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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. 
 

1st Congressional District

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.
 

State Senate

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

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.

Other Candidates

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 40

Amina Everett is running in the General Election for Senate District 40 against incumbent Republican Craig Brandt. Everett moved to New Mexico after retiring from the Illinois state government where she was an administrator for programs in the areas of conservation and social services, including emergency food assistance and medical care. Her leadership and volunteer experience in Rio Rancho includes completing the Rio Rancho Citizens Police Academy, serving as a board member of Rebuilding Together Sandoval County, member of the Rio Rancho Players Community Theater, and as Treasurer of the Rio Rancho Northwest Mesa NAACP. Everett grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated with a BA in Psychology and MBA from the University of North Carolina.

Everett’s passion to run for Senate District 40 comes from her experience growing up in St. Louis, MO, where she watched her parents work hard to support their family of six, and where she and her younger brother shared the challenge of being the first students of color to integrate an all-white elementary school. Her priorities include reproductive freedom, access to healthcare, quality of life, public safety, and public infrastructure.

She supports increasing the state’s minimum wage to $15/hr and ensuring cost of living increases are built into all job/wage levels. Additionally, she supports reproductive freedom and increasing access to free and affordable healthcare in both city and rural areas. Everett is also in favor of modernizing the legislature, continuing to increase access to voting and elections, and enhancing environmental protections for working families, including a one mile or more setback to protect children who live near oil and gas production facilities. She also supports the development of renewable energy and green businesses.

Everett is running against Republican incumbent Craig W Brandt. Brandt has held the position since 2013 and serves as the Minority Whip. His vote record over the last decade has demonstrated his misalignment with New Mexican values. Brant has regularly voted against increases in funding for educational programs, reproductive rights and abortion access, increases to the minimum wage, expanded healthcare coverage and access,and environmental protections. He has also consistently spread misinformation about immigration and other disinformation narratives on his social media profiles.

We recommend Amina Everett for Senate District 40 based on her stated priorities, experience navigating government and policy, and her leadership/volunteer work in the community.

Amina Everett is running in the General Election for Senate District 40 against incumbent Republican Craig Brandt. Everett moved to New Mexico after retiring from the Illinois state government where she was an administrator for programs in the areas of conservation and social services, including emergency food assistance and medical care. Her leadership and volunteer experience in Rio Rancho includes completing the Rio Rancho Citizens Police Academy, serving as a board member of Rebuilding Together Sandoval County, member of the Rio Rancho Players Community Theater, and as Treasurer of the Rio Rancho Northwest Mesa NAACP. Everett grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated with a BA in Psychology and MBA from the University of North Carolina.

Everett’s passion to run for Senate District 40 comes from her experience growing up in St. Louis, MO, where she watched her parents work hard to support their family of six, and where she and her younger brother shared the challenge of being the first students of color to integrate an all-white elementary school. Her priorities include reproductive freedom, access to healthcare, quality of life, public safety, and public infrastructure.

She supports increasing the state’s minimum wage to $15/hr and ensuring cost of living increases are built into all job/wage levels. Additionally, she supports reproductive freedom and increasing access to free and affordable healthcare in both city and rural areas. Everett is also in favor of modernizing the legislature, continuing to increase access to voting and elections, and enhancing environmental protections for working families, including a one mile or more setback to protect children who live near oil and gas production facilities. She also supports the development of renewable energy and green businesses.

Everett is running against Republican incumbent Craig W Brandt. Brandt has held the position since 2013 and serves as the Minority Whip. His vote record over the last decade has demonstrated his misalignment with New Mexican values. Brant has regularly voted against increases in funding for educational programs, reproductive rights and abortion access, increases to the minimum wage, expanded healthcare coverage and access,and environmental protections. He has also consistently spread misinformation about immigration and other disinformation narratives on his social media profiles.

We recommend Amina Everett for Senate District 40 based on her stated priorities, experience navigating government and policy, and her leadership/volunteer work in the community.

Representative, District 60

Luke Jungmann is running against incumbent Joshua Hernandez in the General Election for House District 60. He works as a Senior Software Engineer for Mapware, and previously worked as a Software Engineer at Sandia National Laboratories. He was born and raised in New Mexico, and is a graduate of Albuquerque Public Schools, New Mexico Tech, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Jungmann is motivated to run for House District 60 based on his experience in student government in high school and dedication to public service. After seeing Reps. Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones, and Justin Pearson expelled from the Tennessee Legislature for attempting to pass common sense gun reform he was moved to action, became active in local Democratic meetings, and subsequently decided to run for office.

Jungmann’s priorities include focusing on enshrining the right to access abortion care in New Mexico’s constitution and ensuring the right to privacy of anyone who might have to travel to the state to ensure that care as well. Additionally, he supports a Just Transition and increased renewable energy and clean energy jobs, as well as incentivising modernization of building methods to help people save money and energy. He also supports making healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone in the state and attracting more healthcare workers to New Mexico to ensure quality medical care.

We highly recommend Luke Jungmann for House District 60 based on his drive to ensure safe and affordable healthcare for every New Mexican, address the climate crisis and spur clean energy jobs, and his support for teachers and education.

Luke Jungmann is running against incumbent Joshua Hernandez in the General Election for House District 60. He works as a Senior Software Engineer for Mapware, and previously worked as a Software Engineer at Sandia National Laboratories. He was born and raised in New Mexico, and is a graduate of Albuquerque Public Schools, New Mexico Tech, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Jungmann is motivated to run for House District 60 based on his experience in student government in high school and dedication to public service. After seeing Reps. Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones, and Justin Pearson expelled from the Tennessee Legislature for attempting to pass common sense gun reform he was moved to action, became active in local Democratic meetings, and subsequently decided to run for office.

Jungmann’s priorities include focusing on enshrining the right to access abortion care in New Mexico’s constitution and ensuring the right to privacy of anyone who might have to travel to the state to ensure that care as well. Additionally, he supports a Just Transition and increased renewable energy and clean energy jobs, as well as incentivising modernization of building methods to help people save money and energy. He also supports making healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone in the state and attracting more healthcare workers to New Mexico to ensure quality medical care.

We highly recommend Luke Jungmann for House District 60 based on his drive to ensure safe and affordable healthcare for every New Mexican, address the climate crisis and spur clean energy jobs, and his support for teachers and education.

Other Candidates

Joshua Hernandez is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 60. He has held the position since 2021 and serves as a member of the House Commerce & Economic Development, House Taxation & Revenue, and House Printing & Supplies Committees. 

Hernandez works as Digital Media Director at Agenda LLC, a multinational digital company that works with companies like Marathon Oil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and the American Petroleum Institute. He has also worked on multiple state, local, and congressional campaigns as a communications manager and campaign manager. He was born and raised in Albuquerque and is a Cibola High School graduate. 

Hernandez’s track record as a legislator includes co-sponsoring an invasive “Parental Bill of Rights” that would force schools to report all personal information of students to their parents, with a specific focus on surveilling LGBTQ+ students. 

In recent sessions, Hernandez also voted against paid family medical leave (SB3), prohibiting firearms at state drop boxes and polling places (SB5), establishing protections for abortion and gender affirming healthcare (SB13), expanding accessible voting and elections via the Voting Rights Act (HB4), and requiring disclaimers on political advertising that uses AI-generated content (HB182). 

Based on his record of voting against protecting elections and New Mexico’s working families, we do not recommend Joshua Hernandez for House District 60. 
 

Joshua Hernandez is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 60. He has held the position since 2021 and serves as a member of the House Commerce & Economic Development, House Taxation & Revenue, and House Printing & Supplies Committees. 

Hernandez works as Digital Media Director at Agenda LLC, a multinational digital company that works with companies like Marathon Oil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and the American Petroleum Institute. He has also worked on multiple state, local, and congressional campaigns as a communications manager and campaign manager. He was born and raised in Albuquerque and is a Cibola High School graduate. 

Hernandez’s track record as a legislator includes co-sponsoring an invasive “Parental Bill of Rights” that would force schools to report all personal information of students to their parents, with a specific focus on surveilling LGBTQ+ students. 

In recent sessions, Hernandez also voted against paid family medical leave (SB3), prohibiting firearms at state drop boxes and polling places (SB5), establishing protections for abortion and gender affirming healthcare (SB13), expanding accessible voting and elections via the Voting Rights Act (HB4), and requiring disclaimers on political advertising that uses AI-generated content (HB182). 

Based on his record of voting against protecting elections and New Mexico’s working families, we do not recommend Joshua Hernandez for House District 60.