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House District 51

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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. 
 

Representative, District 51

Ashlie Myers is running against incumbent John Block in the General Election for House District 51. While this is the first time Myers has run for office, based on publicly available information, she is a full-time mom, partner to an airman, and cancer survivor. She is also a graduate of Alamogordo High School and has experience in community organizing, including working in Alamogordo to recall an unconstitutional resolution declaring it a “sanctuary city for the unborn,” which was ultimately struck down by the courts. She has stated that she is running because people need to work together and that she’s tired of seeing the incumbent push partisan legislation that divides residents of Otero County.

We recommend Ashlie Myers for House District 51 based on her lived experience as a mother, community activist, and cancer survivor. Her first-hand knowledge of raising a family and advocating for healthcare would bring much needed experience to the Roundhouse, in contrast to her opponent.

Ashlie Myers is running against incumbent John Block in the General Election for House District 51. While this is the first time Myers has run for office, based on publicly available information, she is a full-time mom, partner to an airman, and cancer survivor. She is also a graduate of Alamogordo High School and has experience in community organizing, including working in Alamogordo to recall an unconstitutional resolution declaring it a “sanctuary city for the unborn,” which was ultimately struck down by the courts. She has stated that she is running because people need to work together and that she’s tired of seeing the incumbent push partisan legislation that divides residents of Otero County.

We recommend Ashlie Myers for House District 51 based on her lived experience as a mother, community activist, and cancer survivor. Her first-hand knowledge of raising a family and advocating for healthcare would bring much needed experience to the Roundhouse, in contrast to her opponent.

Other Candidates

John Block is running for re-election for House District 51. Block is a well known far right influencer and regularly distributes dis/misinformation using his online blog. 

As one of New Mexico’s highest profile election deniers, John Block participated in the march to the Capitol in D.C. on January 6 and posted a photo of the crowd with the message: “The battle has just begun. Stand up and fight like hell, patriots.” He proudly supports the policies of Donald Trump, has openly advocated for violence toward political opponents, and holds extreme views on immigration, including calling for “building the wall” and sending soldiers to the border. 

Block’s track record as a legislator is equally troubling. During the Summer 2024 special session, he voted against funding for wildfire and flood victims in Ruidoso. In the regular 2023-24 sessions, Block voted against state affordable housing projects, Paid Family Medical Leave, prohibiting firearms at state dropboxes and polling places, reducing income tax rates, and investing in early childhood programs. 

Block also voted against protecting abortion and gender affirming healthcare, requiring health insurance companies to provide reimbursements for mental health coverage, the Voting Rights Act, requiring disclaimers on political advertising that uses AI-generated content, and prohibiting discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

We do not recommend John Block for House District 51 based on his well-known grandstanding, dismal voting record, extreme rhetoric, and calls for political violence. 
 

John Block is running for re-election for House District 51. Block is a well known far right influencer and regularly distributes dis/misinformation using his online blog. 

As one of New Mexico’s highest profile election deniers, John Block participated in the march to the Capitol in D.C. on January 6 and posted a photo of the crowd with the message: “The battle has just begun. Stand up and fight like hell, patriots.” He proudly supports the policies of Donald Trump, has openly advocated for violence toward political opponents, and holds extreme views on immigration, including calling for “building the wall” and sending soldiers to the border. 

Block’s track record as a legislator is equally troubling. During the Summer 2024 special session, he voted against funding for wildfire and flood victims in Ruidoso. In the regular 2023-24 sessions, Block voted against state affordable housing projects, Paid Family Medical Leave, prohibiting firearms at state dropboxes and polling places, reducing income tax rates, and investing in early childhood programs. 

Block also voted against protecting abortion and gender affirming healthcare, requiring health insurance companies to provide reimbursements for mental health coverage, the Voting Rights Act, requiring disclaimers on political advertising that uses AI-generated content, and prohibiting discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

We do not recommend John Block for House District 51 based on his well-known grandstanding, dismal voting record, extreme rhetoric, and calls for political violence.