House District 17

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. 
 

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.
 

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. 
 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.