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Election Day November 5, 2024
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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. 
 

2nd Congressional District

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. 
 

Other Candidates

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 Senator, District 36

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Senate races on your ballot.

Jeff Steinborn is running for re-election in the General Election for Senate District 36. He has held the position since 2017 and also served as a Representative in NM House from 2007-10 and 2013-16. He currently serves as a member of the Senate Finance Committee.

Steinborn currently works as Executive Director of Outdoor New Mexico, and is also recognized for co-founding Film Las Cruces in 2015, where he led the initiative to create a state rural film incentive, and helped Las Cruces become an emerging film production hot spot in New Mexico, being designated by MovieMaker Magazine as one the “Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker” in America. He now serves as Film Las Cruces’ Board President. He has also previously worked as a field representative for U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, an aide to then-Congressman Bill Richardson. He has received extensive recognition for leadership/volunteer experience, including the Best in Government Award from Common Cause New Mexico, 1st Amendment Freedom Award from the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government, “Medal of Merit” by the American Legion, “Top Supporter of Education” by the New Mexico Coalition of School Administrators, Luminaria Award by Conservation Voters New Mexico, and “Legislator of the Year” by the New Mexico Recycling Coalition. He has also worked with the Las Cruces chapter of the National Education Association, the Mesilla Valley Community Development Corporation, and is a Former Chair for the Democratic Party of Doña Ana County. Steinborn was born and raised in Las Cruces and is a proud graduate of the city's public schools.

He is motivated to run for re-election for Senate District 36 by his passion for community advocacy, education/child well-being, and good governance. During his time in office, Steinborn has passed a variety of legislation including cosponsoring bills to establish an Independent Ethics Commission, campaign contribution limits, establishment of the Outdoor Recreation Division and the Creative Industries Division, the statewide Rio Grande Trail, webcasting and archiving of legislative committee meetings, and a ban on the storage of high-level nuclear waste in New Mexico.

He has supported a variety of legislation such as greater protection of New Mexico’s lands, air, and water, creation of the outdoor recreation division, creative industries division, and Rio Grande Trail. He has also supported increases to the minimum wage and expanded opportunities for youth civic engagement, and is well known for his leadership on a successful 10 year campaign to create the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument.

Jeff Steinborn is being challenged by Republican David Tofsted. Tofsted worked at the US Army's Atmospheric Sciences Lab for 30+ years, openly identifies as a MAGA supporter, and is known for spreading disinformation via social media, including denying climate change and advancing inaccurate information about wind and solar powered energy. He also has an extensive record of anti-trans and anti-reproductive rights attacks.

We highly recommend Jeff Steinborn for Senate District 36 given his proven commitment to environmental protections, experience driving sustainable economic development, and his focus on good governance, ethics, and better education and healthcare for all New Mexicans.

Jeff Steinborn is running for re-election in the General Election for Senate District 36. He has held the position since 2017 and also served as a Representative in NM House from 2007-10 and 2013-16. He currently serves as a member of the Senate Finance Committee.

Steinborn currently works as Executive Director of Outdoor New Mexico, and is also recognized for co-founding Film Las Cruces in 2015, where he led the initiative to create a state rural film incentive, and helped Las Cruces become an emerging film production hot spot in New Mexico, being designated by MovieMaker Magazine as one the “Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker” in America. He now serves as Film Las Cruces’ Board President. He has also previously worked as a field representative for U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, an aide to then-Congressman Bill Richardson. He has received extensive recognition for leadership/volunteer experience, including the Best in Government Award from Common Cause New Mexico, 1st Amendment Freedom Award from the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government, “Medal of Merit” by the American Legion, “Top Supporter of Education” by the New Mexico Coalition of School Administrators, Luminaria Award by Conservation Voters New Mexico, and “Legislator of the Year” by the New Mexico Recycling Coalition. He has also worked with the Las Cruces chapter of the National Education Association, the Mesilla Valley Community Development Corporation, and is a Former Chair for the Democratic Party of Doña Ana County. Steinborn was born and raised in Las Cruces and is a proud graduate of the city's public schools.

He is motivated to run for re-election for Senate District 36 by his passion for community advocacy, education/child well-being, and good governance. During his time in office, Steinborn has passed a variety of legislation including cosponsoring bills to establish an Independent Ethics Commission, campaign contribution limits, establishment of the Outdoor Recreation Division and the Creative Industries Division, the statewide Rio Grande Trail, webcasting and archiving of legislative committee meetings, and a ban on the storage of high-level nuclear waste in New Mexico.

He has supported a variety of legislation such as greater protection of New Mexico’s lands, air, and water, creation of the outdoor recreation division, creative industries division, and Rio Grande Trail. He has also supported increases to the minimum wage and expanded opportunities for youth civic engagement, and is well known for his leadership on a successful 10 year campaign to create the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument.

Jeff Steinborn is being challenged by Republican David Tofsted. Tofsted worked at the US Army's Atmospheric Sciences Lab for 30+ years, openly identifies as a MAGA supporter, and is known for spreading disinformation via social media, including denying climate change and advancing inaccurate information about wind and solar powered energy. He also has an extensive record of anti-trans and anti-reproductive rights attacks.

We highly recommend Jeff Steinborn for Senate District 36 given his proven commitment to environmental protections, experience driving sustainable economic development, and his focus on good governance, ethics, and better education and healthcare for all New Mexicans.

Representative, District 38

Tara Jaramillo is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 38. She has held the position since 2023, and serves as a member of the House Appropriations & Finance committee, House Health and Human Services committee, and the House Enrolling and Engrossing committee. She is also a member of the Indian Affairs committee, an advisory on the Legislative Health & Human Services committee, a designee for the Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force committee, and a standing advisory on the Legislative Finance committee.

Jaramillo lives and works in Socorro County as a Speech Language Pathologist and the co-founder of Positive Outcomes, Inc., a healthcare organization. Her volunteer/leadership experience also includes serving on the Socorro Consolidated School Board, and as a former Chair of the Socorro Democratic Party.

Her priorities center on improving the financial well-being of New Mexicans, increasing access to healthcare, and improving public safety. Specific proposals include countering inflation by lowering the gross receipts tax, repealing tax cuts for the wealthy, and continuing tax relief on Social Security and military retirement income. Jaramillo also prioritizes reducing drug-related crime by expanding behavioral health and drug treatment centers, fully funding education to attract and retain top teachers, and making healthcare more affordable. Additionally, she is committed to protecting reproductive freedom, enhancing infrastructure, and ensuring access to reliable, high-speed internet, better water management, and improved roads and bridges.

Jaramillo’s track record includes sponsoring bills addressing healthcare, education, and public safety, including fair reimbursement for community-based pharmacies, preventing suicide among veterans and service members, and studying class size reductions in schools. She has also pushed for task forces to address issues like prenatal substance exposure, foster care challenges, and behavioral health workforce expansion. Additionally, Jaramillo has supported legislation aimed at improving government conduct, aiding military retirees, and enhancing protections against human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

While Jaramillo has supported progressive priorities that reinforce New Mexico’s working families, she has also voted against common sense gun restrictions, environmental protections, and voted against paid family medical leave in the 2024 session.

We lean towards Tara Jaramillo for re-election to House District 38 based on her track record of protecting reproductive rights, investing in healthcare, and increasing access to education.

Tara Jaramillo is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 38. She has held the position since 2023, and serves as a member of the House Appropriations & Finance committee, House Health and Human Services committee, and the House Enrolling and Engrossing committee. She is also a member of the Indian Affairs committee, an advisory on the Legislative Health & Human Services committee, a designee for the Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force committee, and a standing advisory on the Legislative Finance committee.

Jaramillo lives and works in Socorro County as a Speech Language Pathologist and the co-founder of Positive Outcomes, Inc., a healthcare organization. Her volunteer/leadership experience also includes serving on the Socorro Consolidated School Board, and as a former Chair of the Socorro Democratic Party.

Her priorities center on improving the financial well-being of New Mexicans, increasing access to healthcare, and improving public safety. Specific proposals include countering inflation by lowering the gross receipts tax, repealing tax cuts for the wealthy, and continuing tax relief on Social Security and military retirement income. Jaramillo also prioritizes reducing drug-related crime by expanding behavioral health and drug treatment centers, fully funding education to attract and retain top teachers, and making healthcare more affordable. Additionally, she is committed to protecting reproductive freedom, enhancing infrastructure, and ensuring access to reliable, high-speed internet, better water management, and improved roads and bridges.

Jaramillo’s track record includes sponsoring bills addressing healthcare, education, and public safety, including fair reimbursement for community-based pharmacies, preventing suicide among veterans and service members, and studying class size reductions in schools. She has also pushed for task forces to address issues like prenatal substance exposure, foster care challenges, and behavioral health workforce expansion. Additionally, Jaramillo has supported legislation aimed at improving government conduct, aiding military retirees, and enhancing protections against human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

While Jaramillo has supported progressive priorities that reinforce New Mexico’s working families, she has also voted against common sense gun restrictions, environmental protections, and voted against paid family medical leave in the 2024 session.

We lean towards Tara Jaramillo for re-election to House District 38 based on her track record of protecting reproductive rights, investing in healthcare, and increasing access to education.

Endorsed By: Sierra Club