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No Good Choices

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.

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 Senate District

State House of Representatives

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

  • Eliseo Lee Alcon is running for re-election to House District 6. He has served in the legislature since 2009, and is currently Chair of the House Labor, Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee and member of the House Judiciary Committee.

    Retired from the US Army as a disabled veteran, Alcon served as a combat medic during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star in 2019 alongside his Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars and The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with palm.

    Alcon is motivated to run for re-election for HD6 because of his passion for reinforcing working families, unions and fair wages, and a sustainable economy. His priorities and legislative record include a focus on education, healthcare, economic development, and advocating for veterans.

    Alcon has strong track record of meeting the needs of New Mexicans, including sponsoring legislation during the 2024 session to establish a service members suicide prevention program (HB298) and requiring public colleges and universities to include material on affirmative consent in orientation (HB151), as well as voting for prohibiting firearms at state polling location (SB5), establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases (HB129), and establishing state clean energy standards (HB41). In 2023, he voted to establish state protections for abortion and gender affirming care (SB13), requiring health insurance companies to provide reimbursement for mental health coverage (SB273), the Voting Rights Act and Native American Voting Rights Act (HB4), establishing state protections for gender affirming care (HB7), and establishing negligently leaving a firearm accessible to a minor as a crime (HB9).

    We highly recommend Eliseo Lee Alcon for re-election to House District 6 based on his track record of supporting New Mexico’s working families and protecting healthcare rights and access.

    Eliseo Lee Alcon

    Eliseo Lee Alcon is running for re-election to House District 6. He has served in the legislature since 2009, and is currently Chair of the House Labor, Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee and member of the House Judiciary Committee.

    Retired from the US Army as a disabled veteran, Alcon served as a combat medic during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star in 2019 alongside his Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars and The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with palm.

    Alcon is motivated to run for re-election for HD6 because of his passion for reinforcing working families, unions and fair wages, and a sustainable economy. His priorities and legislative record include a focus on education, healthcare, economic development, and advocating for veterans.

    Alcon has strong track record of meeting the needs of New Mexicans, including sponsoring legislation during the 2024 session to establish a service members suicide prevention program (HB298) and requiring public colleges and universities to include material on affirmative consent in orientation (HB151), as well as voting for prohibiting firearms at state polling location (SB5), establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases (HB129), and establishing state clean energy standards (HB41). In 2023, he voted to establish state protections for abortion and gender affirming care (SB13), requiring health insurance companies to provide reimbursement for mental health coverage (SB273), the Voting Rights Act and Native American Voting Rights Act (HB4), establishing state protections for gender affirming care (HB7), and establishing negligently leaving a firearm accessible to a minor as a crime (HB9).

    We highly recommend Eliseo Lee Alcon for re-election to House District 6 based on his track record of supporting New Mexico’s working families and protecting healthcare rights and access.

    House District
    Eliseo Lee Alcon is running for re-election to House District 6. He has served in the legislature since 2009, and is currently Chair of the House Labor, Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee and member of the House Judiciary Committee.

    Retired from the US Army as a disabled veteran, Alcon served as a combat medic during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star in 2019 alongside his Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars and The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with palm.

    Alcon is motivated to run for re-election for HD6 because of his passion for reinforcing working families, unions and fair wages, and a sustainable economy. His priorities and legislative record include a focus on education, healthcare, economic development, and advocating for veterans.

    Alcon has strong track record of meeting the needs of New Mexicans, including sponsoring legislation during the 2024 session to establish a service members suicide prevention program (HB298) and requiring public colleges and universities to include material on affirmative consent in orientation (HB151), as well as voting for prohibiting firearms at state polling location (SB5), establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases (HB129), and establishing state clean energy standards (HB41). In 2023, he voted to establish state protections for abortion and gender affirming care (SB13), requiring health insurance companies to provide reimbursement for mental health coverage (SB273), the Voting Rights Act and Native American Voting Rights Act (HB4), establishing state protections for gender affirming care (HB7), and establishing negligently leaving a firearm accessible to a minor as a crime (HB9).

    We highly recommend Eliseo Lee Alcon for re-election to House District 6 based on his track record of supporting New Mexico’s working families and protecting healthcare rights and access.

    Eliseo Lee Alcon

    Eliseo Lee Alcon is running for re-election to House District 6. He has served in the legislature since 2009, and is currently Chair of the House Labor, Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee and member of the House Judiciary Committee.

    Retired from the US Army as a disabled veteran, Alcon served as a combat medic during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star in 2019 alongside his Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars and The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with palm.

    Alcon is motivated to run for re-election for HD6 because of his passion for reinforcing working families, unions and fair wages, and a sustainable economy. His priorities and legislative record include a focus on education, healthcare, economic development, and advocating for veterans.

    Alcon has strong track record of meeting the needs of New Mexicans, including sponsoring legislation during the 2024 session to establish a service members suicide prevention program (HB298) and requiring public colleges and universities to include material on affirmative consent in orientation (HB151), as well as voting for prohibiting firearms at state polling location (SB5), establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases (HB129), and establishing state clean energy standards (HB41). In 2023, he voted to establish state protections for abortion and gender affirming care (SB13), requiring health insurance companies to provide reimbursement for mental health coverage (SB273), the Voting Rights Act and Native American Voting Rights Act (HB4), establishing state protections for gender affirming care (HB7), and establishing negligently leaving a firearm accessible to a minor as a crime (HB9).

    We highly recommend Eliseo Lee Alcon for re-election to House District 6 based on his track record of supporting New Mexico’s working families and protecting healthcare rights and access.

    House District

Other Candidates

Other Candidates - HD6

Priscilla Benally is running against incumbent Eliseo Lee Alcon in the Democratic Primary for House District 9. She did not return our questionnaire and we were unable to locate a campaign website or social media profiles, so all information provided is from public sources. There is not enough public information for us to make a recommendation for or against Priscilla Benally for House District 6. 

Daniel Torrez did not return our questionnaire and we were unable to locate a campaign website or social media profiles. There is not enough public information for us to make a recommendation for or against Daniel Torrez for House District 6. 
 

House District

Other Candidates - HD6

Priscilla Benally is running against incumbent Eliseo Lee Alcon in the Democratic Primary for House District 9. She did not return our questionnaire and we were unable to locate a campaign website or social media profiles, so all information provided is from public sources. There is not enough public information for us to make a recommendation for or against Priscilla Benally for House District 6. 

Daniel Torrez did not return our questionnaire and we were unable to locate a campaign website or social media profiles. There is not enough public information for us to make a recommendation for or against Daniel Torrez for House District 6. 
 

House District
  • Christopher Brian Hudson is running against incumbent Patricia Lundstrom in the Democratic Primary for House District 9.

    Hudson works as Coordinator for the McKinley Community Health Alliance, and previously worked in public health and community outreach with Strong Families New Mexico. His volunteer experience includes community organizing for Somos Gallup and We Own It, serving as a board member for NM Alliance of Health Councils, as a lead for the NM Together for Healthcare campaign, and a founding board member of the NW NM Indigenous Women’s Resource Council. Hudson is a UNM graduate, Gates Millennium Scholarship recipient, and was also named 2019 Rural Health Star by the Center for Health Innovation.

    Hudson is motivated to run for HD9 because of his passion for community organizing, public health, and serving rural areas of the state. His priorities include increased healthcare and behavioral health access, protections for workers and their families, protections and equitable access for LGBTQ2s+ community members, increased investment in and options for affordable housing, and modernizing the legislature to ensure all New Mexicans are able to serve.

    Additionally, Hudson supports active and inclusive consultation with tribal governments and nations, increased investment in renewable energy, protecting clean air and water, and a just transition away from oil and gas industries.

    We recommend Christopher Hudson based on his track record of advocating for healthcare access and education, and for his experience in public outreach and community organizing for House District 9.

    Christopher Hudson

    Christopher Brian Hudson is running against incumbent Patricia Lundstrom in the Democratic Primary for House District 9.

    Hudson works as Coordinator for the McKinley Community Health Alliance, and previously worked in public health and community outreach with Strong Families New Mexico. His volunteer experience includes community organizing for Somos Gallup and We Own It, serving as a board member for NM Alliance of Health Councils, as a lead for the NM Together for Healthcare campaign, and a founding board member of the NW NM Indigenous Women’s Resource Council. Hudson is a UNM graduate, Gates Millennium Scholarship recipient, and was also named 2019 Rural Health Star by the Center for Health Innovation.

    Hudson is motivated to run for HD9 because of his passion for community organizing, public health, and serving rural areas of the state. His priorities include increased healthcare and behavioral health access, protections for workers and their families, protections and equitable access for LGBTQ2s+ community members, increased investment in and options for affordable housing, and modernizing the legislature to ensure all New Mexicans are able to serve.

    Additionally, Hudson supports active and inclusive consultation with tribal governments and nations, increased investment in renewable energy, protecting clean air and water, and a just transition away from oil and gas industries.

    We recommend Christopher Hudson based on his track record of advocating for healthcare access and education, and for his experience in public outreach and community organizing for House District 9.

    House District
    Christopher Brian Hudson is running against incumbent Patricia Lundstrom in the Democratic Primary for House District 9.

    Hudson works as Coordinator for the McKinley Community Health Alliance, and previously worked in public health and community outreach with Strong Families New Mexico. His volunteer experience includes community organizing for Somos Gallup and We Own It, serving as a board member for NM Alliance of Health Councils, as a lead for the NM Together for Healthcare campaign, and a founding board member of the NW NM Indigenous Women’s Resource Council. Hudson is a UNM graduate, Gates Millennium Scholarship recipient, and was also named 2019 Rural Health Star by the Center for Health Innovation.

    Hudson is motivated to run for HD9 because of his passion for community organizing, public health, and serving rural areas of the state. His priorities include increased healthcare and behavioral health access, protections for workers and their families, protections and equitable access for LGBTQ2s+ community members, increased investment in and options for affordable housing, and modernizing the legislature to ensure all New Mexicans are able to serve.

    Additionally, Hudson supports active and inclusive consultation with tribal governments and nations, increased investment in renewable energy, protecting clean air and water, and a just transition away from oil and gas industries.

    We recommend Christopher Hudson based on his track record of advocating for healthcare access and education, and for his experience in public outreach and community organizing for House District 9.

    Christopher Hudson

    Christopher Brian Hudson is running against incumbent Patricia Lundstrom in the Democratic Primary for House District 9.

    Hudson works as Coordinator for the McKinley Community Health Alliance, and previously worked in public health and community outreach with Strong Families New Mexico. His volunteer experience includes community organizing for Somos Gallup and We Own It, serving as a board member for NM Alliance of Health Councils, as a lead for the NM Together for Healthcare campaign, and a founding board member of the NW NM Indigenous Women’s Resource Council. Hudson is a UNM graduate, Gates Millennium Scholarship recipient, and was also named 2019 Rural Health Star by the Center for Health Innovation.

    Hudson is motivated to run for HD9 because of his passion for community organizing, public health, and serving rural areas of the state. His priorities include increased healthcare and behavioral health access, protections for workers and their families, protections and equitable access for LGBTQ2s+ community members, increased investment in and options for affordable housing, and modernizing the legislature to ensure all New Mexicans are able to serve.

    Additionally, Hudson supports active and inclusive consultation with tribal governments and nations, increased investment in renewable energy, protecting clean air and water, and a just transition away from oil and gas industries.

    We recommend Christopher Hudson based on his track record of advocating for healthcare access and education, and for his experience in public outreach and community organizing for House District 9.

    House District

Other Candidates

Other Candidates - HD9

Patricia Lundstrom
Patricia Lundstrom is running for re-election for House District 9. She has served in the legislature since 2001, and is currently a member of the House Commerce & Economic Development Committee and House Transportation, Public Works & Capital Improvements Committee. 

Lundstrom is the Executive Director of the Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation (GGEDC), and previously was the Executive Director of Northwest NM Council of Governments. She is a graduate of Grants High School and New Mexico State University, where she gained an undergraduate degree and a masters’ degrees in public administration. 

Lundstrom’s priorities and focus areas include workforce development, infrastructure, and finance. While she has sponsored and supported some initiatives that align with the needs of New Mexicans, she has voted against many critical bills. 

In 2024 she voted against legislation to prohibit firearms at state voting drop boxes and polling places (SB5), establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases (HB129), setting clean energy standards at the state level (SB41), and paid family medical leave (SB3). In 2023 she voted against enacting protections for abortion and gender-affirming healthcare (SB13 & HB7), and establishing negligently leaving a firearm accessible to a minor as a crime (HB9). In previous sessions, Lundstrom also voted against prohibiting the intimidation of election workers (SB144), paid sick leave (HB20), and repealing the abortion ban in 2021 (SB10). Additionally, in 2015, she voted with Republicans to pass a 20 week abortion ban. 

With respect to campaign funding, Lundstrom was reportedly one of the top recipients of oil and gas contributions in 2022, receiving approximately $22,000 in donations. She also actively worked to elect conservative democrats to the house during the 2022 primary elections, aligning her campaign contributions with well known oil and gas name Henry Yates. 

There are also some ethics concerns regarding the relationship between her legislative and professional activities as Executive Director of GGEDC. In January 2021, GGEDC received a $1.25 million donation from Tri-State (a wholesale power supplier), following Lundstrom’s sponsoring a bill in 2020 that allowed for the redevelopment of the Escalante plant. 

Given Patricia Lundstrom’s voting record on critical issues, her work to elect conservatives to office, and potential ethics concerns, we do not recommend her for House District 9. 

Arval Todd McCabe
Arval Todd McCabe did not return our questionnaire and we were unable to locate a campaign website or social media profiles. 

There is not enough public information for us to make a recommendation for or against Arval Todd McCabe for House District 9. 

 

House District

Other Candidates - HD9

Patricia Lundstrom
Patricia Lundstrom is running for re-election for House District 9. She has served in the legislature since 2001, and is currently a member of the House Commerce & Economic Development Committee and House Transportation, Public Works & Capital Improvements Committee. 

Lundstrom is the Executive Director of the Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation (GGEDC), and previously was the Executive Director of Northwest NM Council of Governments. She is a graduate of Grants High School and New Mexico State University, where she gained an undergraduate degree and a masters’ degrees in public administration. 

Lundstrom’s priorities and focus areas include workforce development, infrastructure, and finance. While she has sponsored and supported some initiatives that align with the needs of New Mexicans, she has voted against many critical bills. 

In 2024 she voted against legislation to prohibit firearms at state voting drop boxes and polling places (SB5), establishing a waiting period for firearm purchases (HB129), setting clean energy standards at the state level (SB41), and paid family medical leave (SB3). In 2023 she voted against enacting protections for abortion and gender-affirming healthcare (SB13 & HB7), and establishing negligently leaving a firearm accessible to a minor as a crime (HB9). In previous sessions, Lundstrom also voted against prohibiting the intimidation of election workers (SB144), paid sick leave (HB20), and repealing the abortion ban in 2021 (SB10). Additionally, in 2015, she voted with Republicans to pass a 20 week abortion ban. 

With respect to campaign funding, Lundstrom was reportedly one of the top recipients of oil and gas contributions in 2022, receiving approximately $22,000 in donations. She also actively worked to elect conservative democrats to the house during the 2022 primary elections, aligning her campaign contributions with well known oil and gas name Henry Yates. 

There are also some ethics concerns regarding the relationship between her legislative and professional activities as Executive Director of GGEDC. In January 2021, GGEDC received a $1.25 million donation from Tri-State (a wholesale power supplier), following Lundstrom’s sponsoring a bill in 2020 that allowed for the redevelopment of the Escalante plant. 

Given Patricia Lundstrom’s voting record on critical issues, her work to elect conservatives to office, and potential ethics concerns, we do not recommend her for House District 9. 

Arval Todd McCabe
Arval Todd McCabe did not return our questionnaire and we were unable to locate a campaign website or social media profiles. 

There is not enough public information for us to make a recommendation for or against Arval Todd McCabe for House District 9. 

 

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

    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