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  • Michelle “Paulene” Abeyta is running against incumbent Harry Garcia in the Democratic Primary for House District 69. 

    Abeyta is an attorney and member of the Navajo Nation from To’hajiilee, New Mexico. She holds a Juris Doctor degree with a certificate in Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, and is also a graduate of the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College. She serves on the To’hajiilee Community School Board of Education and the National Native American Bar Association Board. She previously served on the Woman, Infants & Children (WIC) Board for the Acoma-Canoncito-Laguna Service Unit, the Canoncito Band of Navajos Health Center, Inc. Board, and the National Native American Law Students Association. 

    Abeyta’s desire to be a voice for the people, lived experience organizing for workers rights, and frustration with current representation are what motivate her to run for House District 69. Her priorities are education, healthcare, and economic opportunity, including access to reproductive health in rural areas via school based health centers and school nurses, increased investment in child care providers and early childhood educators, and shifting to jobs in clean and renewable energy through workforce development and training. She supports modernizing the state legislature so there is more fair compensation and staffing for legislators in order for a range of people to be able to participate. 

    Abeyta also supports Paid Family Medical Leave legislation, increasing the state’s minimum wage to ensure a living wage, and more investment in funding for mental health and substance use disorder healthcare programs. With respect to affordable housing, Abeyta is in support of more affordable housing options including micro-housing communities in areas with minimal or no infrastructure. She also supports abolishing the rent control ban and increased protections for renters. Additionally, Abeyta is in support of LGBTQ+ rights and supports environmental protections, including reducing the state’s dependence on oil and gas, and closely consulting with tribal governments to ensure that natural resources and lands are respected and valued. 

    We highly recommend Michelle ‘Paulene’ Abeyta based on her focus on education, policy/good governance, and healthcare, as well as support for LGBTQ+ rights and protections.

    Michelle ‘Paulene’ Abeyta

    Michelle “Paulene” Abeyta is running against incumbent Harry Garcia in the Democratic Primary for House District 69. 

    Abeyta is an attorney and member of the Navajo Nation from To’hajiilee, New Mexico. She holds a Juris Doctor degree with a certificate in Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, and is also a graduate of the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College. She serves on the To’hajiilee Community School Board of Education and the National Native American Bar Association Board. She previously served on the Woman, Infants & Children (WIC) Board for the Acoma-Canoncito-Laguna Service Unit, the Canoncito Band of Navajos Health Center, Inc. Board, and the National Native American Law Students Association. 

    Abeyta’s desire to be a voice for the people, lived experience organizing for workers rights, and frustration with current representation are what motivate her to run for House District 69. Her priorities are education, healthcare, and economic opportunity, including access to reproductive health in rural areas via school based health centers and school nurses, increased investment in child care providers and early childhood educators, and shifting to jobs in clean and renewable energy through workforce development and training. She supports modernizing the state legislature so there is more fair compensation and staffing for legislators in order for a range of people to be able to participate. 

    Abeyta also supports Paid Family Medical Leave legislation, increasing the state’s minimum wage to ensure a living wage, and more investment in funding for mental health and substance use disorder healthcare programs. With respect to affordable housing, Abeyta is in support of more affordable housing options including micro-housing communities in areas with minimal or no infrastructure. She also supports abolishing the rent control ban and increased protections for renters. Additionally, Abeyta is in support of LGBTQ+ rights and supports environmental protections, including reducing the state’s dependence on oil and gas, and closely consulting with tribal governments to ensure that natural resources and lands are respected and valued. 

    We highly recommend Michelle ‘Paulene’ Abeyta based on her focus on education, policy/good governance, and healthcare, as well as support for LGBTQ+ rights and protections.

    House District

    Michelle “Paulene” Abeyta is running against incumbent Harry Garcia in the Democratic Primary for House District 69. 

    Abeyta is an attorney and member of the Navajo Nation from To’hajiilee, New Mexico. She holds a Juris Doctor degree with a certificate in Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, and is also a graduate of the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College. She serves on the To’hajiilee Community School Board of Education and the National Native American Bar Association Board. She previously served on the Woman, Infants & Children (WIC) Board for the Acoma-Canoncito-Laguna Service Unit, the Canoncito Band of Navajos Health Center, Inc. Board, and the National Native American Law Students Association. 

    Abeyta’s desire to be a voice for the people, lived experience organizing for workers rights, and frustration with current representation are what motivate her to run for House District 69. Her priorities are education, healthcare, and economic opportunity, including access to reproductive health in rural areas via school based health centers and school nurses, increased investment in child care providers and early childhood educators, and shifting to jobs in clean and renewable energy through workforce development and training. She supports modernizing the state legislature so there is more fair compensation and staffing for legislators in order for a range of people to be able to participate. 

    Abeyta also supports Paid Family Medical Leave legislation, increasing the state’s minimum wage to ensure a living wage, and more investment in funding for mental health and substance use disorder healthcare programs. With respect to affordable housing, Abeyta is in support of more affordable housing options including micro-housing communities in areas with minimal or no infrastructure. She also supports abolishing the rent control ban and increased protections for renters. Additionally, Abeyta is in support of LGBTQ+ rights and supports environmental protections, including reducing the state’s dependence on oil and gas, and closely consulting with tribal governments to ensure that natural resources and lands are respected and valued. 

    We highly recommend Michelle ‘Paulene’ Abeyta based on her focus on education, policy/good governance, and healthcare, as well as support for LGBTQ+ rights and protections.

    Michelle ‘Paulene’ Abeyta

    Michelle “Paulene” Abeyta is running against incumbent Harry Garcia in the Democratic Primary for House District 69. 

    Abeyta is an attorney and member of the Navajo Nation from To’hajiilee, New Mexico. She holds a Juris Doctor degree with a certificate in Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, and is also a graduate of the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College. She serves on the To’hajiilee Community School Board of Education and the National Native American Bar Association Board. She previously served on the Woman, Infants & Children (WIC) Board for the Acoma-Canoncito-Laguna Service Unit, the Canoncito Band of Navajos Health Center, Inc. Board, and the National Native American Law Students Association. 

    Abeyta’s desire to be a voice for the people, lived experience organizing for workers rights, and frustration with current representation are what motivate her to run for House District 69. Her priorities are education, healthcare, and economic opportunity, including access to reproductive health in rural areas via school based health centers and school nurses, increased investment in child care providers and early childhood educators, and shifting to jobs in clean and renewable energy through workforce development and training. She supports modernizing the state legislature so there is more fair compensation and staffing for legislators in order for a range of people to be able to participate. 

    Abeyta also supports Paid Family Medical Leave legislation, increasing the state’s minimum wage to ensure a living wage, and more investment in funding for mental health and substance use disorder healthcare programs. With respect to affordable housing, Abeyta is in support of more affordable housing options including micro-housing communities in areas with minimal or no infrastructure. She also supports abolishing the rent control ban and increased protections for renters. Additionally, Abeyta is in support of LGBTQ+ rights and supports environmental protections, including reducing the state’s dependence on oil and gas, and closely consulting with tribal governments to ensure that natural resources and lands are respected and valued. 

    We highly recommend Michelle ‘Paulene’ Abeyta based on her focus on education, policy/good governance, and healthcare, as well as support for LGBTQ+ rights and protections.

    House District
  • Endorsed By: Dreams in Action, Equality New Mexico, Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate, New Mexico Voices for Children Action Fund, NM Native Vote, OLÉ, Planned Parenthood Votes New Mexico, Sierra Club, "Jonathan Nez, Former Navajo Nation President", "Nora Morris, To’Hajiilee Navajo Chapter Vice President", Emily's List

Other Candidates

Other Candidate - HD36

Harry Garcia
Harry Garcia is running for re-election in the Democratic Primary for House District 69. Garcia did not return a questionnaire so all information provided is from public sources. Garcia has served in the seat since 2016. He is currently Vice Chair of the Transportation, Public Works & Capital Improvements Committee and on the Appropriations and Finance Committee. 

Garcia is retired and has previously mentioned his background as a business owner for 40 years as well as a Vietnam Veteran who served in the US Marines. His priorities include jobs, education and veterans. 

While Garcia has been active in sponsoring and supporting various initiatives that align with the needs of New Mexicans, he has voted against many critical bills. In 2024 he voted against legislation to prohibit firearms at state voting drop boxes and polling places (SB5), establish a waiting period for firearm purchases (HB129), set clean energy standards at the state level (SB41), as well as against critical bills in 2023 such as enact protections for abortion and gender-affirming healthcare (SB13), establishing state protections for gender affirming care (HB7), and establishing negligently leaving a firearm accessible to a minor as a crime (HB9). Garcia’s vote history further back includes repeatedly voting against background checks for firearms and he voted against the repeal of the abortion ban in 2021 (SB10). 

Given Garcia’s vote history against critical policies, we do not recommend him for House District 69. 

Stanley Michael 
Stanley Michael is running against incumbent Harry Garcia in the Democratic Primary for House District 69. Michael did not return our questionnaire so all information provided is from public sources.

Michael works at El Segundo/Lee Ranch Mine operated by Peabody Energy, and has also worked for the NM State Human Services Department as well as the Highway and Corrections Departments. He serves as president of the Los Alamitos Home Owners Association and is on the San Mateo Acequia Association. He also coaches and serves as a referee for youth baseball and football leagues. 

His priorities include economic development and jobs, affordable housing, education, and addressing crime. However, very little information was available on what specific policies he would support to address those needs. 

There is not enough public information for us to make a recommendation for or against Stanley Michael. 

 

House District

Other Candidate - HD36

Harry Garcia
Harry Garcia is running for re-election in the Democratic Primary for House District 69. Garcia did not return a questionnaire so all information provided is from public sources. Garcia has served in the seat since 2016. He is currently Vice Chair of the Transportation, Public Works & Capital Improvements Committee and on the Appropriations and Finance Committee. 

Garcia is retired and has previously mentioned his background as a business owner for 40 years as well as a Vietnam Veteran who served in the US Marines. His priorities include jobs, education and veterans. 

While Garcia has been active in sponsoring and supporting various initiatives that align with the needs of New Mexicans, he has voted against many critical bills. In 2024 he voted against legislation to prohibit firearms at state voting drop boxes and polling places (SB5), establish a waiting period for firearm purchases (HB129), set clean energy standards at the state level (SB41), as well as against critical bills in 2023 such as enact protections for abortion and gender-affirming healthcare (SB13), establishing state protections for gender affirming care (HB7), and establishing negligently leaving a firearm accessible to a minor as a crime (HB9). Garcia’s vote history further back includes repeatedly voting against background checks for firearms and he voted against the repeal of the abortion ban in 2021 (SB10). 

Given Garcia’s vote history against critical policies, we do not recommend him for House District 69. 

Stanley Michael 
Stanley Michael is running against incumbent Harry Garcia in the Democratic Primary for House District 69. Michael did not return our questionnaire so all information provided is from public sources.

Michael works at El Segundo/Lee Ranch Mine operated by Peabody Energy, and has also worked for the NM State Human Services Department as well as the Highway and Corrections Departments. He serves as president of the Los Alamitos Home Owners Association and is on the San Mateo Acequia Association. He also coaches and serves as a referee for youth baseball and football leagues. 

His priorities include economic development and jobs, affordable housing, education, and addressing crime. However, very little information was available on what specific policies he would support to address those needs. 

There is not enough public information for us to make a recommendation for or against Stanley Michael. 

 

House District

County District Races

Depending on where you live, you may have the below county-districted races on your ballot.

  • Frank Baca is running for Bernalillo County Commission District 2. Baca has grown up in the South Valley and is a retired attorney. He began his activism nearly 40 years ago working on implementation of water and sewer in the South Valley. Baca is a founding member of the Rio Grande Development Corporation / South Valley Economic Development Center. 

    Baca will focus on policies related to cultural preservation, education, crime, and economic development. 

    We highly recommend Frank Baca for Bernalillo County Commission District 2. 
     

    Frank Baca

    Frank Baca is running for Bernalillo County Commission District 2. Baca has grown up in the South Valley and is a retired attorney. He began his activism nearly 40 years ago working on implementation of water and sewer in the South Valley. Baca is a founding member of the Rio Grande Development Corporation / South Valley Economic Development Center. 

    Baca will focus on policies related to cultural preservation, education, crime, and economic development. 

    We highly recommend Frank Baca for Bernalillo County Commission District 2. 
     

    County

    Frank Baca is running for Bernalillo County Commission District 2. Baca has grown up in the South Valley and is a retired attorney. He began his activism nearly 40 years ago working on implementation of water and sewer in the South Valley. Baca is a founding member of the Rio Grande Development Corporation / South Valley Economic Development Center. 

    Baca will focus on policies related to cultural preservation, education, crime, and economic development. 

    We highly recommend Frank Baca for Bernalillo County Commission District 2. 
     

    Frank Baca

    Frank Baca is running for Bernalillo County Commission District 2. Baca has grown up in the South Valley and is a retired attorney. He began his activism nearly 40 years ago working on implementation of water and sewer in the South Valley. Baca is a founding member of the Rio Grande Development Corporation / South Valley Economic Development Center. 

    Baca will focus on policies related to cultural preservation, education, crime, and economic development. 

    We highly recommend Frank Baca for Bernalillo County Commission District 2. 
     

    County
  • Endorsed By: OLÉ, "Eleanor Chavez, State Representative", "Miguel Garcia, State Representative", "Patricia Roybal Caballero, State Representative", "Javier Martínez, Speaker of the House, State Representative, District 11", "Linda Lopez, State Senator", "Antoinette Sedillo-Lopez, State Senator"

Other Candidates

  • Adriann Barboa is running for re-election in the Democratic Primary for Bernalillo County Commission District 3. Barboa is a community organizer and was elected to the Commission seat in November 2020.

    During her time in office, Barboa has been instrumental in increasing affordable housing and housing supports for individuals exiting incarceration as well as people with behavioral and mental health needs. She has also worked to invest heavily in addiction support services for both individuals facing addiction and their families. Barboa is running for re-election because she deeply believes that it is the responsibility of the County to develop a comprehensive care plan to address the needs of the most vulnerable and underserved in her community. Her policy priorities focus primarily on building a system of prevention, intervention, treatment and housing.

    We highly recommend Adriann Barboa for Bernalillo County Commission District 3 due to her proven commitment and success in leading and supporting policies critical for Bernalillo County residents.

    Adriann Barboa

    Adriann Barboa is running for re-election in the Democratic Primary for Bernalillo County Commission District 3. Barboa is a community organizer and was elected to the Commission seat in November 2020.

    During her time in office, Barboa has been instrumental in increasing affordable housing and housing supports for individuals exiting incarceration as well as people with behavioral and mental health needs. She has also worked to invest heavily in addiction support services for both individuals facing addiction and their families. Barboa is running for re-election because she deeply believes that it is the responsibility of the County to develop a comprehensive care plan to address the needs of the most vulnerable and underserved in her community. Her policy priorities focus primarily on building a system of prevention, intervention, treatment and housing.

    We highly recommend Adriann Barboa for Bernalillo County Commission District 3 due to her proven commitment and success in leading and supporting policies critical for Bernalillo County residents.

    County
    Adriann Barboa is running for re-election in the Democratic Primary for Bernalillo County Commission District 3. Barboa is a community organizer and was elected to the Commission seat in November 2020.

    During her time in office, Barboa has been instrumental in increasing affordable housing and housing supports for individuals exiting incarceration as well as people with behavioral and mental health needs. She has also worked to invest heavily in addiction support services for both individuals facing addiction and their families. Barboa is running for re-election because she deeply believes that it is the responsibility of the County to develop a comprehensive care plan to address the needs of the most vulnerable and underserved in her community. Her policy priorities focus primarily on building a system of prevention, intervention, treatment and housing.

    We highly recommend Adriann Barboa for Bernalillo County Commission District 3 due to her proven commitment and success in leading and supporting policies critical for Bernalillo County residents.

    Adriann Barboa

    Adriann Barboa is running for re-election in the Democratic Primary for Bernalillo County Commission District 3. Barboa is a community organizer and was elected to the Commission seat in November 2020.

    During her time in office, Barboa has been instrumental in increasing affordable housing and housing supports for individuals exiting incarceration as well as people with behavioral and mental health needs. She has also worked to invest heavily in addiction support services for both individuals facing addiction and their families. Barboa is running for re-election because she deeply believes that it is the responsibility of the County to develop a comprehensive care plan to address the needs of the most vulnerable and underserved in her community. Her policy priorities focus primarily on building a system of prevention, intervention, treatment and housing.

    We highly recommend Adriann Barboa for Bernalillo County Commission District 3 due to her proven commitment and success in leading and supporting policies critical for Bernalillo County residents.

    County
  • Endorsed By: OLÉ, Dreams in Action, "Jerry Ortiz y Pino, State Senator", "Gail Chasey, Majority Leader, State Representative", "Mimi Stewart, State Senate President Pro Tempore ", "Janelle Anyanonu, State Representative"

Other Candidates