The 2024 election has come and gone. In the presidential race, Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris with 312 electoral votes. There were several local races that we covered at the advocate, back in November, right before the election. Looking toward the future, what are some of the plans that these lawmakers have in place?
Nella Domenici (R) vs. Martin Heinrich (D)
Martin Heinrich defeated Nella Domenici in their race for a seat in the United States Senate. Martin Henrich has served in the senate since 2012. He believes in the right to an abortion, protecting New Mexico’s natural heritage, reducing costs and holding corporations accountable, and strengthening New Mexico’s leadership in national security. He plans on putting these beliefs into reality with his time in the Senate.
Yvette Herrell (R) vs. Gabe Vasquez (D)
Gabe Vasquez defeated Yvette Herrell in their race for a seat in the legislature to represent New Mexico’s second district. He first started serving in the legislature in 2022, after serving on the Las Cruces City Council since 2017. With his time in the legislature so far he has implemented a cost plan. The plan lower’s inflation and makes jobs more available to those in the lower class. He believes in supporting veterans education, lowering costs, and introducing border solutions. Gabe is known for rallying his voters with the statement, “Si se puede!” Or “yes we can!”
Kurstin S. Johnson (R) vs. Natalie Figueroa (D)
Kurtin S. Johnson was defeated by Natalie Figueroa in their race to represent district 18 in New Mexico’s legislature. Natalie was first elected in 2018 and has dedicatedly been serving the people of New Mexico ever since. As a teacher she believes in education and fighting for children. She also believes in healthcare, creating jobs, the environment, and public safety. She plans to bring forward these issues in her time serving. Natalie is married to the Academy Dean of College Guidance, Ralph Figueroa.
Steve Jones (R) vs. Melanie Stansbury (D)
Steve Jones was defeated by his opponent Melanie Stansbury in their race to represent New Mexico’s first congressional district. Mealanie was first elected in 2018. She believes in public health and recently introduced the public health nursing act. As New Mexico’s first congressional district is home to many ranchers and farmers she also believes in boosting the rural economy. New Mexico used to be home to the transcontinental railroad so Mealanie also believes in rail safety, as the state is still a busy railway hub.
Sharon Clahchischilliage (R) vs. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D)
Teresa Leger Fernandez prevailed over Sharon Clahchischilliage in their race to represent New Mexico’s third district. She was first elected in 2020 and has been serving New Mexico ever since. She believes in reproductive rights, helping tackle climate change, and economic prosperity. Since New Mexico’s third congressional district is filled with farmland and ranches she also stands to help the states farmers and ranchers. She is excited to continue addressing these problems with her time in the legislature.
Tracy Major (R) vs. Meredith Dixon (D)
Meredith Dixon triumphed over Tracy Major in their race to represent New Mexico’s 20th district. Meredith has been serving the people of New Mexico since 2020. She believes in education, as she is the mom of two Academy daughters, Madeline (10th grade) and Lizzie (8th grade). She also stands for workforce and economic development, affordable housing, public health, and helping veterans along with their families. Meredith has been working toward helping these problems since she was first elected and we look forward to what she will do with her time in the legislature.
It’s important to stay informed about the lawmakers who represent you. Attached to this article are all the websites of the candidates we mentioned. They cover in more detail the issues that these lawmakers find most prevalent and the ways they have tried to bring about solutions. If your elected representative wasn’t mentioned make sure to look them up so you understand more about what plans they have for the 2025 session.
