November 5th. The fateful day when every person over the age of 18 in New Mexico heads to the ballot box to decide the government for the next four years. The big question is “Harris or Trump?” However, the federal government affects the people’s day-to-day lives very little. People are mainly governed by their state governments and the state of New Mexico is facing some very important decisions. Here are some of the most critical races in New Mexico and some of the issues that are important to the candidates.
Nella Domenici (R) vs. Martin Heinrich (D)
Nella Domenici and Martin Heinrich are competing for one of the two U.S. Senate seats for New Mexico. Nella Domenici is the daughter of the late United States senator, Pete Domenici. Pete served six terms in the Senate making him the longest-tenured United States senator. Nella is a former chief financial officer of Bridgewater Associates and comes with a deep fundraising network. Nella believes in improving the educational system, securing the border, and helping families with access to healthcare.
Martin Henrich is running to protect his spot in the Senate. He was first elected in 2012 and is a strong advocate for working families. He fights to protect New Mexico’s public lands. Henrich believes in the right to an abortion, protecting New Mexico’s natural heritage, reducing costs, holding corporations accountable, and strengthening New Mexico’s leadership in national security.
Yvette Herrell (R) vs. Gabe Vasquez (D)
Yvette Herell and Gabe Vasquez are battling it out to represent New Mexico’s second Congressional District. This is a rematch from 2022 when Vasquez won by a margin of about 10%. Yvette Herrell formerly represented New Mexico’s 51st district in the state legislature, from 2011 to 2019,. She also represented the district from 2021-2023 but lost it as an incumbent in 2022. She believes in protecting New Mexico’s freedoms and states that she always puts New Mexico first.
Gabe Vasquez is running on a platform with the slogan “Sí se puede.” which translates to “Yes we can.” Gabe states that he will work every day to help small businesses and call out corporations who haven’t paid their fair shares. New Mexico’s 2nd district is the biggest district in the state, around the size of Pennsylvania!
Kurstin S. Johnson (R) vs. Natalie Figueroa (D)
Kurtin S. Johnson and Natalie Figueroa, (wife of Academy college counselor, Ralph Figueroa), are running against each other to represent New Mexico’s 18th congressional district. Natalie Figeroa is running for re-election, having occupied the seat since 2018. She believes in protecting reproductive health care and rights, paid sick leave, improving the educational system, and increasing the minimum wage.
Kurstin S. Johnson is a small business owner. She has worked in real estate and is a lifelong conservative. She believes in ending catch and release, securing the border, protecting the police, and prosecuting drug use.
Steve Jones (R) vs. Melanie Stansbury (D)
Steve Jones and Melanie Stansbury are running against each other for the role of representing New Mexico’s 1st congressional district. Steve Jones is a former army medic. He believes in strengthening the economy, protecting the border, and protecting the Second Amendment (the right to arm yourself).
Melanie Stansbury is running for re-election. She believes in helping water access (making sure water is clean and uncontaminated), helping hunger, and working towards solving climate change.
Sharon Clahchischilliage (R) vs. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D)
Sharon Clahchischilliage and Teresa Leger Fernandez are running against each other for a chance to represent New Mexico’s 3rd congressional district. Sharon has formerly represented New Mexico state districts four and five. She believes in stabilizing the economy, stewarding New Mexican land, and bringing affordable health care to the people of New Mexico.
Teresa Leger Fernandez is an attorney and is running for re-election. She believes in universal access to health care and insurance, improving education in New Mexico, and is a 17th-generation northern New Mexican.
Tracy Major (R) vs. Meredith Dixon (D)
Tracy Major and Meredith Dixon, are running against each to represent state district 20. Tracy Major formerly served in the United States Navy. She believes in the right to carry a gun, to decrease New Mexico’s gross tax receipts, and wants to change the education system.
Merideth Dixon is running for re-election. She is the proud mother of Academy 8th grader, Lizze Dixon, and Academy 10th grader, Madeline Dixon. She believes in improving education in the state, supporting veterans and military families, making affordable housing more available, and increasing public safety.
The election will take place on November 5th. Early voting and mail-in ballots have already started. It is important to be an informed voter. If your representative was not mentioned in this story, make sure to look them up on Ballotpedia or their individual websites. Make sure to vote!
