Senate District 12

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. 
 

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.

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.

Frank Smith Jr. is challenging Republican incumbent Alan Martinez in the General Election for House District 23. Smith currently owns a small business providing rental equipment for first responders. His past experience also includes working in the automotive industry, as owner/manager of a brew pub, and serving honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps where he enlisted and rose to become a Sergeant and then Marine Drill Instructor. He also volunteers as a member of the NM Veterans and Military Families Caucus advocating on behalf of Active-Duty Military Members, Veterans, and their families. Smith is a graduate of Manzano High School, UNM, and earned a law degree from the Santa Clara School of Law.

Smith is motivated to run for House District 23 by his personal experience in the legislature lobbying for a veteran suicide prevention bill, and seeing the current representative skip a hearing because of party politics. His policy priorities include economic growth through creating jobs, employing skills training programs, and support of small businesses and educational opportunities through increasing funding to public schools. Smith will also support public safety initiatives that are comprehensive of community policing and mental health resources as well as increasing access to health care through ensuring access in rural communities, protecting reproductive rights, and healthcare workforce development.

Frank Smith Jr. is challenging the Republican Incumbent, Alan Martinez, who has served in the position since 2022. Martinez has repeatedly voted against policies that serve New Mexican families, including voting against funds for Ruidoso wildfire and flood relief victims in the summer 2024 special session. In the 2024 regular session, he voted against Paid Family Medical Leave, prohibiting firearms at polling locations, establishing clean energy standards, reducing State Income Tax Rates, and establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases. In the 2023 session, he voted against establishing state protections for abortion and gender affirming care, appropriating funds for environmental and cultural preservation, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, the voting rights act, and establishing negligently leaving a firearm accessible to a minor as a crime.

We recommend Frank Smith Jr. for House District 23 based on his stated priorities, work experience, and track record of advocating for veterans in the round house.

Kathleen Cates is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 44. She has served in the legislature since 2023, and is currently a member of the Agriculture, Acequias and Water Resources, Health & Human Services, and House Enrolling & Engrossing committee.

Cates works as a Real Estate Broker, and previously worked in the nonprofit sector as CEO and President of LifeROOTS for 10 years, and prior to that in a manager role at Goodwill Industries, as well as running her own business.

She is motivated to run for re-election for House District 44 by a passion for using her background in policy and operations to protect civil rights, support working families, and fix policies and processes that hinder small businesses and homeowners. Her stated priorities include increasing investment in education and child care, affordable housing, diversifying the state’s economy with a focus on hospitality/tourism, film, and clean energy, protecting LGBTQ+ New Mexicans and New Mexicans with a disability, and she also supports modernizing the legislature with salaries and paid staff as well as moving to instant runoff/ranked choice voting.

Cates’ record includes co-sponsoring bills investing in affordable housing (SB216), requiring menstrual products in public schools (HB134), and increased apprenticeships in the trades including expanding into electric vehicles, health care and teaching (HB5). She also voted in favor of Paid Family Medical Leave, protections for abortion and gender affirming healthcare (SB13), requiring health insurance companies to reimburse for mental health coverage (SB273), establishing state clean energy standards (HB41), and the New Mexico Voting Rights Act.

We highly recommend Kathleen Cates for House District 44 based on her stated positions and track record of supporting human rights, responsible economic development, and New Mexican families.

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.

Charlotte Little is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 68. She has held the position since 2023 and serves as a member of the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee, House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee, and the House Enrolling and Engrossing Committee.

Originally from San Felipe Pueblo, Little is a small business owner, and has also worked as Deputy Director for NAVA Education Project, Administrative Officer for the US Department of Health and Human Services, and as a Tribal Administrator for the Pueblo of San Felipe. Her volunteer and leadership experiences include serving as Vice-Chair of New Mexico Voices for Children, President of Emerge New Mexico, and Chair of the San Felipe Pueblo Health Board.

Little’s priorities include focusing on a Just Transition and creating thousands of jobs for NM workers in clean energy, eco-tourism, and the cannabis industry. She supports increased access to affordable healthcare and education, especially investing in and hiring qualified educators across the state. Additionally, Little supports addressing the root causes of crime, homelessness, and addiction, and addressing price gouging on everyday goods and services, including fuel, housing, and prescription drugs.

Little has sponsored bills requiring public colleges and universities to provide information on affirmative consent in orientation (HB151), requiring disclaimers on political advertising that uses AI-generated content (HB182), and requiring menstrual products in public schools (HB134). She has also voted in favor of bills enacting clean energy standards (HB41), paid family medical leave (SB3), prohibiting firearms at state drop boxes and polling places (SB5), establishing protections for abortion and gender affirming healthcare (SB13), and expanding accessible voting and elections via the Voting Rights Act (HB4).

We highly recommend Charlotte Little for re-election for House District 68 based on her record of protecting voting rights, dedication to taking action on climate change, and focus on ensuring all New Mexicans have access to healthcare.