Senate District 21

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.
 

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.

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.

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.

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.