chair of the House Enrolling and Engrossing Committee and member of the House Education Committee and House Labor, Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee.
Gurrola Valenzuela works as a Project Coordinator for Dual Language Education NM, and previously worked as a Bilingual Math teacher, Computer and Spanish teacher, and ESL tutor. Her leadership/volunteer experience includes serving as a Federation Representative for Albuquerque Teachers Federation, ESL tutor for adults and children, and as a Youth Minister.
Gurrola Valenzuela’s passion to run for re-election to House District 16 comes from her rich and diverse background as an immigrant, educator, woman, and engineer, and her desire to create a foundation of equity, fairness, and sustainability for all New Mexicans. Her priorities include strengthening education by fully funding early childhood, K-12, and extracurricular programs, and ensuring the recruitment and retention of excellent teachers. She also supports public safety measures through equipping law enforcement with essential tools to prevent gun violence and crime.
Additionally, she is committed to reducing homelessness through investments in evidence-based mental health and substance abuse programs, and by increasing affordable housing options. She also supports the expansion of New Mexico’s renewable energy, technology, film, and healthcare sectors to create good-paying, lifelong career opportunities.
Her voting record in past legislative sessions aligns with a focus on equitable education, fair wages and safe working conditions, clean energy, and social justice, including support for clean energy standards (HB 41), protecting abortion and gender affirming healthcare (SB 13), authorizing paid family medical leave (SB 3), and co-sponsoring legislation requiring public colleges and universities to include information on affirmative consent during orientation (HB 151) as well as requiring menstrual products in public schools (HB 134).
Yanira Gurrola Valenzuela is being challenged by Republican Leland Benwood Bohannon for House District 16. Other than confirmation of his candidacy for the seat, no public information was available on Bohannon’s campaign.
We highly recommend Yanira Gurrola for House District 16 based on her consistent support for education, investing in social services and healthcare access, and focus on reinforcing young people and meaningful economic development.
Representative, District 17
Cynthia Borrego is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 17. Borrego has held the position since 2023, and currently serves as Chair of the House Enrolling & Engrossing Committee and as a member of the House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources and House Taxation & Revenue Committees.
Borrego is the owner of Cyba & Associates and a small retail business in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, and is a former Albuquerque City Councilor who held both Vice President and President positions on council. She also served as chair of the Land Use and Zoning Committee, chair of the Public Employees Retirement Association, and has extensive leadership/volunteer experience with Mid Region Council of Governments, Rio Grande Credit Union, ABC Community Schools Board, and the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority. Borrego is a graduate of the University of New Mexico, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
Borrego is motivated to run for re-election to House District 17 by her commitment to economic stability and community well-being. Her priorities include balancing the state budget, expanding mental health services, and an increased police presence. She also seeks to address children's welfare, improve youth education programs, and advance transportation and infrastructure projects.
Her track record includes supporting protections for abortions and gender affirming care, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, requiring health insurance companies providing reimbursement for mental health coverage, approving state funds for environment and cultural conservation, investing in affordable housing, and and increasing the amount that is annually transferred to the Early Childhood Education and Care Program Fund. She also co-sponsored legislation requiring public colleges and universities to include material on affirmative consent during orientation.
However, Borrego did vote against paid family medical leave, requiring disclaimers on political advertising that uses AI-generated content, and had some problematic votes while serving on City Council, including voting against instant runoff (aka ranked choice) voting.
Cynthia Borrego is being challenged for House District 17 by Republican Joshua Neal. Neal, who grew up in Los Lunas, is a graduate of New Mexico Tech and works in civil engineering. His stated priorities include addressing crime and supporting law enforcement, advancing school choice, and investing in infrastructure, however, there is no publicly available information on the specific policies he would seek in these areas.
We lean towards Cynthia Borrego for House District 17 based on her track record of supporting affordable housing, child well-being, and education for New Mexican families.
Cynthia Borrego is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 17. Borrego has held the position since 2023, and currently serves as Chair of the House Enrolling & Engrossing Committee and as a member of the House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources and House Taxation & Revenue Committees.
Borrego is the owner of Cyba & Associates and a small retail business in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, and is a former Albuquerque City Councilor who held both Vice President and President positions on council. She also served as chair of the Land Use and Zoning Committee, chair of the Public Employees Retirement Association, and has extensive leadership/volunteer experience with Mid Region Council of Governments, Rio Grande Credit Union, ABC Community Schools Board, and the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority. Borrego is a graduate of the University of New Mexico, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
Borrego is motivated to run for re-election to House District 17 by her commitment to economic stability and community well-being. Her priorities include balancing the state budget, expanding mental health services, and an increased police presence. She also seeks to address children's welfare, improve youth education programs, and advance transportation and infrastructure projects.
Her track record includes supporting protections for abortions and gender affirming care, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, requiring health insurance companies providing reimbursement for mental health coverage, approving state funds for environment and cultural conservation, investing in affordable housing, and and increasing the amount that is annually transferred to the Early Childhood Education and Care Program Fund. She also co-sponsored legislation requiring public colleges and universities to include material on affirmative consent during orientation.
However, Borrego did vote against paid family medical leave, requiring disclaimers on political advertising that uses AI-generated content, and had some problematic votes while serving on City Council, including voting against instant runoff (aka ranked choice) voting.
Cynthia Borrego is being challenged for House District 17 by Republican Joshua Neal. Neal, who grew up in Los Lunas, is a graduate of New Mexico Tech and works in civil engineering. His stated priorities include addressing crime and supporting law enforcement, advancing school choice, and investing in infrastructure, however, there is no publicly available information on the specific policies he would seek in these areas.
We lean towards Cynthia Borrego for House District 17 based on her track record of supporting affordable housing, child well-being, and education for New Mexican families.
Representative, District 19
Janelle Anyanonu is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 19. She has held the position since 2023 and currently serves as Vice Chair of the House Enrolling & Engrossing Committee and as a member of the House Commerce & Economic Development and House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs committees.
Anyanonu is well known for her strong commitment to community service, including with St. John’s Episcopal Church where she is a choir member, and as a dedicated advocate for reproductive health and affordable housing in New Mexico. She is a graduate of Manzano High School and Wayland Baptist University.
She is motivated to run for re-election to House District 19 by her desire to ensure that the diverse voices of her district are heard and represented in Santa Fe. Her priorities include reinforcing working families and securing affordable housing, fighting for safe neighborhoods by addressing the root causes of crime and social ills, supporting and creating good paying jobs, making healthcare affordable, and driving infrastructure improvements. She also seeks to expand youth employment programs and provide meaningful career opportunities for young people.
Anyanonu focuses on advancing data-driven, evidence-based solutions, and her track record includes sponsoring and supporting legislation aimed at protecting reproductive rights, increasing the minimum wage, and addressing crime and homelessness. She voted in favor of Paid Family Medical Leave, establishing the Higher Education Trust Fund and the Higher Education Program, reducing state income tax rates, establishing state clean energy standards, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, requiring health insurance companies to provide reimbursement for mental health coverage, expanding voting rights, and protecting abortion and gender affirming care.
Anyanonu is being challenged for House District 19 by Republican Leanna Derrick. While Derrick does have some positive policies, like investing in affordable housing and promoting water rights/conservation, her website primarily blames unhoused individuals and immigration for public safety issues, and includes language that aligns with “The Great Replacement,” which is a white nationalist far-right conspiracy theory. She also supports increased policing and offers little about how she would address the root causes of crime and public safety.
We highly recommend Janelle Anyanonu for House District 19 based on her deep community roots, proven track record in advancing legislation for New Mexico’s working families, and commitment to enhancing public safety, education, and healthcare.
Janelle Anyanonu is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 19. She has held the position since 2023 and currently serves as Vice Chair of the House Enrolling & Engrossing Committee and as a member of the House Commerce & Economic Development and House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs committees.
Anyanonu is well known for her strong commitment to community service, including with St. John’s Episcopal Church where she is a choir member, and as a dedicated advocate for reproductive health and affordable housing in New Mexico. She is a graduate of Manzano High School and Wayland Baptist University.
She is motivated to run for re-election to House District 19 by her desire to ensure that the diverse voices of her district are heard and represented in Santa Fe. Her priorities include reinforcing working families and securing affordable housing, fighting for safe neighborhoods by addressing the root causes of crime and social ills, supporting and creating good paying jobs, making healthcare affordable, and driving infrastructure improvements. She also seeks to expand youth employment programs and provide meaningful career opportunities for young people.
Anyanonu focuses on advancing data-driven, evidence-based solutions, and her track record includes sponsoring and supporting legislation aimed at protecting reproductive rights, increasing the minimum wage, and addressing crime and homelessness. She voted in favor of Paid Family Medical Leave, establishing the Higher Education Trust Fund and the Higher Education Program, reducing state income tax rates, establishing state clean energy standards, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, requiring health insurance companies to provide reimbursement for mental health coverage, expanding voting rights, and protecting abortion and gender affirming care.
Anyanonu is being challenged for House District 19 by Republican Leanna Derrick. While Derrick does have some positive policies, like investing in affordable housing and promoting water rights/conservation, her website primarily blames unhoused individuals and immigration for public safety issues, and includes language that aligns with “The Great Replacement,” which is a white nationalist far-right conspiracy theory. She also supports increased policing and offers little about how she would address the root causes of crime and public safety.
We highly recommend Janelle Anyanonu for House District 19 based on her deep community roots, proven track record in advancing legislation for New Mexico’s working families, and commitment to enhancing public safety, education, and healthcare.
Representative, District 20
Meredith Dixon is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 20. She has held the position since 2021, and currently serves as Vice Chair for the House Appropriations & Finance committee and as a member of the House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources committee. Dixon is a business owner/manager of Blue Advantage Partners, a consulting firm. Her leadership/volunteer experience includes working with organizations like Paws and Stripes Climate Advocates, Voces Unidas, BrainHackers Association, and Electing Women New Mexico. Dixon is a graduate of Chatham College and the University of Pittsburgh.
Dixon is motivated to run for re-election to House District 20 based on her passion for ensuring that New Mexico continues to progress and thrive. Her priorities include addressing the state's most pressing issues, from education and economic development to housing, public safety, and healthcare.
Her track record includes securing funding for early childhood education, workforce training, and clean energy projects, and advocating for veterans, public safety, and healthcare affordability.
Dixon voted in favor of the Voting Rights Act, expanding the state’s opportunity scholarship program, expanding affordable housing, establishing energy efficiency grants, supporting Paid Sick Leave and Paid Family Medical Leave, requiring health insurance companies to provide reimbursement for mental health care, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, protection for gender affirming care, requiring menstrual products in public schools, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, prohibiting intimidation of election officials and threats against judges, and establishing a service members suicide prevention program.
Meredith Dixon is being challenged by Republican Tracy Major and Libertarian John McDivitt. Major is a business owner whose priorities include cutting state spending, removing business regulations, and weakening consumer and environmental protections. Additionally, she seeks to address crime primarily through harsher penalties and incarceration. Her emphasis on “parental rights” also raises concerns about potential restrictions on safe, equitable education. No public information could be found on John McDivitt’s campaign.
We highly recommend Meredith Dixon for re-election to House District 20 based on her track record of investing in early childhood education, protecting healthcare and voting rights/access, and supporting New Mexico’s working families.
Meredith Dixon is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 20. She has held the position since 2021, and currently serves as Vice Chair for the House Appropriations & Finance committee and as a member of the House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources committee. Dixon is a business owner/manager of Blue Advantage Partners, a consulting firm. Her leadership/volunteer experience includes working with organizations like Paws and Stripes Climate Advocates, Voces Unidas, BrainHackers Association, and Electing Women New Mexico. Dixon is a graduate of Chatham College and the University of Pittsburgh.
Dixon is motivated to run for re-election to House District 20 based on her passion for ensuring that New Mexico continues to progress and thrive. Her priorities include addressing the state's most pressing issues, from education and economic development to housing, public safety, and healthcare.
Her track record includes securing funding for early childhood education, workforce training, and clean energy projects, and advocating for veterans, public safety, and healthcare affordability.
Dixon voted in favor of the Voting Rights Act, expanding the state’s opportunity scholarship program, expanding affordable housing, establishing energy efficiency grants, supporting Paid Sick Leave and Paid Family Medical Leave, requiring health insurance companies to provide reimbursement for mental health care, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, protection for gender affirming care, requiring menstrual products in public schools, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, prohibiting intimidation of election officials and threats against judges, and establishing a service members suicide prevention program.
Meredith Dixon is being challenged by Republican Tracy Major and Libertarian John McDivitt. Major is a business owner whose priorities include cutting state spending, removing business regulations, and weakening consumer and environmental protections. Additionally, she seeks to address crime primarily through harsher penalties and incarceration. Her emphasis on “parental rights” also raises concerns about potential restrictions on safe, equitable education. No public information could be found on John McDivitt’s campaign.
We highly recommend Meredith Dixon for re-election to House District 20 based on her track record of investing in early childhood education, protecting healthcare and voting rights/access, and supporting New Mexico’s working families.
Representative, District 22
Fred Ponzlov is challenging Republican Incumbent Stefani Lord in the General Election for House District 22. Ponzlov grew up on a rural farm in Wisconsin, where his family lived modestly without indoor plumbing until he was 11. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he pursued acting in New York City and Los Angeles before settling in New Mexico. Once relocated to New Mexico, he wrote a BAFTA Award-winning film and published a book on healing. A lifelong political activist, he has championed social justice causes from farmworker rights to gay rights and the union movement, making him an ideal candidate.
Ponzlov is motivated to run for House District 22 based on his belief in creating a diverse and resilient economy, strong public education, and the protection of fundamental rights, including a woman's right to choose and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. His priorities include addressing healthcare shortages, water conservation, and infrastructure improvements, while opposing efforts that undermine democracy and voter rights.
Fred also supports responsible gun safety laws, sustainable practices in industries like oil and gas, and expanding access to high-speed internet across the state. Additionally, he seeks to boost the middle class through higher wages and tax reforms and ensure safe, legal, and accessible elections.
We highly recommend Fred Ponzlov for House District 22 based on his stated policy priorities and consistent commitment to social justice causes.
Fred Ponzlov is challenging Republican Incumbent Stefani Lord in the General Election for House District 22. Ponzlov grew up on a rural farm in Wisconsin, where his family lived modestly without indoor plumbing until he was 11. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he pursued acting in New York City and Los Angeles before settling in New Mexico. Once relocated to New Mexico, he wrote a BAFTA Award-winning film and published a book on healing. A lifelong political activist, he has championed social justice causes from farmworker rights to gay rights and the union movement, making him an ideal candidate.
Ponzlov is motivated to run for House District 22 based on his belief in creating a diverse and resilient economy, strong public education, and the protection of fundamental rights, including a woman's right to choose and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. His priorities include addressing healthcare shortages, water conservation, and infrastructure improvements, while opposing efforts that undermine democracy and voter rights.
Fred also supports responsible gun safety laws, sustainable practices in industries like oil and gas, and expanding access to high-speed internet across the state. Additionally, he seeks to boost the middle class through higher wages and tax reforms and ensure safe, legal, and accessible elections.
We highly recommend Fred Ponzlov for House District 22 based on his stated policy priorities and consistent commitment to social justice causes.
其他候选人
Stefani Lord is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 22. She has held the position since 2021, and currently serves on the House Consumer & Public Affairs and House Health & Human Services committees. Lord was previously a business owner and now dedicates her time to her hobbies and her seat in the legislature. She is also the founder of an organization called Pro-Gun Women.
Lord’s priorities include seeking to reinstate the death penalty, enact strict voter ID requirements, require single sex environments in schools and public life, and banning abortion. She also supports expanding investments in border security and law enforcement.
Lord has a track record of voting against or abstaining on bills that benefit New Mexican families. In the 2024 session, she voted against requiring affirmative consent be taught in colleges, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, paid family medical leave, increasing funds for early childcare, and prohibiting firearms at polling locations. She has also voted against protections for abortion and gender affirming care, the Voting Rights Act, menstrual products in schools, requiring insurance companies to provide reimbursement for mental health services, making it a crime to negligently leave a firearm accessible to a minor, appropriating funds for environmental and cultural preservation, establishing a state minimum wage of $15 per hour, establishing clean fuel energy standards, expanding broadband access, and repealing of the 1969 abortion ban.
We do not recommend Stefani Lord for re-election to House District 22 based on her track record of voting against gun safety reform, access to healthcare, and worker protections.
Stefani Lord is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 22. She has held the position since 2021, and currently serves on the House Consumer & Public Affairs and House Health & Human Services committees. Lord was previously a business owner and now dedicates her time to her hobbies and her seat in the legislature. She is also the founder of an organization called Pro-Gun Women.
Lord’s priorities include seeking to reinstate the death penalty, enact strict voter ID requirements, require single sex environments in schools and public life, and banning abortion. She also supports expanding investments in border security and law enforcement.
Lord has a track record of voting against or abstaining on bills that benefit New Mexican families. In the 2024 session, she voted against requiring affirmative consent be taught in colleges, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, paid family medical leave, increasing funds for early childcare, and prohibiting firearms at polling locations. She has also voted against protections for abortion and gender affirming care, the Voting Rights Act, menstrual products in schools, requiring insurance companies to provide reimbursement for mental health services, making it a crime to negligently leave a firearm accessible to a minor, appropriating funds for environmental and cultural preservation, establishing a state minimum wage of $15 per hour, establishing clean fuel energy standards, expanding broadband access, and repealing of the 1969 abortion ban.
We do not recommend Stefani Lord for re-election to House District 22 based on her track record of voting against gun safety reform, access to healthcare, and worker protections.
Representative, District 24
Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 24. She served as a representative from 2013-2015, and again from 2017 through the present. She is currently Chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee and a member of the House Consumer and Public Affairs, House Printing and Supplies, and House Rules and Order of Business committees.
Thomson has spent her career as a pediatric physical therapist and has served on the Board of the New Mexico Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.
She is motivated to run for House District 24 by her personal experience being the parent of an autistic child who did not have access to services/support in Albuquerque. During her time in office, Thomson has championed policies that improve education for children, especially those with disabilities. Her policy priorities include improving education opportunities through increased funding and support for public schools and educators and strengthening New Mexico’s working families by championing fair tax codes as well as diversifying our economy through renewable energy and recruitment of new companies. Thomson is also focused on reducing crime through comprehensive approaches that address root causes, including investing in mental/behavioral health and addiction resources. Thomson is also the only practicing medical professional currently serving in the NM House of Representatives.
Thomson has a strong track record of reinforcing New Mexican families. In 2024, she voted in favor of affordable housing, paid family medical leave, establishing a service member suicide prevention program, reducing state income tax rates, creating clean energy standards, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, and co-sponsoring a bill that requires affirmative consent be included in higher education orienation. In 2023, she voted to protect access to abortion and gender affirming care, prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity, appropriate funds for environmental and cultural preservation, and expand the voting rights act.
Liz Thomson is being challenged by Ann Edenfield. There is limited public information available on Edenfield. She ran the nonprofit Wings for LIFE International for 28 years and has stated that the founding fathers and the Bible guide her political philosophy.
We highly recommend Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson for re-election to House District 24 based on her record of voting to reinforce and protect working families, and her willingness to listen to and work with constituents in her district and across the state.
Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 24. She served as a representative from 2013-2015, and again from 2017 through the present. She is currently Chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee and a member of the House Consumer and Public Affairs, House Printing and Supplies, and House Rules and Order of Business committees.
Thomson has spent her career as a pediatric physical therapist and has served on the Board of the New Mexico Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.
She is motivated to run for House District 24 by her personal experience being the parent of an autistic child who did not have access to services/support in Albuquerque. During her time in office, Thomson has championed policies that improve education for children, especially those with disabilities. Her policy priorities include improving education opportunities through increased funding and support for public schools and educators and strengthening New Mexico’s working families by championing fair tax codes as well as diversifying our economy through renewable energy and recruitment of new companies. Thomson is also focused on reducing crime through comprehensive approaches that address root causes, including investing in mental/behavioral health and addiction resources. Thomson is also the only practicing medical professional currently serving in the NM House of Representatives.
Thomson has a strong track record of reinforcing New Mexican families. In 2024, she voted in favor of affordable housing, paid family medical leave, establishing a service member suicide prevention program, reducing state income tax rates, creating clean energy standards, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, and co-sponsoring a bill that requires affirmative consent be included in higher education orienation. In 2023, she voted to protect access to abortion and gender affirming care, prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity, appropriate funds for environmental and cultural preservation, and expand the voting rights act.
Liz Thomson is being challenged by Ann Edenfield. There is limited public information available on Edenfield. She ran the nonprofit Wings for LIFE International for 28 years and has stated that the founding fathers and the Bible guide her political philosophy.
We highly recommend Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson for re-election to House District 24 based on her record of voting to reinforce and protect working families, and her willingness to listen to and work with constituents in her district and across the state.
Representative, District 25
Cristina Parajón is running in the General Election for House District 25. She has held the position since being appointed by the Bernalillo County Commission in August of 2023 due to the resignation of Christine Trujillo, and currently serves as a member of the House Education Committee and the House Labor, Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee.
She currently works as a paralegal for New Mexico Legal Aid, and has previously worked as the Director of Strategy for New Mexico Human Services Department, and as the Administrator for the Gateway Center.
Parajón is motivated to run for House District 25 due to her family legacy of serving the community, and her personal experience living in rural Nicaragua with her parents as they trained community health workers. Her priorities include reducing homelessness by investing in affordable and environmentally friendly housing and increasing access to healthcare including preventative care and mental health as well as defend and expand reproductive rights.
Parajón will also prioritize economic development through creating jobs directly related to renewable energy such as wind and solar as well as reducing crime by reducing gun violence and enacting research driven approaches to reducing crime. Lastly, she aims to continue working alongside historically marginalized communities to ensure their voices are heard and represented in the NM House.
While Parajón has not yet served a full term as Representative for House District 25, her voting record provides context on her commitment to New Mexicans. In the 2024 Legislative Session, Parajón sponsored a bill requiring transparency in prescription drug costs, and appropriating funds for a pilot project on workforce development. She also co-sponsored three bills centered on amending the distribution of various state health insurance costs, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, and requiring public universities and colleges to include material on affirmative consent during orientation. Parajón also voted to support state affordable housing projects, paid family medical leave, prohibiting firearms at polling locations, and establishing state clean energy standards.
Cristina Parajón is being challenged by Denis Litvinenko, a Republican candidate, for House District 25. While there is minimal public information available on Litvinenko, he submitted a questionnaire to the New Mexico Business Coalition with some information on his positions, including stating that he does not support increased minimum wage or worker protections around paid time off and paid family medical leave.
We highly recommend Cristina Parajón for House District 25 based on her track record of service to the community and voting for increased access to healthcare, affordable housing, and common sense gun control measures.
Cristina Parajón is running in the General Election for House District 25. She has held the position since being appointed by the Bernalillo County Commission in August of 2023 due to the resignation of Christine Trujillo, and currently serves as a member of the House Education Committee and the House Labor, Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee.
She currently works as a paralegal for New Mexico Legal Aid, and has previously worked as the Director of Strategy for New Mexico Human Services Department, and as the Administrator for the Gateway Center.
Parajón is motivated to run for House District 25 due to her family legacy of serving the community, and her personal experience living in rural Nicaragua with her parents as they trained community health workers. Her priorities include reducing homelessness by investing in affordable and environmentally friendly housing and increasing access to healthcare including preventative care and mental health as well as defend and expand reproductive rights.
Parajón will also prioritize economic development through creating jobs directly related to renewable energy such as wind and solar as well as reducing crime by reducing gun violence and enacting research driven approaches to reducing crime. Lastly, she aims to continue working alongside historically marginalized communities to ensure their voices are heard and represented in the NM House.
While Parajón has not yet served a full term as Representative for House District 25, her voting record provides context on her commitment to New Mexicans. In the 2024 Legislative Session, Parajón sponsored a bill requiring transparency in prescription drug costs, and appropriating funds for a pilot project on workforce development. She also co-sponsored three bills centered on amending the distribution of various state health insurance costs, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, and requiring public universities and colleges to include material on affirmative consent during orientation. Parajón also voted to support state affordable housing projects, paid family medical leave, prohibiting firearms at polling locations, and establishing state clean energy standards.
Cristina Parajón is being challenged by Denis Litvinenko, a Republican candidate, for House District 25. While there is minimal public information available on Litvinenko, he submitted a questionnaire to the New Mexico Business Coalition with some information on his positions, including stating that he does not support increased minimum wage or worker protections around paid time off and paid family medical leave.
We highly recommend Cristina Parajón for House District 25 based on her track record of service to the community and voting for increased access to healthcare, affordable housing, and common sense gun control measures.
Representative, District 26
Eleanor Chavez is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 26. She held the position from 2009-2012, and again starting in 2023-present. Chavez currently serves as the Chair of the House Enrolling and Engrossing committee and is a Member of the House Health and Human Services and House Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs committees.
Chavez works as the Executive Director for National Union of Hospital and Healthcare Employees District 1199, and has previously worked as an Assistant Director and Community Engagement Coordinator for the American Federation of Teachers. Prior to that, her experience includes working as a social worker, community organizer, and an Educational Consultant. Her Volunteer/leadership experience includes serving as Vice-Chair of Health Security for New Mexicans Campaign, and as Chair of Casa de Salud.
Chavez’s passion to run for re-election for House District 26 stems from her personal experience as a labor organizer and her family’s emphasis on education, leading to Chavez being the first in her family to earn a college degree. Her policy priorities include designing child welfare standards for CYFD to support children and case managers, requiring the Department of Health to minimum nursing staffing-to-patient ratios, conducting a study on medicaid managed care companies to determine how to better improve delivery of healthcare, and continuing to address the shortage of affordable housing.
Chavez has a strong track record of meeting the needs of New Mexians, including but not limited to voting for the establishment of affordable housing projects, paid family medical leave, establishing a service member suicide prevention program, reducing state income tax rates, establishing clean energy standards, and establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases. In the 2023 Legislative Session, Chavez voted to protect access to abortion and gender affirming care, prohibiting discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity, appropriating funds for environmental and cultural preservation, and the expansion of the voting rights act. Chavez’s vote record over the past two years shows her commitment to meeting the needs of New Mexicans across the state.
Eleanor Chavez is being challenged by Republican Patrick Sais. While Sais’ campaign website has little information related to his policies, a review of his campaign Facebook highlights his focus on increased funding for law enforcement, “election integrity” which is a code word for restricting voting laws, and “school choice” which would take funding away from public schools and allow parents to use it for private school access, benefiting the wealthy. His campaign Facebook page also regularly reshares mis and dis-information from known conspiracy theorist and election denier Audrey Trujillo.
We highly recommend Eleanor Chavez for re-election to House District 26 based on her strong vote history and personal organizing experience in the district she is representing.
Eleanor Chavez is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 26. She held the position from 2009-2012, and again starting in 2023-present. Chavez currently serves as the Chair of the House Enrolling and Engrossing committee and is a Member of the House Health and Human Services and House Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs committees.
Chavez works as the Executive Director for National Union of Hospital and Healthcare Employees District 1199, and has previously worked as an Assistant Director and Community Engagement Coordinator for the American Federation of Teachers. Prior to that, her experience includes working as a social worker, community organizer, and an Educational Consultant. Her Volunteer/leadership experience includes serving as Vice-Chair of Health Security for New Mexicans Campaign, and as Chair of Casa de Salud.
Chavez’s passion to run for re-election for House District 26 stems from her personal experience as a labor organizer and her family’s emphasis on education, leading to Chavez being the first in her family to earn a college degree. Her policy priorities include designing child welfare standards for CYFD to support children and case managers, requiring the Department of Health to minimum nursing staffing-to-patient ratios, conducting a study on medicaid managed care companies to determine how to better improve delivery of healthcare, and continuing to address the shortage of affordable housing.
Chavez has a strong track record of meeting the needs of New Mexians, including but not limited to voting for the establishment of affordable housing projects, paid family medical leave, establishing a service member suicide prevention program, reducing state income tax rates, establishing clean energy standards, and establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases. In the 2023 Legislative Session, Chavez voted to protect access to abortion and gender affirming care, prohibiting discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity, appropriating funds for environmental and cultural preservation, and the expansion of the voting rights act. Chavez’s vote record over the past two years shows her commitment to meeting the needs of New Mexicans across the state.
Eleanor Chavez is being challenged by Republican Patrick Sais. While Sais’ campaign website has little information related to his policies, a review of his campaign Facebook highlights his focus on increased funding for law enforcement, “election integrity” which is a code word for restricting voting laws, and “school choice” which would take funding away from public schools and allow parents to use it for private school access, benefiting the wealthy. His campaign Facebook page also regularly reshares mis and dis-information from known conspiracy theorist and election denier Audrey Trujillo.
We highly recommend Eleanor Chavez for re-election to House District 26 based on her strong vote history and personal organizing experience in the district she is representing.
Representative, District 27
Marian Matthews is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 27. She has held the position since 2020, and serves as a member of the House Agriculture, Acequias, and Water Resources and House Commerce & Economic Development Committees.
Matthews is a retired lawyer who has previously worked as a criminal prosecutor, educator, Development Director at PB&J Family Services, and as Deputy Attorney General for then AG Tom Udall. Her leadership/volunteer experience includes serving as a board member with Albuquerque Development Commission and the Rio Grande Community Development Corporation, and she has also taught business and law courses at Central New Mexico Community College.
Matthews is motivated to run for re-election for House District 27 by her focus on increasing public safety, healthcare access, and economic development. While Matthews’ has supported legislation to improve senior home protection, expand healthcare provider networks through interstate compacts, and proposes a permanent legislative committee to improve the state's approach to family and children's issues, some of her votes contradict her stated values. She did not vote on prohibiting life sentences for juveniles, did not vote to support for clean energy standards, voted no on requiring employers to provide sick leave for every 30 hours worked, and again voted no to paid family medical leave.
Marian Matthews is being challenged by Republican Gregory Gallegos. Gallegos formerly worked as an Operational Specialist for the US Navy. While his platform includes acknowledging the need for rehabilitation programs for people with addiction issues, his call for community policing, tough on crime laws, desire to discontinue sanctuary city laws, and strong stance on religion, we have some concerns with his candidacy.
Given the publicly available information on both candidates for House District 27, we are not able to make a recommendation in this race.
Marian Matthews is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 27. She has held the position since 2020, and serves as a member of the House Agriculture, Acequias, and Water Resources and House Commerce & Economic Development Committees.
Matthews is a retired lawyer who has previously worked as a criminal prosecutor, educator, Development Director at PB&J Family Services, and as Deputy Attorney General for then AG Tom Udall. Her leadership/volunteer experience includes serving as a board member with Albuquerque Development Commission and the Rio Grande Community Development Corporation, and she has also taught business and law courses at Central New Mexico Community College.
Matthews is motivated to run for re-election for House District 27 by her focus on increasing public safety, healthcare access, and economic development. While Matthews’ has supported legislation to improve senior home protection, expand healthcare provider networks through interstate compacts, and proposes a permanent legislative committee to improve the state's approach to family and children's issues, some of her votes contradict her stated values. She did not vote on prohibiting life sentences for juveniles, did not vote to support for clean energy standards, voted no on requiring employers to provide sick leave for every 30 hours worked, and again voted no to paid family medical leave.
Marian Matthews is being challenged by Republican Gregory Gallegos. Gallegos formerly worked as an Operational Specialist for the US Navy. While his platform includes acknowledging the need for rehabilitation programs for people with addiction issues, his call for community policing, tough on crime laws, desire to discontinue sanctuary city laws, and strong stance on religion, we have some concerns with his candidacy.
Given the publicly available information on both candidates for House District 27, we are not able to make a recommendation in this race.
Representative, District 28
Pamelya Herndon is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 28. She has held the position since 2021, and currently serves as Vice Chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee, and as a member of House Appropriations and Finance Committee.
Herndon is a well-known practicing attorney, licensed in NM and CO, and leads as President and CEO of The Women's Center for Social Justice and Change. Previously, she was the Executive Director of Southwest Women's Law Center, and has also served as Deputy Cabinet Secretary for New Mexico’s General Services Department, General Counsel for the NM State Regulation and Licensing Department of New Mexico, Attorney in the Litigation Division of the NM Attorney General, and Senior Litigation Attorney for the Internal Revenue Service. She also has extensive leadership/volunteer experience, including with the American Association of University Women - Albuquerque Chapter, and as a board member for Emerge New Mexico and the Con Alma Health Foundation. She studied at Howard University and earned her law degree from the University of Texas.
Herndon’s motivation to run for re-election to House District 28 comes from her commitment to public safety, education, and economic equality. She has been a vocal advocate for reducing crime in Albuquerque, as demonstrated by her legislative efforts to enact common sense gun regulations. Herndon supports the Second Amendment while advocating for responsible gun ownership, and was a sponsor of Bennie’s Bill. She champions economic policies aimed at reducing the tax burden on seniors and working families and supports education by promoting significant salary increases for New Mexico's teachers and expanding mental health services in schools. Her legislative track record includes voting for increasing the amount annually transferred to the Early Childhood Education and Care Program Fund, protections for abortions and gender affirming care, establishing clean energy fuel standards, authorizing retirees to return to work without suspension of benefits, and she sponsored bills requiring increased transparency in prescription drug costs as well as expanding police training requirements.
Pamelya Herndon is being challenged by Republican Marcie May. While there is confusing/mixed information available publicly on May’s priorities, she has stated she would repeal abortion rights in New Mexico and has shared dis/misinformation on immigration and border policy in candidate questionnaires and on social media, including “The Great Replacement,” which is a white nationalist far-right conspiracy theory. She also supports oil and gas producers, opposes environmental regulations, and has shared misinformation on the Green New Deal and elections/voting.
We highly recommend Pamelya Herndon for House District 28. As a dedicated public servant whose extensive legal background, advocacy for public safety, economic reform, and educational support make her the clear choice to continue representing New Mexico's House District 28.
Pamelya Herndon is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 28. She has held the position since 2021, and currently serves as Vice Chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee, and as a member of House Appropriations and Finance Committee.
Herndon is a well-known practicing attorney, licensed in NM and CO, and leads as President and CEO of The Women's Center for Social Justice and Change. Previously, she was the Executive Director of Southwest Women's Law Center, and has also served as Deputy Cabinet Secretary for New Mexico’s General Services Department, General Counsel for the NM State Regulation and Licensing Department of New Mexico, Attorney in the Litigation Division of the NM Attorney General, and Senior Litigation Attorney for the Internal Revenue Service. She also has extensive leadership/volunteer experience, including with the American Association of University Women - Albuquerque Chapter, and as a board member for Emerge New Mexico and the Con Alma Health Foundation. She studied at Howard University and earned her law degree from the University of Texas.
Herndon’s motivation to run for re-election to House District 28 comes from her commitment to public safety, education, and economic equality. She has been a vocal advocate for reducing crime in Albuquerque, as demonstrated by her legislative efforts to enact common sense gun regulations. Herndon supports the Second Amendment while advocating for responsible gun ownership, and was a sponsor of Bennie’s Bill. She champions economic policies aimed at reducing the tax burden on seniors and working families and supports education by promoting significant salary increases for New Mexico's teachers and expanding mental health services in schools. Her legislative track record includes voting for increasing the amount annually transferred to the Early Childhood Education and Care Program Fund, protections for abortions and gender affirming care, establishing clean energy fuel standards, authorizing retirees to return to work without suspension of benefits, and she sponsored bills requiring increased transparency in prescription drug costs as well as expanding police training requirements.
Pamelya Herndon is being challenged by Republican Marcie May. While there is confusing/mixed information available publicly on May’s priorities, she has stated she would repeal abortion rights in New Mexico and has shared dis/misinformation on immigration and border policy in candidate questionnaires and on social media, including “The Great Replacement,” which is a white nationalist far-right conspiracy theory. She also supports oil and gas producers, opposes environmental regulations, and has shared misinformation on the Green New Deal and elections/voting.
We highly recommend Pamelya Herndon for House District 28. As a dedicated public servant whose extensive legal background, advocacy for public safety, economic reform, and educational support make her the clear choice to continue representing New Mexico's House District 28.
Representative, District 29
Joy Garrett is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 29. Garrett has held the position since 2019, and currently serves as vice chair of the House Education Committee, and as a member of the House Appropriations and Finance, House Rules, and House Printing and Supplies Committees.
Garrett is a retired educator who worked for nearly 30 years, including teaching ESL, Language Arts, and US History at Wilson Middle School, Harrison Middle School and Jimmy Carter Middle School, as well as teaching fifth grade at Painted Sky Elementary School. She is also well known for her extensive leadership/volunteer experience, including with the Ventana Ranch Neighborhood Association, AFT NM Retirees Association, New Mexico Ethics Watch, National Council of State Legislators Early Learning and Higher Education Fellowships, and for consistently hosting presentations and discussions for area schools on how New Mexico’s state government works.
Garrett is motivated to run for re-election to House District 29 by her passion for serving her community and enhancing public services. Her personal experience with remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic also deepened her resolve to expand technology access across New Mexico.
Her legislative track record includes sponsoring bills aimed at keeping schools safe from predators, tackling copper/metal theft, and advocating for increased gun safety measures. She champions public safety, infrastructure improvements on Albuquerque's West Side, workforce training, healthcare access, and ensuring robust educational and economic opportunities for all New Mexicans. She voted in support of paid family medical leave, protections for abortions and gender affirming care, clean energy standards, expanding access to state programs for English language learners, requiring employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, and was a co-sponsor on a bill to prohibits future interest rate increases and a bill to establish the early childhood education care fund.
Joy Garrett is being challenged by Republican Gregory Cunningham. Cunningham owns a private security company and previously worked for the Albuquerque Police Department. His priorities include minimum mandatory sentencing, cutting regulations for businesses, and supporting oil and gas producers. He also supports abolishing the Gross Receipts Tax and instead passing costs along to consumers through sales taxes. He opposes Paid Family Medical Leave, gun safety reform, and additional environmental protections for New Mexico’s air, land, and water. In 2022, he also declined to answer whether he agreed with former president Trump’s false claim of winning the 2020 election.
We highly recommend Joy Garrett for House District 29 based on her dedication to education, strong legislative record, and consistency in reinforcing New Mexico’s working families.
Joy Garrett is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 29. Garrett has held the position since 2019, and currently serves as vice chair of the House Education Committee, and as a member of the House Appropriations and Finance, House Rules, and House Printing and Supplies Committees.
Garrett is a retired educator who worked for nearly 30 years, including teaching ESL, Language Arts, and US History at Wilson Middle School, Harrison Middle School and Jimmy Carter Middle School, as well as teaching fifth grade at Painted Sky Elementary School. She is also well known for her extensive leadership/volunteer experience, including with the Ventana Ranch Neighborhood Association, AFT NM Retirees Association, New Mexico Ethics Watch, National Council of State Legislators Early Learning and Higher Education Fellowships, and for consistently hosting presentations and discussions for area schools on how New Mexico’s state government works.
Garrett is motivated to run for re-election to House District 29 by her passion for serving her community and enhancing public services. Her personal experience with remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic also deepened her resolve to expand technology access across New Mexico.
Her legislative track record includes sponsoring bills aimed at keeping schools safe from predators, tackling copper/metal theft, and advocating for increased gun safety measures. She champions public safety, infrastructure improvements on Albuquerque's West Side, workforce training, healthcare access, and ensuring robust educational and economic opportunities for all New Mexicans. She voted in support of paid family medical leave, protections for abortions and gender affirming care, clean energy standards, expanding access to state programs for English language learners, requiring employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, and was a co-sponsor on a bill to prohibits future interest rate increases and a bill to establish the early childhood education care fund.
Joy Garrett is being challenged by Republican Gregory Cunningham. Cunningham owns a private security company and previously worked for the Albuquerque Police Department. His priorities include minimum mandatory sentencing, cutting regulations for businesses, and supporting oil and gas producers. He also supports abolishing the Gross Receipts Tax and instead passing costs along to consumers through sales taxes. He opposes Paid Family Medical Leave, gun safety reform, and additional environmental protections for New Mexico’s air, land, and water. In 2022, he also declined to answer whether he agreed with former president Trump’s false claim of winning the 2020 election.
We highly recommend Joy Garrett for House District 29 based on her dedication to education, strong legislative record, and consistency in reinforcing New Mexico’s working families.
Representative, District 30
Dr. Elizabeth Torres-Velásquez is running in the General Election for House District 30. Dr. Torres-Velásquez is a respected educator with a Ph.D. in education and a long-time member of the Democratic Party. Her professional journey includes working as an Associate Professor at the University of New Mexico for 30 years, where she has been involved in university governance, serving on the Academic Freedom and Tenure committee and Faculty Senate.
Renowned for her expertise in the areas of bilingual and multicultural education, learning disabilities, and Latino/Hispanic education access, Dr. Torres-Velásquez has earned numerous accolades for her work. Her commitment extends beyond academia into pivotal community roles, including her leadership with the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fun and the Latino Education Task Force, significantly impacting educational policy and civil rights in New Mexico. She also served as Hispanic Education Liaison for the state in 2010 and authored the inaugural report on the Status of Hispanic Education, fulfilling requirements mandated by the Hispanic Education Act.
Dr. Torres-Velásquez is motivated to run for House District 30 by her belief that education is a fundamental right and crucial pathway to opportunity. Her policy priorities include enhancing public education, addressing water scarcity, improving community safety, and fostering economic growth. She has a strong track record of advocacy and played a leading role in the landmark lawsuits, Martínez and Yazzie v. New Mexico, focused on ensuring equitable public education for all New Mexican students, as promised in the state constitution. Through her work, she has demonstrated a consistent commitment to the principles of equality, justice, and opportunity, making her a formidable candidate dedicated to bringing about substantive change.
Dr. Torres-Velásquez is being challenged by Republican Lori Robertson. There is limited public information available, however, based on Robertson’s campaign website and a New Mexico Business Coalition questionnaire, her priorities include addressing public safety via increased prison sentences and mental/behavioral health programs, cutting business regulations, and supporting oil and gas producers. Robertson does not support expanding environmental protections for New Mexico’s land, air and water.
We highly recommend Dr. Elizabeth Diane Torres-Velásquez based on her dedication to education and record of advocating for equitable access to public education.
Dr. Elizabeth Torres-Velásquez is running in the General Election for House District 30. Dr. Torres-Velásquez is a respected educator with a Ph.D. in education and a long-time member of the Democratic Party. Her professional journey includes working as an Associate Professor at the University of New Mexico for 30 years, where she has been involved in university governance, serving on the Academic Freedom and Tenure committee and Faculty Senate.
Renowned for her expertise in the areas of bilingual and multicultural education, learning disabilities, and Latino/Hispanic education access, Dr. Torres-Velásquez has earned numerous accolades for her work. Her commitment extends beyond academia into pivotal community roles, including her leadership with the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fun and the Latino Education Task Force, significantly impacting educational policy and civil rights in New Mexico. She also served as Hispanic Education Liaison for the state in 2010 and authored the inaugural report on the Status of Hispanic Education, fulfilling requirements mandated by the Hispanic Education Act.
Dr. Torres-Velásquez is motivated to run for House District 30 by her belief that education is a fundamental right and crucial pathway to opportunity. Her policy priorities include enhancing public education, addressing water scarcity, improving community safety, and fostering economic growth. She has a strong track record of advocacy and played a leading role in the landmark lawsuits, Martínez and Yazzie v. New Mexico, focused on ensuring equitable public education for all New Mexican students, as promised in the state constitution. Through her work, she has demonstrated a consistent commitment to the principles of equality, justice, and opportunity, making her a formidable candidate dedicated to bringing about substantive change.
Dr. Torres-Velásquez is being challenged by Republican Lori Robertson. There is limited public information available, however, based on Robertson’s campaign website and a New Mexico Business Coalition questionnaire, her priorities include addressing public safety via increased prison sentences and mental/behavioral health programs, cutting business regulations, and supporting oil and gas producers. Robertson does not support expanding environmental protections for New Mexico’s land, air and water.
We highly recommend Dr. Elizabeth Diane Torres-Velásquez based on her dedication to education and record of advocating for equitable access to public education.
Representative, District 31
Vicky Estrada-Bustillo is running in the General Election for House District 31. Estrada-Bustillo is a retired civil servant and small business owner who spent over two decades working for the United States Forest Service, including as a District Ranger and Forest Planning Staff Officer at the Cibola National Forest. Post-retirement, Vicky founded Estrada Collaborative Resource Management. Her leadership/volunteer experience includes serving as a board member of the Peppertree/Royal Oak Residents Association, and Chair of the Fuerzas Unidas Caucus. Vicky holds a Master’s degree in Forestry and has been a lifelong resident of District 31.
Estrada-Bustillo is motivated to run for office by a desire to provide proactive, effective leadership for House District 31, driven by a career of facilitating solutions across diverse groups. Her priorities include addressing crime through preventative measures based on data driven solutions, establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in New Mexico to help control the rising drug prices, protecting reproductive rights and abortion access, continuing to invest in successful and growing programs like universal pre-K and free higher education, and reducing homelessness by expanding affordable housing and mental health services. She also supports protecting the environment while simultaneously supporting economic growth through investment in renewable energy and small businesses. Estrada-Bustillo’s policies reflect her extensive background in public service and her commitment to her community.
Vicky Estrada-Bustillo is being challenged for House District 31 by Republican Nicole Chavez. Chavez’s priorities include stronger penalties for those convicted of committing a crime, closing the Border, opposing common sense gun regulation, and “school choice,” a phrase that is regularly used as coded language for defunding public schools. Chavez is also a Team Leader for the New Mexico Chapter of LUCA (Latinos United for Conservative Action) which is a national pro-Trump group aligned with MAGA policies specifically. Their mission statement includes promoting religion in government and schools. LUCA also seeks to ban abortion access.
We highly recommend Vicky Estrada-Bustillo for House District 31 based on her commitment to environmental protections, education, and community safety.
Vicky Estrada-Bustillo is running in the General Election for House District 31. Estrada-Bustillo is a retired civil servant and small business owner who spent over two decades working for the United States Forest Service, including as a District Ranger and Forest Planning Staff Officer at the Cibola National Forest. Post-retirement, Vicky founded Estrada Collaborative Resource Management. Her leadership/volunteer experience includes serving as a board member of the Peppertree/Royal Oak Residents Association, and Chair of the Fuerzas Unidas Caucus. Vicky holds a Master’s degree in Forestry and has been a lifelong resident of District 31.
Estrada-Bustillo is motivated to run for office by a desire to provide proactive, effective leadership for House District 31, driven by a career of facilitating solutions across diverse groups. Her priorities include addressing crime through preventative measures based on data driven solutions, establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in New Mexico to help control the rising drug prices, protecting reproductive rights and abortion access, continuing to invest in successful and growing programs like universal pre-K and free higher education, and reducing homelessness by expanding affordable housing and mental health services. She also supports protecting the environment while simultaneously supporting economic growth through investment in renewable energy and small businesses. Estrada-Bustillo’s policies reflect her extensive background in public service and her commitment to her community.
Vicky Estrada-Bustillo is being challenged for House District 31 by Republican Nicole Chavez. Chavez’s priorities include stronger penalties for those convicted of committing a crime, closing the Border, opposing common sense gun regulation, and “school choice,” a phrase that is regularly used as coded language for defunding public schools. Chavez is also a Team Leader for the New Mexico Chapter of LUCA (Latinos United for Conservative Action) which is a national pro-Trump group aligned with MAGA policies specifically. Their mission statement includes promoting religion in government and schools. LUCA also seeks to ban abortion access.
We highly recommend Vicky Estrada-Bustillo for House District 31 based on her commitment to environmental protections, education, and community safety.
Representative, District 44
Kathleen Cates is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 44. She has served in the legislature since 2023, and is currently a member of the Agriculture, Acequias and Water Resources, Health & Human Services, and House Enrolling & Engrossing committee.
Cates works as a Real Estate Broker, and previously worked in the nonprofit sector as CEO and President of LifeROOTS for 10 years, and prior to that in a manager role at Goodwill Industries, as well as running her own business.
She is motivated to run for re-election for House District 44 by a passion for using her background in policy and operations to protect civil rights, support working families, and fix policies and processes that hinder small businesses and homeowners. Her stated priorities include increasing investment in education and child care, affordable housing, diversifying the state’s economy with a focus on hospitality/tourism, film, and clean energy, protecting LGBTQ+ New Mexicans and New Mexicans with a disability, and she also supports modernizing the legislature with salaries and paid staff as well as moving to instant runoff/ranked choice voting.
Cates’ record includes co-sponsoring bills investing in affordable housing (SB216), requiring menstrual products in public schools (HB134), and increased apprenticeships in the trades including expanding into electric vehicles, health care and teaching (HB5). She also voted in favor of Paid Family Medical Leave, protections for abortion and gender affirming healthcare (SB13), requiring health insurance companies to reimburse for mental health coverage (SB273), establishing state clean energy standards (HB41), and the New Mexico Voting Rights Act.
We highly recommend Kathleen Cates for House District 44 based on her stated positions and track record of supporting human rights, responsible economic development, and New Mexican families.
Kathleen Cates is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 44. She has served in the legislature since 2023, and is currently a member of the Agriculture, Acequias and Water Resources, Health & Human Services, and House Enrolling & Engrossing committee.
Cates works as a Real Estate Broker, and previously worked in the nonprofit sector as CEO and President of LifeROOTS for 10 years, and prior to that in a manager role at Goodwill Industries, as well as running her own business.
She is motivated to run for re-election for House District 44 by a passion for using her background in policy and operations to protect civil rights, support working families, and fix policies and processes that hinder small businesses and homeowners. Her stated priorities include increasing investment in education and child care, affordable housing, diversifying the state’s economy with a focus on hospitality/tourism, film, and clean energy, protecting LGBTQ+ New Mexicans and New Mexicans with a disability, and she also supports modernizing the legislature with salaries and paid staff as well as moving to instant runoff/ranked choice voting.
Cates’ record includes co-sponsoring bills investing in affordable housing (SB216), requiring menstrual products in public schools (HB134), and increased apprenticeships in the trades including expanding into electric vehicles, health care and teaching (HB5). She also voted in favor of Paid Family Medical Leave, protections for abortion and gender affirming healthcare (SB13), requiring health insurance companies to reimburse for mental health coverage (SB273), establishing state clean energy standards (HB41), and the New Mexico Voting Rights Act.
We highly recommend Kathleen Cates for House District 44 based on her stated positions and track record of supporting human rights, responsible economic development, and New Mexican families.
其他候选人
Kathleen Cates is being challenged by Ali Ennenga. Based on publicly available information, Ennenga currently runs her own business as a notary signing agent and is the Director of Community Relations at ¡Basta! NM Foundation. Prior to that, she was employed at Americans for Prosperity (AFP), a right-wing group that opposes access to healthcare and worker protections. Ennenga has stated that she opposes Paid Family Medical Leave and that it is her number one priority to stop it from moving forward if elected.
Ennenga has also previously run for NM House District 15 and APS School Board District 3. In past interviews, candidate questionnaires, and campaign websites, Ennenga has proposed repealing the Energy Transition Act and opposed early childhood education programs. During the APS School board race, she also raised claims about schools “teaching pornography to small children” as well as teaching critical race theory and her concern that children were being “indoctrinated and groomed for trafficking and pedophilia.” It is not clear which schools, if any, Ennenga was referring to. In a 2020 Ballotpedia survey, Ennenga also said she would model herself after Representative Jim Townsend who has repeatedly voted against reproductive rights, environmental protections, workers rights, and expanded healthcare.
Given Ennenga’s past positions and potentially spreading dis/misinformation, we do not recommend her for House District 44.
Kathleen Cates is being challenged by Ali Ennenga. Based on publicly available information, Ennenga currently runs her own business as a notary signing agent and is the Director of Community Relations at ¡Basta! NM Foundation. Prior to that, she was employed at Americans for Prosperity (AFP), a right-wing group that opposes access to healthcare and worker protections. Ennenga has stated that she opposes Paid Family Medical Leave and that it is her number one priority to stop it from moving forward if elected.
Ennenga has also previously run for NM House District 15 and APS School Board District 3. In past interviews, candidate questionnaires, and campaign websites, Ennenga has proposed repealing the Energy Transition Act and opposed early childhood education programs. During the APS School board race, she also raised claims about schools “teaching pornography to small children” as well as teaching critical race theory and her concern that children were being “indoctrinated and groomed for trafficking and pedophilia.” It is not clear which schools, if any, Ennenga was referring to. In a 2020 Ballotpedia survey, Ennenga also said she would model herself after Representative Jim Townsend who has repeatedly voted against reproductive rights, environmental protections, workers rights, and expanded healthcare.
Given Ennenga’s past positions and potentially spreading dis/misinformation, we do not recommend her for House District 44.
Representative, District 68
Charlotte Little is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 68. She has held the position since 2023 and serves as a member of the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee, House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee, and the House Enrolling and Engrossing Committee.
Originally from San Felipe Pueblo, Little is a small business owner, and has also worked as Deputy Director for NAVA Education Project, Administrative Officer for the US Department of Health and Human Services, and as a Tribal Administrator for the Pueblo of San Felipe. Her volunteer and leadership experiences include serving as Vice-Chair of New Mexico Voices for Children, President of Emerge New Mexico, and Chair of the San Felipe Pueblo Health Board.
Little’s priorities include focusing on a Just Transition and creating thousands of jobs for NM workers in clean energy, eco-tourism, and the cannabis industry. She supports increased access to affordable healthcare and education, especially investing in and hiring qualified educators across the state. Additionally, Little supports addressing the root causes of crime, homelessness, and addiction, and addressing price gouging on everyday goods and services, including fuel, housing, and prescription drugs.
Little has sponsored bills requiring public colleges and universities to provide information on affirmative consent in orientation (HB151), requiring disclaimers on political advertising that uses AI-generated content (HB182), and requiring menstrual products in public schools (HB134). She has also voted in favor of bills enacting clean energy standards (HB41), paid family medical leave (SB3), prohibiting firearms at state drop boxes and polling places (SB5), establishing protections for abortion and gender affirming healthcare (SB13), and expanding accessible voting and elections via the Voting Rights Act (HB4).
We highly recommend Charlotte Little for re-election for House District 68 based on her record of protecting voting rights, dedication to taking action on climate change, and focus on ensuring all New Mexicans have access to healthcare.
Charlotte Little is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 68. She has held the position since 2023 and serves as a member of the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee, House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee, and the House Enrolling and Engrossing Committee.
Originally from San Felipe Pueblo, Little is a small business owner, and has also worked as Deputy Director for NAVA Education Project, Administrative Officer for the US Department of Health and Human Services, and as a Tribal Administrator for the Pueblo of San Felipe. Her volunteer and leadership experiences include serving as Vice-Chair of New Mexico Voices for Children, President of Emerge New Mexico, and Chair of the San Felipe Pueblo Health Board.
Little’s priorities include focusing on a Just Transition and creating thousands of jobs for NM workers in clean energy, eco-tourism, and the cannabis industry. She supports increased access to affordable healthcare and education, especially investing in and hiring qualified educators across the state. Additionally, Little supports addressing the root causes of crime, homelessness, and addiction, and addressing price gouging on everyday goods and services, including fuel, housing, and prescription drugs.
Little has sponsored bills requiring public colleges and universities to provide information on affirmative consent in orientation (HB151), requiring disclaimers on political advertising that uses AI-generated content (HB182), and requiring menstrual products in public schools (HB134). She has also voted in favor of bills enacting clean energy standards (HB41), paid family medical leave (SB3), prohibiting firearms at state drop boxes and polling places (SB5), establishing protections for abortion and gender affirming healthcare (SB13), and expanding accessible voting and elections via the Voting Rights Act (HB4).
We highly recommend Charlotte Little for re-election for House District 68 based on her record of protecting voting rights, dedication to taking action on climate change, and focus on ensuring all New Mexicans have access to healthcare.
其他候选人
Charlotte Little is being challenged by Nathan Brooks. Brooks grew up in New England but obtained his two Associate Degrees here in New Mexico. Brooks is the Executive Director of the Commercial Association of Realtors New Mexico. Before that he was the Chief Operating Officer at the Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors.
He has stated his number one priority is a specific traffic improvement project in his district, widening Unser and Paseo. His other priorities include increasing penalties for petty crimes and advancing mandatory minimum sentencing, as well as increasing mental health services and addiction treatment programs. Additionally, he mentions economic development and healthcare, although there are no specifics provided. Brooks opposes worker protections, including Paid Family and Medical Leave and increasing the minimum wage.
Brooks also has a concerning history with regard to criminal activities. In 1998 he was charged with criminal trespass. In 2005 he was charged with domestic violence and according to a police report, brutally beat his spouse. In 2006 he was arrested and charged with DWI. In 2007, he was arrested, charged, pled guilty/no contest on Aggravated DWI and Resisting/Evading/Obstructing an Officer, and served jail time.
Given Brooks positions on harsher penalties for petty crimes and opposing worker protections, along with his criminal history, we do not recommend him for election for House District 68.
Charlotte Little is being challenged by Nathan Brooks. Brooks grew up in New England but obtained his two Associate Degrees here in New Mexico. Brooks is the Executive Director of the Commercial Association of Realtors New Mexico. Before that he was the Chief Operating Officer at the Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors.
He has stated his number one priority is a specific traffic improvement project in his district, widening Unser and Paseo. His other priorities include increasing penalties for petty crimes and advancing mandatory minimum sentencing, as well as increasing mental health services and addiction treatment programs. Additionally, he mentions economic development and healthcare, although there are no specifics provided. Brooks opposes worker protections, including Paid Family and Medical Leave and increasing the minimum wage.
Brooks also has a concerning history with regard to criminal activities. In 1998 he was charged with criminal trespass. In 2005 he was charged with domestic violence and according to a police report, brutally beat his spouse. In 2006 he was arrested and charged with DWI. In 2007, he was arrested, charged, pled guilty/no contest on Aggravated DWI and Resisting/Evading/Obstructing an Officer, and served jail time.
Given Brooks positions on harsher penalties for petty crimes and opposing worker protections, along with his criminal history, we do not recommend him for election for House District 68.