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Shannon Pinto is running for re-election for Senate District 3. She has held the office since 2019. Pinto was originally appointed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, and then ran for and won re-election to the seat in 2020. She currently serves as Chair of the Indian, Rural & Cultural Affairs Committee, and as a member of the Senate Education Committee. She did not return a candidate questionnaire so the information presented is gathered only through public sources.
Pinto is a member of the Navajo Nation and was born and raised in Tohatchi, New Mexico, a small rural community in McKinley County between Gallup and Shiprock. Her grandfather also served as a state senator for many years. Currently, she works as a Teacher at Tohatchi High School and is also known for her advocacy and community organizing around education reform, tribal sovereignty, affordable housing, healthcare access, and economic development, reflecting her commitment to empowering marginalized communities and ensuring their voices are heard.
Her priorities include education reform, tribal sovereignty, affordable housing, healthcare access, and economic development. Additionally, she is also focused on addressing income equality by attracting higher paying jobs in the community, and increasing mental health and addiction resources for Native Americans. Her voting record in the 2024 and 2023 legislative sessions includes supporting establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases (HB129), requiring public colleges and universities to provide information on affirmative consent in orientation (HB151), requiring disclaimers on political advertising that uses AI-generated content (HB182), and prohibiting firearms at polling places (SB5), and establishing state protections for gender affirming care (HB7).
We highly recommend Shannon Pinto for Senate District 3 based on her history of supporting critical issues for New Mexicans.
Shannon Pinto
Shannon Pinto is running for re-election for Senate District 3. She has held the office since 2019. Pinto was originally appointed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, and then ran for and won re-election to the seat in 2020. She currently serves as Chair of the Indian, Rural & Cultural Affairs Committee, and as a member of the Senate Education Committee. She did not return a candidate questionnaire so the information presented is gathered only through public sources.
Pinto is a member of the Navajo Nation and was born and raised in Tohatchi, New Mexico, a small rural community in McKinley County between Gallup and Shiprock. Her grandfather also served as a state senator for many years. Currently, she works as a Teacher at Tohatchi High School and is also known for her advocacy and community organizing around education reform, tribal sovereignty, affordable housing, healthcare access, and economic development, reflecting her commitment to empowering marginalized communities and ensuring their voices are heard.
Her priorities include education reform, tribal sovereignty, affordable housing, healthcare access, and economic development. Additionally, she is also focused on addressing income equality by attracting higher paying jobs in the community, and increasing mental health and addiction resources for Native Americans. Her voting record in the 2024 and 2023 legislative sessions includes supporting establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases (HB129), requiring public colleges and universities to provide information on affirmative consent in orientation (HB151), requiring disclaimers on political advertising that uses AI-generated content (HB182), and prohibiting firearms at polling places (SB5), and establishing state protections for gender affirming care (HB7).
We highly recommend Shannon Pinto for Senate District 3 based on her history of supporting critical issues for New Mexicans.State Senate DistrictShannon Pinto is running for re-election for Senate District 3. She has held the office since 2019. Pinto was originally appointed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, and then ran for and won re-election to the seat in 2020. She currently serves as Chair of the Indian, Rural & Cultural Affairs Committee, and as a member of the Senate Education Committee. She did not return a candidate questionnaire so the information presented is gathered only through public sources.
Pinto is a member of the Navajo Nation and was born and raised in Tohatchi, New Mexico, a small rural community in McKinley County between Gallup and Shiprock. Her grandfather also served as a state senator for many years. Currently, she works as a Teacher at Tohatchi High School and is also known for her advocacy and community organizing around education reform, tribal sovereignty, affordable housing, healthcare access, and economic development, reflecting her commitment to empowering marginalized communities and ensuring their voices are heard.
Her priorities include education reform, tribal sovereignty, affordable housing, healthcare access, and economic development. Additionally, she is also focused on addressing income equality by attracting higher paying jobs in the community, and increasing mental health and addiction resources for Native Americans. Her voting record in the 2024 and 2023 legislative sessions includes supporting establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases (HB129), requiring public colleges and universities to provide information on affirmative consent in orientation (HB151), requiring disclaimers on political advertising that uses AI-generated content (HB182), and prohibiting firearms at polling places (SB5), and establishing state protections for gender affirming care (HB7).
We highly recommend Shannon Pinto for Senate District 3 based on her history of supporting critical issues for New Mexicans.
Shannon Pinto
Shannon Pinto is running for re-election for Senate District 3. She has held the office since 2019. Pinto was originally appointed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, and then ran for and won re-election to the seat in 2020. She currently serves as Chair of the Indian, Rural & Cultural Affairs Committee, and as a member of the Senate Education Committee. She did not return a candidate questionnaire so the information presented is gathered only through public sources.
Pinto is a member of the Navajo Nation and was born and raised in Tohatchi, New Mexico, a small rural community in McKinley County between Gallup and Shiprock. Her grandfather also served as a state senator for many years. Currently, she works as a Teacher at Tohatchi High School and is also known for her advocacy and community organizing around education reform, tribal sovereignty, affordable housing, healthcare access, and economic development, reflecting her commitment to empowering marginalized communities and ensuring their voices are heard.
Her priorities include education reform, tribal sovereignty, affordable housing, healthcare access, and economic development. Additionally, she is also focused on addressing income equality by attracting higher paying jobs in the community, and increasing mental health and addiction resources for Native Americans. Her voting record in the 2024 and 2023 legislative sessions includes supporting establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases (HB129), requiring public colleges and universities to provide information on affirmative consent in orientation (HB151), requiring disclaimers on political advertising that uses AI-generated content (HB182), and prohibiting firearms at polling places (SB5), and establishing state protections for gender affirming care (HB7).
We highly recommend Shannon Pinto for Senate District 3 based on her history of supporting critical issues for New Mexicans.State Senate District
San Juan County
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State Senate
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Senate races on your ballot.
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Shannon Pinto is running for re-election for Senate District 3. She has held the office since 2019. Pinto was originally appointed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, and then ran for and won re-election to the seat in 2020. She currently serves as Chair of the Indian, Rural & Cultural Affairs Committee, and as a member of the Senate Education Committee. She did not return a candidate questionnaire so the information presented is gathered only through public sources.
Pinto is a member of the Navajo Nation and was born and raised in Tohatchi, New Mexico, a small rural community in McKinley County between Gallup and Shiprock. Her grandfather also served as a state senator for many years. Currently, she works as a Teacher at Tohatchi High School and is also known for her advocacy and community organizing around education reform, tribal sovereignty, affordable housing, healthcare access, and economic development, reflecting her commitment to empowering marginalized communities and ensuring their voices are heard.
Her priorities include education reform, tribal sovereignty, affordable housing, healthcare access, and economic development. Additionally, she is also focused on addressing income equality by attracting higher paying jobs in the community, and increasing mental health and addiction resources for Native Americans. Her voting record in the 2024 and 2023 legislative sessions includes supporting establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases (HB129), requiring public colleges and universities to provide information on affirmative consent in orientation (HB151), requiring disclaimers on political advertising that uses AI-generated content (HB182), and prohibiting firearms at polling places (SB5), and establishing state protections for gender affirming care (HB7).
We highly recommend Shannon Pinto for Senate District 3 based on her history of supporting critical issues for New Mexicans.
Other Candidates
Other Candidates - SD3
Sherylene Yazzie is running against incumbent Shannon Pinto in the Democratic Primary for Senate District 3. She did not return a candidate questionnaire so the information presented is gathered only through public sources. From what public records could be found, it appears she has worked or does work for the Navajo Nation. No other public campaign information can be found.
There is not enough public information for us to make a recommendation for or against Sherylene Yazzie for Senate District 3.
Other Candidates - SD3
Sherylene Yazzie is running against incumbent Shannon Pinto in the Democratic Primary for Senate District 3. She did not return a candidate questionnaire so the information presented is gathered only through public sources. From what public records could be found, it appears she has worked or does work for the Navajo Nation. No other public campaign information can be found.
There is not enough public information for us to make a recommendation for or against Sherylene Yazzie for Senate District 3.
No Good Choices
George Munoz is running for re-election for Senate District 4. He has served in this seat since 2009. He currently serves as Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and is a member of the Senate Committees’ Committee. He did not return a candidate questionnaire so the information presented is gathered only through public sources.
Munoz is the President of Munoz Corporation. No public information can be found on past employment or volunteer experience.
Munoz holds a very powerful position in the Senate as Chair of the Finance Committee, giving him the power to determine what bills will move through that committee and at what speed. While he is registered as a Democrat, he often votes with Republicans on key issues and opts not to vote on additional critical policies.
Some critical votes that Munoz has voted NO on are: Repeal of State Law Criminalizing Abortion (SB10, 2021), Clean Fuel Standards (SB14, 2022), Establishes a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales (HB129, 2024). Some critical votes that Munoz has opted not to vote on are: Prohibits Future Interest Rate Increases i.e. predatory loan caps (HB132, 2022), Establishes State Protections for Abortion and Gender Affirming Care (HB7, 2023), Requires Public Colleges and Universities Include Material on Affirmative Consent in Orientation (HB151, 2024).
While Munoz has voted for some good policies, based on the critical policies he has voted against, we cannot recommend a vote for George Munoz for Senate District 4.
Keith Hillock
Keith Hillock is running against incumbent George Munoz in the Democratic Primary for Senate District 4. He did not return a candidate questionnaire so the information presented is gathered only through public sources.
Little was found in public documents about Hillock’s work and volunteer experience. According to meeting minutes from February 2023, Hillock works in an operations role at a Charter School in Gallup, Hózhó Academy. On his website he states he has worked in the nuclear and oil and gas industry as an inspector and leader and was a union member of both the Electrical Union (IBEW) International Association of Machinist and Aerospace workers.
Hillock’s personal experience with growing up as a child of parents who were addicted to drugs and alcohol, combined with his observations of the Gallup community over the last six years that he has lived there, drives his desire to run for office. His stated priority areas are addressing crime through stricter state and local laws, correctional institutions, and additional mental health and addiction resources and income equality through expanded early access to trade programs and attracting quality, high paying jobs.
While we agree with some of Hillock’s stated priorities, we have concerns about his desire to enact stricter laws and increase the number of correctional facilities in the state as well as his ties to the oil and gas industry. There is not enough public information for us to make a recommendation for or against Keith Hillock.
No good choices - SD4
George Munoz
George Munoz is running for re-election for Senate District 4. He has served in this seat since 2009. He currently serves as Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and is a member of the Senate Committees’ Committee. He did not return a candidate questionnaire so the information presented is gathered only through public sources.
Munoz is the President of Munoz Corporation. No public information can be found on past employment or volunteer experience.
Munoz holds a very powerful position in the Senate as Chair of the Finance Committee, giving him the power to determine what bills will move through that committee and at what speed. While he is registered as a Democrat, he often votes with Republicans on key issues and opts not to vote on additional critical policies.
Some critical votes that Munoz has voted NO on are: Repeal of State Law Criminalizing Abortion (SB10, 2021), Clean Fuel Standards (SB14, 2022), Establishes a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales (HB129, 2024). Some critical votes that Munoz has opted not to vote on are: Prohibits Future Interest Rate Increases i.e. predatory loan caps (HB132, 2022), Establishes State Protections for Abortion and Gender Affirming Care (HB7, 2023), Requires Public Colleges and Universities Include Material on Affirmative Consent in Orientation (HB151, 2024).
While Munoz has voted for some good policies, based on the critical policies he has voted against, we cannot recommend a vote for George Munoz for Senate District 4.
Keith Hillock
Keith Hillock is running against incumbent George Munoz in the Democratic Primary for Senate District 4. He did not return a candidate questionnaire so the information presented is gathered only through public sources.
Little was found in public documents about Hillock’s work and volunteer experience. According to meeting minutes from February 2023, Hillock works in an operations role at a Charter School in Gallup, Hózhó Academy. On his website he states he has worked in the nuclear and oil and gas industry as an inspector and leader and was a union member of both the Electrical Union (IBEW) International Association of Machinist and Aerospace workers.
Hillock’s personal experience with growing up as a child of parents who were addicted to drugs and alcohol, combined with his observations of the Gallup community over the last six years that he has lived there, drives his desire to run for office. His stated priority areas are addressing crime through stricter state and local laws, correctional institutions, and additional mental health and addiction resources and income equality through expanded early access to trade programs and attracting quality, high paying jobs.
While we agree with some of Hillock’s stated priorities, we have concerns about his desire to enact stricter laws and increase the number of correctional facilities in the state as well as his ties to the oil and gas industry. There is not enough public information for us to make a recommendation for or against Keith Hillock.
State House of Representatives
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State House races on your ballot.
House District 4 is an open seat this year as Representative Anthony Allison is not running for re-election. Joseph Herndandez, Christina Aspaas, and Cheryl George are running to represent this seat. We recommend Joseph Hernandez for House District 4.
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Joseph Hernandez is a community organizer and serves as Diné Energy Organizer for NAVA Education Project (NAVAEP) and NM Native Vote, focused on clean energy, solar adoption, and the energy transition act. Previously, he served as field organizer for Anthony Allison’s campaign for the New Mexico House of Representatives, the Committee President of Gadii’ahi-To’koi Chapter Community Land Use Planning Committee, and has also worked in a support staff role for the Navajo Nation Office of Youth Development, Shiprock Agency.
Hernandez’ experience as a community organizer, full-time advocate, and voice for working families at the legislature since 2020 are what motivate him to run for House District 4. His priorities include jobs and economic opportunity tied to solar development, increased access to healthcare including mental health and substance abuse disorder care, and addressing the affordable housing shortage by bringing a modular home manufacturing facility to Shiprock. He also supports paid family medical leave, reproductive rights, and the removal of the state’s rent control ban as well as increased protections via a Renter’s Bill of Rights.
We highly recommend Joseph Hernandez for House District 4 based on his community organizing background, focus on sustainable economic growth, and experience representing the concerns of working families at the state legislature.Joseph Hernandez
Joseph Hernandez is a community organizer and serves as Diné Energy Organizer for NAVA Education Project (NAVAEP) and NM Native Vote, focused on clean energy, solar adoption, and the energy transition act. Previously, he served as field organizer for Anthony Allison’s campaign for the New Mexico House of Representatives, the Committee President of Gadii’ahi-To’koi Chapter Community Land Use Planning Committee, and has also worked in a support staff role for the Navajo Nation Office of Youth Development, Shiprock Agency.
Hernandez’ experience as a community organizer, full-time advocate, and voice for working families at the legislature since 2020 are what motivate him to run for House District 4. His priorities include jobs and economic opportunity tied to solar development, increased access to healthcare including mental health and substance abuse disorder care, and addressing the affordable housing shortage by bringing a modular home manufacturing facility to Shiprock. He also supports paid family medical leave, reproductive rights, and the removal of the state’s rent control ban as well as increased protections via a Renter’s Bill of Rights.
We highly recommend Joseph Hernandez for House District 4 based on his community organizing background, focus on sustainable economic growth, and experience representing the concerns of working families at the state legislature.House DistrictJoseph Hernandez is a community organizer and serves as Diné Energy Organizer for NAVA Education Project (NAVAEP) and NM Native Vote, focused on clean energy, solar adoption, and the energy transition act. Previously, he served as field organizer for Anthony Allison’s campaign for the New Mexico House of Representatives, the Committee President of Gadii’ahi-To’koi Chapter Community Land Use Planning Committee, and has also worked in a support staff role for the Navajo Nation Office of Youth Development, Shiprock Agency.
Hernandez’ experience as a community organizer, full-time advocate, and voice for working families at the legislature since 2020 are what motivate him to run for House District 4. His priorities include jobs and economic opportunity tied to solar development, increased access to healthcare including mental health and substance abuse disorder care, and addressing the affordable housing shortage by bringing a modular home manufacturing facility to Shiprock. He also supports paid family medical leave, reproductive rights, and the removal of the state’s rent control ban as well as increased protections via a Renter’s Bill of Rights.
We highly recommend Joseph Hernandez for House District 4 based on his community organizing background, focus on sustainable economic growth, and experience representing the concerns of working families at the state legislature.Joseph Hernandez
Joseph Hernandez is a community organizer and serves as Diné Energy Organizer for NAVA Education Project (NAVAEP) and NM Native Vote, focused on clean energy, solar adoption, and the energy transition act. Previously, he served as field organizer for Anthony Allison’s campaign for the New Mexico House of Representatives, the Committee President of Gadii’ahi-To’koi Chapter Community Land Use Planning Committee, and has also worked in a support staff role for the Navajo Nation Office of Youth Development, Shiprock Agency.
Hernandez’ experience as a community organizer, full-time advocate, and voice for working families at the legislature since 2020 are what motivate him to run for House District 4. His priorities include jobs and economic opportunity tied to solar development, increased access to healthcare including mental health and substance abuse disorder care, and addressing the affordable housing shortage by bringing a modular home manufacturing facility to Shiprock. He also supports paid family medical leave, reproductive rights, and the removal of the state’s rent control ban as well as increased protections via a Renter’s Bill of Rights.
We highly recommend Joseph Hernandez for House District 4 based on his community organizing background, focus on sustainable economic growth, and experience representing the concerns of working families at the state legislature.House District
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Joseph Hernandez is a community organizer and serves as Diné Energy Organizer for NAVA Education Project (NAVAEP) and NM Native Vote, focused on clean energy, solar adoption, and the energy transition act. Previously, he served as field organizer for Anthony Allison’s campaign for the New Mexico House of Representatives, the Committee President of Gadii’ahi-To’koi Chapter Community Land Use Planning Committee, and has also worked in a support staff role for the Navajo Nation Office of Youth Development, Shiprock Agency.
Hernandez’ experience as a community organizer, full-time advocate, and voice for working families at the legislature since 2020 are what motivate him to run for House District 4. His priorities include jobs and economic opportunity tied to solar development, increased access to healthcare including mental health and substance abuse disorder care, and addressing the affordable housing shortage by bringing a modular home manufacturing facility to Shiprock. He also supports paid family medical leave, reproductive rights, and the removal of the state’s rent control ban as well as increased protections via a Renter’s Bill of Rights.
We highly recommend Joseph Hernandez for House District 4 based on his community organizing background, focus on sustainable economic growth, and experience representing the concerns of working families at the state legislature.
Other Candidates
Other Candidates - HD4
Christina Aspaas is currently Board Vice President for the Central Consolidated School District Board of Education and also served previously as Board Secretary and Board President. Aspass previously ran against Anthony Allison in the 2022 primary election. Aspaas did not return our questionnaire so all information provided is from public sources. We were not able to locate a campaign website or social media profiles.
There is not enough public information for us to make a recommendation for or against Christina Aspaas for House District 4.
Cheryl George served as Board Member for the Central Consolidated School District Board of Education from 2021-23 and worked within the district for 9 years before that. During her campaign for School Board, she shared with the Farmington Daily Times her background in health and school safety plans and that she is a certified crisis prevention and intervention instructor. George did not return our questionnaire so all information provided is from public sources. We were not able to locate a campaign website.
There is not enough public information for us to make a recommendation for or against Cheryl George for House District 4.
Other Candidates - HD4
Christina Aspaas is currently Board Vice President for the Central Consolidated School District Board of Education and also served previously as Board Secretary and Board President. Aspass previously ran against Anthony Allison in the 2022 primary election. Aspaas did not return our questionnaire so all information provided is from public sources. We were not able to locate a campaign website or social media profiles.
There is not enough public information for us to make a recommendation for or against Christina Aspaas for House District 4.
Cheryl George served as Board Member for the Central Consolidated School District Board of Education from 2021-23 and worked within the district for 9 years before that. During her campaign for School Board, she shared with the Farmington Daily Times her background in health and school safety plans and that she is a certified crisis prevention and intervention instructor. George did not return our questionnaire so all information provided is from public sources. We were not able to locate a campaign website.
There is not enough public information for us to make a recommendation for or against Cheryl George for House District 4.
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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 DistrictMichelle “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
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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.
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.
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.
Customizing the Progressive Voters Guide for your location...
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House District 4 is an open seat this year as Representative Anthony Allison is not running for re-election. Joseph Herndandez, Christina Aspaas, and Cheryl George are running to represent this seat. We recommend Joseph Hernandez for House District 4.