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Senate District 16

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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 House of Representatives

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

Representative, District 19

Janelle Anyanonu is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 19. She has held the position since 2023 and currently serves as Vice Chair of the House Enrolling & Engrossing Committee and as a member of the House Commerce & Economic Development and House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs committees.

Anyanonu is well known for her strong commitment to community service, including with St. John’s Episcopal Church where she is a choir member, and as a dedicated advocate for reproductive health and affordable housing in New Mexico. She is a graduate of Manzano High School and Wayland Baptist University.

She is motivated to run for re-election to House District 19 by her desire to ensure that the diverse voices of her district are heard and represented in Santa Fe. Her priorities include reinforcing working families and securing affordable housing, fighting for safe neighborhoods by addressing the root causes of crime and social ills, supporting and creating good paying jobs, making healthcare affordable, and driving infrastructure improvements. She also seeks to expand youth employment programs and provide meaningful career opportunities for young people.

Anyanonu focuses on advancing data-driven, evidence-based solutions, and her track record includes sponsoring and supporting legislation aimed at protecting reproductive rights, increasing the minimum wage, and addressing crime and homelessness. She voted in favor of Paid Family Medical Leave, establishing the Higher Education Trust Fund and the Higher Education Program, reducing state income tax rates, establishing state clean energy standards, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, requiring health insurance companies to provide reimbursement for mental health coverage, expanding voting rights, and protecting abortion and gender affirming care.

Anyanonu is being challenged for House District 19 by Republican Leanna Derrick. While Derrick does have some positive policies, like investing in affordable housing and promoting water rights/conservation, her website primarily blames unhoused individuals and immigration for public safety issues, and includes language that aligns with “The Great Replacement,” which is a white nationalist far-right conspiracy theory. She also supports increased policing and offers little about how she would address the root causes of crime and public safety.

We highly recommend Janelle Anyanonu for House District 19 based on her deep community roots, proven track record in advancing legislation for New Mexico’s working families, and commitment to enhancing public safety, education, and healthcare.

Janelle Anyanonu is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 19. She has held the position since 2023 and currently serves as Vice Chair of the House Enrolling & Engrossing Committee and as a member of the House Commerce & Economic Development and House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs committees.

Anyanonu is well known for her strong commitment to community service, including with St. John’s Episcopal Church where she is a choir member, and as a dedicated advocate for reproductive health and affordable housing in New Mexico. She is a graduate of Manzano High School and Wayland Baptist University.

She is motivated to run for re-election to House District 19 by her desire to ensure that the diverse voices of her district are heard and represented in Santa Fe. Her priorities include reinforcing working families and securing affordable housing, fighting for safe neighborhoods by addressing the root causes of crime and social ills, supporting and creating good paying jobs, making healthcare affordable, and driving infrastructure improvements. She also seeks to expand youth employment programs and provide meaningful career opportunities for young people.

Anyanonu focuses on advancing data-driven, evidence-based solutions, and her track record includes sponsoring and supporting legislation aimed at protecting reproductive rights, increasing the minimum wage, and addressing crime and homelessness. She voted in favor of Paid Family Medical Leave, establishing the Higher Education Trust Fund and the Higher Education Program, reducing state income tax rates, establishing state clean energy standards, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, requiring health insurance companies to provide reimbursement for mental health coverage, expanding voting rights, and protecting abortion and gender affirming care.

Anyanonu is being challenged for House District 19 by Republican Leanna Derrick. While Derrick does have some positive policies, like investing in affordable housing and promoting water rights/conservation, her website primarily blames unhoused individuals and immigration for public safety issues, and includes language that aligns with “The Great Replacement,” which is a white nationalist far-right conspiracy theory. She also supports increased policing and offers little about how she would address the root causes of crime and public safety.

We highly recommend Janelle Anyanonu for House District 19 based on her deep community roots, proven track record in advancing legislation for New Mexico’s working families, and commitment to enhancing public safety, education, and healthcare.

Representative, District 20

Meredith Dixon is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 20. She has held the position since 2021, and currently serves as Vice Chair for the House Appropriations & Finance committee and as a member of the House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources committee. Dixon is a business owner/manager of Blue Advantage Partners, a consulting firm. Her leadership/volunteer experience includes working with organizations like Paws and Stripes Climate Advocates, Voces Unidas, BrainHackers Association, and Electing Women New Mexico. Dixon is a graduate of Chatham College and the University of Pittsburgh.

Dixon is motivated to run for re-election to House District 20 based on her passion for ensuring that New Mexico continues to progress and thrive. Her priorities include addressing the state's most pressing issues, from education and economic development to housing, public safety, and healthcare.

Her track record includes securing funding for early childhood education, workforce training, and clean energy projects, and advocating for veterans, public safety, and healthcare affordability.

Dixon voted in favor of the Voting Rights Act, expanding the state’s opportunity scholarship program, expanding affordable housing, establishing energy efficiency grants, supporting Paid Sick Leave and Paid Family Medical Leave, requiring health insurance companies to provide reimbursement for mental health care, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, protection for gender affirming care, requiring menstrual products in public schools, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, prohibiting intimidation of election officials and threats against judges, and establishing a service members suicide prevention program.

Meredith Dixon is being challenged by Republican Tracy Major and Libertarian John McDivitt. Major is a business owner whose priorities include cutting state spending, removing business regulations, and weakening consumer and environmental protections. Additionally, she seeks to address crime primarily through harsher penalties and incarceration. Her emphasis on “parental rights” also raises concerns about potential restrictions on safe, equitable education. No public information could be found on John McDivitt’s campaign.

We highly recommend Meredith Dixon for re-election to House District 20 based on her track record of investing in early childhood education, protecting healthcare and voting rights/access, and supporting New Mexico’s working families.

Meredith Dixon is running for re-election in the General Election for House District 20. She has held the position since 2021, and currently serves as Vice Chair for the House Appropriations & Finance committee and as a member of the House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources committee. Dixon is a business owner/manager of Blue Advantage Partners, a consulting firm. Her leadership/volunteer experience includes working with organizations like Paws and Stripes Climate Advocates, Voces Unidas, BrainHackers Association, and Electing Women New Mexico. Dixon is a graduate of Chatham College and the University of Pittsburgh.

Dixon is motivated to run for re-election to House District 20 based on her passion for ensuring that New Mexico continues to progress and thrive. Her priorities include addressing the state's most pressing issues, from education and economic development to housing, public safety, and healthcare.

Her track record includes securing funding for early childhood education, workforce training, and clean energy projects, and advocating for veterans, public safety, and healthcare affordability.

Dixon voted in favor of the Voting Rights Act, expanding the state’s opportunity scholarship program, expanding affordable housing, establishing energy efficiency grants, supporting Paid Sick Leave and Paid Family Medical Leave, requiring health insurance companies to provide reimbursement for mental health care, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, protection for gender affirming care, requiring menstrual products in public schools, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, prohibiting intimidation of election officials and threats against judges, and establishing a service members suicide prevention program.

Meredith Dixon is being challenged by Republican Tracy Major and Libertarian John McDivitt. Major is a business owner whose priorities include cutting state spending, removing business regulations, and weakening consumer and environmental protections. Additionally, she seeks to address crime primarily through harsher penalties and incarceration. Her emphasis on “parental rights” also raises concerns about potential restrictions on safe, equitable education. No public information could be found on John McDivitt’s campaign.

We highly recommend Meredith Dixon for re-election to House District 20 based on her track record of investing in early childhood education, protecting healthcare and voting rights/access, and supporting New Mexico’s working families.

Representative, District 25

Cristina Parajón is running in the General Election for House District 25. She has held the position since being appointed by the Bernalillo County Commission in August of 2023 due to the resignation of Christine Trujillo, and currently serves as a member of the House Education Committee and the House Labor, Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee.

She currently works as a paralegal for New Mexico Legal Aid, and has previously worked as the Director of Strategy for New Mexico Human Services Department, and as the Administrator for the Gateway Center.

Parajón is motivated to run for House District 25 due to her family legacy of serving the community, and her personal experience living in rural Nicaragua with her parents as they trained community health workers. Her priorities include reducing homelessness by investing in affordable and environmentally friendly housing and increasing access to healthcare including preventative care and mental health as well as defend and expand reproductive rights.

Parajón will also prioritize economic development through creating jobs directly related to renewable energy such as wind and solar as well as reducing crime by reducing gun violence and enacting research driven approaches to reducing crime. Lastly, she aims to continue working alongside historically marginalized communities to ensure their voices are heard and represented in the NM House.

While Parajón has not yet served a full term as Representative for House District 25, her voting record provides context on her commitment to New Mexicans. In the 2024 Legislative Session, Parajón sponsored a bill requiring transparency in prescription drug costs, and appropriating funds for a pilot project on workforce development. She also co-sponsored three bills centered on amending the distribution of various state health insurance costs, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, and requiring public universities and colleges to include material on affirmative consent during orientation. Parajón also voted to support state affordable housing projects, paid family medical leave, prohibiting firearms at polling locations, and establishing state clean energy standards.

Cristina Parajón is being challenged by Denis Litvinenko, a Republican candidate, for House District 25. While there is minimal public information available on Litvinenko, he submitted a questionnaire to the New Mexico Business Coalition with some information on his positions, including stating that he does not support increased minimum wage or worker protections around paid time off and paid family medical leave.

We highly recommend Cristina Parajón for House District 25 based on her track record of service to the community and voting for increased access to healthcare, affordable housing, and common sense gun control measures.

Cristina Parajón is running in the General Election for House District 25. She has held the position since being appointed by the Bernalillo County Commission in August of 2023 due to the resignation of Christine Trujillo, and currently serves as a member of the House Education Committee and the House Labor, Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee.

She currently works as a paralegal for New Mexico Legal Aid, and has previously worked as the Director of Strategy for New Mexico Human Services Department, and as the Administrator for the Gateway Center.

Parajón is motivated to run for House District 25 due to her family legacy of serving the community, and her personal experience living in rural Nicaragua with her parents as they trained community health workers. Her priorities include reducing homelessness by investing in affordable and environmentally friendly housing and increasing access to healthcare including preventative care and mental health as well as defend and expand reproductive rights.

Parajón will also prioritize economic development through creating jobs directly related to renewable energy such as wind and solar as well as reducing crime by reducing gun violence and enacting research driven approaches to reducing crime. Lastly, she aims to continue working alongside historically marginalized communities to ensure their voices are heard and represented in the NM House.

While Parajón has not yet served a full term as Representative for House District 25, her voting record provides context on her commitment to New Mexicans. In the 2024 Legislative Session, Parajón sponsored a bill requiring transparency in prescription drug costs, and appropriating funds for a pilot project on workforce development. She also co-sponsored three bills centered on amending the distribution of various state health insurance costs, establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases, and requiring public universities and colleges to include material on affirmative consent during orientation. Parajón also voted to support state affordable housing projects, paid family medical leave, prohibiting firearms at polling locations, and establishing state clean energy standards.

Cristina Parajón is being challenged by Denis Litvinenko, a Republican candidate, for House District 25. While there is minimal public information available on Litvinenko, he submitted a questionnaire to the New Mexico Business Coalition with some information on his positions, including stating that he does not support increased minimum wage or worker protections around paid time off and paid family medical leave.

We highly recommend Cristina Parajón for House District 25 based on her track record of service to the community and voting for increased access to healthcare, affordable housing, and common sense gun control measures.