Progressive Voters Guide Powered by ProgressNow New Mexico
Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate

Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Endorsements

Gun Sense Voter is a campaign of Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund and Everytown for Gun Safety Victory Fund, with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, the volunteer grassroots network of Everytown for Gun Safety. Together they form a non-partisan grassroots movement of people organizing to elect candidates at every level of government who support common-sense gun safety laws.

The Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction lets voters know which candidates will stand up for gun safety if elected into office. Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers across the country have been distributing questionnaires to candidates to ensure that those with the Gun Sense Candidate distinction will advocate for safer communities. These candidates have proven that they will support stronger gun laws.

Federal

U.S. Senator

Ben Ray Luján photo
Democrat

Ben Ray Luján

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Ben Ray Luján is running for re-election in the Democratic Primary for New Mexico’s U.S. Senate seat.

Luján was born and raised on a small family farm in Nambé, New Mexico to parents who were a union ironworker and a public school employee. He is the first Head Start graduate ever elected to the U.S. Senate and the first Hispanic to represent New Mexico in the Senate in over 40 years. Before his election to the Senate in 2020, Luján served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives (2009-2021) and on the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (2004-2008). In 2018, he chaired the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, leading Democrats to win back the House majority.

Luján's track record includes legislation aimed at lowering costs for working families, expanding access to affordable health care, protecting food assistance programs, strengthening public safety, expanding broadband access, and protecting New Mexico's public lands and natural resources. He has consistently voted to support working families and unions, including voting for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the American Rescue Plan, the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and the Respect for Marriage Act. Luján continues to represent all 33 counties of New Mexico, prioritizing rural and Tribal communities while holding corporate power accountable.

We highly recommend Ben Ray Luján for U.S. Senate based on his proven track record of fighting for New Mexicans.

Ben Ray Luján is running for re-election in the Democratic Primary for New Mexico’s U.S. Senate seat.

Luján was born and raised on a small family farm in Nambé, New Mexico to parents who were a union ironworker and a public school employee. He is the first Head Start graduate ever elected to the U.S. Senate and the first Hispanic to represent New Mexico in the Senate in over 40 years. Before his election to the Senate in 2020, Luján served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives (2009-2021) and on the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (2004-2008). In 2018, he chaired the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, leading Democrats to win back the House majority.

Luján's track record includes legislation aimed at lowering costs for working families, expanding access to affordable health care, protecting food assistance programs, strengthening public safety, expanding broadband access, and protecting New Mexico's public lands and natural resources. He has consistently voted to support working families and unions, including voting for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the American Rescue Plan, the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and the Respect for Marriage Act. Luján continues to represent all 33 counties of New Mexico, prioritizing rural and Tribal communities while holding corporate power accountable.

We highly recommend Ben Ray Luján for U.S. Senate based on his proven track record of fighting for New Mexicans.

Governor

Deb Haaland photo
Democrat

Deb Haaland

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Deb Haaland is a 35th-generation New Mexican and enrolled member of the Laguna Pueblo, and made history as the first Native American Cabinet Secretary serving as U.S. Secretary of the Interior from 2021 to 2025. She was also one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress. Haaland grew up in a military family, faced homelessness and financial insecurity as a single mother, and relied on SNAP food benefits and Planned Parenthood for healthcare while building a career in public service.

Haaland has deep roots in New Mexico community organizing, having chaired the New Mexico Democratic Party (2015-2017), served as tribal administrator at San Felipe Pueblo, and serving as the first woman on the board of the Laguna Development Corporation.

During Haaland’s tenure in Congress (2019-2021), she established herself as a steadfast progressive champion, voting yes on every major priority for working families and marginalized communities. She supported the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act to strengthen labor unions, the American Rescue Plan to expand healthcare access and economic relief, and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to address systemic racism in law enforcement. Haaland consistently fought for civil rights by voting for the Equality Act protecting LGBTQ+ communities, the For the People Act to protect voting rights, and bipartisan background check legislation for gun safety. She co-sponsored transformative legislation including the Green New Deal to address climate justice, Medicare for All to guarantee healthcare as a human right, and the MORE Act to decriminalize marijuana and address racial disparities in the criminal justice system.

As the first Native American Cabinet Secretary leading the Department of the Interior (2021-2025), Haaland continued her progressive legacy by launching the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative to address historical trauma, creating protections for 55 million acres of tribal lands, and prioritizing environmental justice for frontline communities. Her record demonstrates unwavering commitment to economic justice, racial equity, Indigenous sovereignty, and climate action—making her a proven leader who delivers for working families and our planet.

Haaland’s plans for Governor of New Mexico include expanding healthcare access through a public option, creating clean energy jobs, raising the minimum wage to $15, investing in public education and debt-free college, protecting women's reproductive rights, and addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

We highly recommend Deb Haaland in the Democratic Primary for governor, based on her deep roots in New Mexico, her work in Congress and as Secretary of Interior, and her detailed plans to improve healthcare, create living wage jobs, and increase educational access.

Deb Haaland is a 35th-generation New Mexican and enrolled member of the Laguna Pueblo, and made history as the first Native American Cabinet Secretary serving as U.S. Secretary of the Interior from 2021 to 2025. She was also one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress. Haaland grew up in a military family, faced homelessness and financial insecurity as a single mother, and relied on SNAP food benefits and Planned Parenthood for healthcare while building a career in public service.

Haaland has deep roots in New Mexico community organizing, having chaired the New Mexico Democratic Party (2015-2017), served as tribal administrator at San Felipe Pueblo, and serving as the first woman on the board of the Laguna Development Corporation.

During Haaland’s tenure in Congress (2019-2021), she established herself as a steadfast progressive champion, voting yes on every major priority for working families and marginalized communities. She supported the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act to strengthen labor unions, the American Rescue Plan to expand healthcare access and economic relief, and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to address systemic racism in law enforcement. Haaland consistently fought for civil rights by voting for the Equality Act protecting LGBTQ+ communities, the For the People Act to protect voting rights, and bipartisan background check legislation for gun safety. She co-sponsored transformative legislation including the Green New Deal to address climate justice, Medicare for All to guarantee healthcare as a human right, and the MORE Act to decriminalize marijuana and address racial disparities in the criminal justice system.

As the first Native American Cabinet Secretary leading the Department of the Interior (2021-2025), Haaland continued her progressive legacy by launching the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative to address historical trauma, creating protections for 55 million acres of tribal lands, and prioritizing environmental justice for frontline communities. Her record demonstrates unwavering commitment to economic justice, racial equity, Indigenous sovereignty, and climate action—making her a proven leader who delivers for working families and our planet.

Haaland’s plans for Governor of New Mexico include expanding healthcare access through a public option, creating clean energy jobs, raising the minimum wage to $15, investing in public education and debt-free college, protecting women's reproductive rights, and addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

We highly recommend Deb Haaland in the Democratic Primary for governor, based on her deep roots in New Mexico, her work in Congress and as Secretary of Interior, and her detailed plans to improve healthcare, create living wage jobs, and increase educational access.

Endorsed By: Sierra Club, OLÉ, Planned Parenthood Votes New Mexico, Conservation Voters New Mexico, NM Native Vote, Semilla Action, Equality New Mexico, New Mexico Voices for Children Action Fund, NEA New Mexico, Center for Civic Action, Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) NM, Animal Protection Voters, Stacey Abrams, Elect Democratic Women, Emily's List, Moms Fed Up, Native Organizers Alliance Action Fund, Common Defense , Committee of Interns and Residents SEIU Healthcare , Advance Native Political Leadership, Jane Fonda Climate PAC, New Mexico Wild Action Fund, Democrats Work For America , CWA Local 7076, 350 Santa Fe, End Citizens United, One Fair Wage, "American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 18", "Jeff Steinborn, State Senator", "Ben Ray Lujan, U.S. Senator", Teresa Leger Fernández, "Melanie Stansbury, U.S. Representative ", "Gabe Vasquez, U.S. Representative", "Linda Lopez, State Senator", "Michelle ""Paulene"" Abeyta, State Representative", "Yanira Gurrola, State Representative", "Javier Martínez, Speaker of the House, State Representative, District 11", "Charlotte Little, State Representative", "Tara Lujan, State Representative", "Brenda McKenna, Former State Senator", "Cindy Nava, State Senator", "Jonathan Nez, Former Navajo Nation President", "Kristina Ortez, State Representative", "Michael Padilla, State Senator", "Shannon Pinto, State Senator", Picuris Pueblo

Lieutenant Governor

Harold Pope Jr. photo
Democrat

Harold Pope Jr.

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Harold Pope Jr. is running in the Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor.

Pope Jr. is a retired U.S. Air Force Officer with a distinguished 20-year career and made history in 2020 as the first African American elected to the New Mexico Senate, where he has served District 23 in Bernalillo County since 2021. Born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, he earned a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of New Mexico and commissioned through ROTC, later managing critical satellite systems and nuclear deterrence programs before retiring from Kirtland Air Force Base in 2018. He holds multiple advanced degrees including an MA in Operational Leadership, MS in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and Executive MBA.

Pope Jr. currently serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Education Committee and Chair of the Military & Veterans' Affairs Committee. As a prolific legislator, he has championed veterans' rights, education funding, renewable energy development, police reform, civil rights, affordable housing, and environmental protections.

His focus areas include spurring higher wages, quality jobs, better schools, and improved access to affordable healthcare; protecting our environment, democracy, and fundamental rights; uplifting every community from rural to urban and Indigenous communities; and standing up to extremism to defend New Mexico values. Pope Jr. consistently carries the voices of working families, veterans, teachers, nurses, small business owners, and every New Mexican who deserves a fair shot and a future filled with dignity, opportunity, and hope into every room.

We recommend Harold Pope Jr. in the Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor based on his voting record and clear focus on reinforcing working families and our state’s economy.

Harold Pope Jr. is running in the Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor.

Pope Jr. is a retired U.S. Air Force Officer with a distinguished 20-year career and made history in 2020 as the first African American elected to the New Mexico Senate, where he has served District 23 in Bernalillo County since 2021. Born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, he earned a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of New Mexico and commissioned through ROTC, later managing critical satellite systems and nuclear deterrence programs before retiring from Kirtland Air Force Base in 2018. He holds multiple advanced degrees including an MA in Operational Leadership, MS in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and Executive MBA.

Pope Jr. currently serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Education Committee and Chair of the Military & Veterans' Affairs Committee. As a prolific legislator, he has championed veterans' rights, education funding, renewable energy development, police reform, civil rights, affordable housing, and environmental protections.

His focus areas include spurring higher wages, quality jobs, better schools, and improved access to affordable healthcare; protecting our environment, democracy, and fundamental rights; uplifting every community from rural to urban and Indigenous communities; and standing up to extremism to defend New Mexico values. Pope Jr. consistently carries the voices of working families, veterans, teachers, nurses, small business owners, and every New Mexican who deserves a fair shot and a future filled with dignity, opportunity, and hope into every room.

We recommend Harold Pope Jr. in the Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor based on his voting record and clear focus on reinforcing working families and our state’s economy.

Endorsed By: Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate, VoteVets, National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees - District 1199NM, "Jeff Steinborn, State Senator", "Shannon Pinto, State Senator", "Yanira Gurrola, State Representative", "Eleanor Chavez, State Representative", "Joy Garratt, State Representative", "Antoinette Sedillo-Lopez, State Senator", "Brenda McKenna, Former State Senator", "Charlotte Little, State Representative", "Patricia Roybal Caballero, State Representative", "Debra Sarinana, State Representative", "Barbara Baca, Bernalillo County Commissioner", "Eric Olivas, Bernalillo County Commissioner", "Josh Jones, Sandoval County Commissioner"
Maggie Toulouse Oliver photo
Democrat

Maggie Toulouse Oliver

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram

Maggie Toulouse Oliver is running in the Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor.

Toulouse Oliver is currently the state’s longest-serving Secretary of State, first elected in 2016. She previously served as Bernalillo County Clerk from 2007-2016, where she gained detailed, on-the-ground expertise in election administration and was recognized for her efforts to expand voting access for all voters. A lifelong New Mexican who has called the state home since age three, she earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Political Science from the University of New Mexico while working her way through school.

Toulouse Oliver's career has focused on public service, including work with Native American tribes, fighting for reproductive justice as the NM State Director for the League of Conservation Voters, and organizing in communities across the state. As Secretary of State, she has made New Mexico a national model for election security and accessibility, implementing same-day voter registration, automated voter registration, and record levels of voter participation while protecting voting rights and refusing to turn over voter information to partisan federal commissions.

She supports protecting democracy and voting rights, expanding access to healthcare and education, strengthening campaign finance transparency, and building a fair economy that works for all New Mexicans.

We recommend Maggie Toulouse Oliver in the Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor, based on her nationally recognized work as a leader in elections administration, her track record of working across party lines, and her focus on improving healthcare, education, and a more fair economy.

Maggie Toulouse Oliver is running in the Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor.

Toulouse Oliver is currently the state’s longest-serving Secretary of State, first elected in 2016. She previously served as Bernalillo County Clerk from 2007-2016, where she gained detailed, on-the-ground expertise in election administration and was recognized for her efforts to expand voting access for all voters. A lifelong New Mexican who has called the state home since age three, she earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Political Science from the University of New Mexico while working her way through school.

Toulouse Oliver's career has focused on public service, including work with Native American tribes, fighting for reproductive justice as the NM State Director for the League of Conservation Voters, and organizing in communities across the state. As Secretary of State, she has made New Mexico a national model for election security and accessibility, implementing same-day voter registration, automated voter registration, and record levels of voter participation while protecting voting rights and refusing to turn over voter information to partisan federal commissions.

She supports protecting democracy and voting rights, expanding access to healthcare and education, strengthening campaign finance transparency, and building a fair economy that works for all New Mexicans.

We recommend Maggie Toulouse Oliver in the Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor, based on her nationally recognized work as a leader in elections administration, her track record of working across party lines, and her focus on improving healthcare, education, and a more fair economy.

State Representative

Yanira Gurrola Valenzuela photo
Democrat

Yanira Gurrola Valenzuela

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Yanira Gurrola Valenzuela is running for re-election for House District 16. She has served in the seat since 2023, and is Vice Chair of the House Enrolling and Engrossing Committee and member of the House Education Committee and House Labor, Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee.

She currently works as a Project Coordinator for Dual Language Education NM, with past experience that includes teaching as a Bilingual Math teacher, Computer and Spanish teacher, and ESL tutor. Volunteer experience includes serving as a Federation Representative for Albuquerque Teachers Federation, ESL tutor for adults and children, and a Youth Minister.

Gurrola Valenzuela’s passion to run derives from her rich and diverse background as an immigrant, educator, woman, and engineer, and her desire to create a foundation of equity, fairness, and sustainability for all New Mexicans. Her priorities include strengthening education by fully funding early childhood, K-12, and extracurricular programs, and ensuring the recruitment and retention of excellent teachers. Gurrola Valenzuela supports public safety measures through equipping law enforcement with essential tools to prevent gun violence and crime. Additionally, she is committed to reducing homelessness through investments in evidence-based mental health and substance abuse programs, and by increasing affordable housing options. She also supports the expansion of New Mexico’s renewable energy, technology, film, and healthcare sectors to create good-paying, lifelong career opportunities.

During the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions, Gurrola Valenzuela supported key progressive bills, including Universal Child Care (SB 241), The Immigrant Safety Act (HB 9, which she also co-sponsored), Establishing a Medicaid Trust Fund (SB 88), Expanding the Prescription Drug Donation Program (SB 122), and Prohibits Discrimination Against 340B Entities (HB 78). She also voted for economic justice legislation including Earned Income Tax Credits for Families (HB 14), environmental protections including The Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act (SB 21), Increasing Oil & Gas Royalty Rates on State Lands (SB 23), and Establishing Programs to Support Broadband, Water, Energy, and Wastewater Infrastructure (SB 357), and Establishing a $20M Local Solar Fund for Tribal, Rural and Low-Income Schools, Municipalities and Counties (HB 128).

We highly recommend Yanira Gurrola for House District 16 based on her consistent support for education, investing in social services and healthcare access, and focus on reinforcing young people and meaningful economic development.

Yanira Gurrola Valenzuela is running for re-election for House District 16. She has served in the seat since 2023, and is Vice Chair of the House Enrolling and Engrossing Committee and member of the House Education Committee and House Labor, Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee.

She currently works as a Project Coordinator for Dual Language Education NM, with past experience that includes teaching as a Bilingual Math teacher, Computer and Spanish teacher, and ESL tutor. Volunteer experience includes serving as a Federation Representative for Albuquerque Teachers Federation, ESL tutor for adults and children, and a Youth Minister.

Gurrola Valenzuela’s passion to run derives from her rich and diverse background as an immigrant, educator, woman, and engineer, and her desire to create a foundation of equity, fairness, and sustainability for all New Mexicans. Her priorities include strengthening education by fully funding early childhood, K-12, and extracurricular programs, and ensuring the recruitment and retention of excellent teachers. Gurrola Valenzuela supports public safety measures through equipping law enforcement with essential tools to prevent gun violence and crime. Additionally, she is committed to reducing homelessness through investments in evidence-based mental health and substance abuse programs, and by increasing affordable housing options. She also supports the expansion of New Mexico’s renewable energy, technology, film, and healthcare sectors to create good-paying, lifelong career opportunities.

During the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions, Gurrola Valenzuela supported key progressive bills, including Universal Child Care (SB 241), The Immigrant Safety Act (HB 9, which she also co-sponsored), Establishing a Medicaid Trust Fund (SB 88), Expanding the Prescription Drug Donation Program (SB 122), and Prohibits Discrimination Against 340B Entities (HB 78). She also voted for economic justice legislation including Earned Income Tax Credits for Families (HB 14), environmental protections including The Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act (SB 21), Increasing Oil & Gas Royalty Rates on State Lands (SB 23), and Establishing Programs to Support Broadband, Water, Energy, and Wastewater Infrastructure (SB 357), and Establishing a $20M Local Solar Fund for Tribal, Rural and Low-Income Schools, Municipalities and Counties (HB 128).

We highly recommend Yanira Gurrola for House District 16 based on her consistent support for education, investing in social services and healthcare access, and focus on reinforcing young people and meaningful economic development.

Yolanda “Pancha” Jaramillo photo
Democrat

Yolanda “Pancha” Jaramillo

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Yolanda “Pancha” Jaramillo is running in the Democratic Primary to fill the open seat being vacated by Representative Susan Herrera.

Jaramillo is a Dixon resident, retired educator, and longtime advocate for mental and behavioral health who has served as secretary/treasurer of La Acequia de La Plaza de Dixon since 2009.
She sits on the board of directors of the New Mexico Acequia Association and is an appointed member of the New Mexico Acequia Commission, where she advocates for the protection of land and water resources that are central to Northern New Mexico's cultural heritage.

Jaramillo is a first-time candidate who is motivated to run by the need to expand opportunity for children and families, especially in rural communities and small towns across Northern New Mexico where the need is often greatest.

Her priorities include advancing affordable housing, good-paying jobs, and lowering everyday cost, including by increasing state investment in rural workforce housing so working families can build savings and assets to become homeowners. She also seeks to increase access to education, healthcare, and mental/behavioral health by supporting teacher recruitment and housing and strengthening pipelines for students to go to college or trade school, and protecting Medicaid, lowering costs, expanding providers, and strengthening mental health and suicide prevention services.

Additionally, she aims to continue work to protect acequias, watersheds, and drinking water while investing in rural water infrastructure, including Rep. Susan Herrera’s work supporting Mutual Domestic Water Associations as well as supporting the Rio Chama aquifer-mapping project to protect long-term water resources.

We highly recommend Yolanda “Pancha” Jaramillo for House District 41 based on her deep community roots, experience as an educator and advocate, and plans to protect and expand healthcare, education, and water resources in Northern NM.

Yolanda “Pancha” Jaramillo is running in the Democratic Primary to fill the open seat being vacated by Representative Susan Herrera.

Jaramillo is a Dixon resident, retired educator, and longtime advocate for mental and behavioral health who has served as secretary/treasurer of La Acequia de La Plaza de Dixon since 2009.
She sits on the board of directors of the New Mexico Acequia Association and is an appointed member of the New Mexico Acequia Commission, where she advocates for the protection of land and water resources that are central to Northern New Mexico's cultural heritage.

Jaramillo is a first-time candidate who is motivated to run by the need to expand opportunity for children and families, especially in rural communities and small towns across Northern New Mexico where the need is often greatest.

Her priorities include advancing affordable housing, good-paying jobs, and lowering everyday cost, including by increasing state investment in rural workforce housing so working families can build savings and assets to become homeowners. She also seeks to increase access to education, healthcare, and mental/behavioral health by supporting teacher recruitment and housing and strengthening pipelines for students to go to college or trade school, and protecting Medicaid, lowering costs, expanding providers, and strengthening mental health and suicide prevention services.

Additionally, she aims to continue work to protect acequias, watersheds, and drinking water while investing in rural water infrastructure, including Rep. Susan Herrera’s work supporting Mutual Domestic Water Associations as well as supporting the Rio Chama aquifer-mapping project to protect long-term water resources.

We highly recommend Yolanda “Pancha” Jaramillo for House District 41 based on her deep community roots, experience as an educator and advocate, and plans to protect and expand healthcare, education, and water resources in Northern NM.

Endorsed By: Sierra Club, OLÉ, Planned Parenthood Votes New Mexico, Albuquerque Teachers Federation, Semilla Action, New Mexico Voices for Children Action Fund, Center for Civic Action, Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate, Conservation Voters New Mexico, "American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 18", American Federation of Teachers (AFT) NM, New Mexico Wild Action Fund

Statewide

Governor

Deb Haaland photo
Democrat

Deb Haaland

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram

Deb Haaland is a 35th-generation New Mexican and enrolled member of the Laguna Pueblo, and made history as the first Native American Cabinet Secretary serving as U.S. Secretary of the Interior from 2021 to 2025. She was also one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress. Haaland grew up in a military family, faced homelessness and financial insecurity as a single mother, and relied on SNAP food benefits and Planned Parenthood for healthcare while building a career in public service.

Haaland has deep roots in New Mexico community organizing, having chaired the New Mexico Democratic Party (2015-2017), served as tribal administrator at San Felipe Pueblo, and serving as the first woman on the board of the Laguna Development Corporation.

During Haaland’s tenure in Congress (2019-2021), she established herself as a steadfast progressive champion, voting yes on every major priority for working families and marginalized communities. She supported the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act to strengthen labor unions, the American Rescue Plan to expand healthcare access and economic relief, and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to address systemic racism in law enforcement. Haaland consistently fought for civil rights by voting for the Equality Act protecting LGBTQ+ communities, the For the People Act to protect voting rights, and bipartisan background check legislation for gun safety. She co-sponsored transformative legislation including the Green New Deal to address climate justice, Medicare for All to guarantee healthcare as a human right, and the MORE Act to decriminalize marijuana and address racial disparities in the criminal justice system.

As the first Native American Cabinet Secretary leading the Department of the Interior (2021-2025), Haaland continued her progressive legacy by launching the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative to address historical trauma, creating protections for 55 million acres of tribal lands, and prioritizing environmental justice for frontline communities. Her record demonstrates unwavering commitment to economic justice, racial equity, Indigenous sovereignty, and climate action—making her a proven leader who delivers for working families and our planet.

Haaland’s plans for Governor of New Mexico include expanding healthcare access through a public option, creating clean energy jobs, raising the minimum wage to $15, investing in public education and debt-free college, protecting women's reproductive rights, and addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

We highly recommend Deb Haaland in the Democratic Primary for governor, based on her deep roots in New Mexico, her work in Congress and as Secretary of Interior, and her detailed plans to improve healthcare, create living wage jobs, and increase educational access.

Deb Haaland is a 35th-generation New Mexican and enrolled member of the Laguna Pueblo, and made history as the first Native American Cabinet Secretary serving as U.S. Secretary of the Interior from 2021 to 2025. She was also one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress. Haaland grew up in a military family, faced homelessness and financial insecurity as a single mother, and relied on SNAP food benefits and Planned Parenthood for healthcare while building a career in public service.

Haaland has deep roots in New Mexico community organizing, having chaired the New Mexico Democratic Party (2015-2017), served as tribal administrator at San Felipe Pueblo, and serving as the first woman on the board of the Laguna Development Corporation.

During Haaland’s tenure in Congress (2019-2021), she established herself as a steadfast progressive champion, voting yes on every major priority for working families and marginalized communities. She supported the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act to strengthen labor unions, the American Rescue Plan to expand healthcare access and economic relief, and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to address systemic racism in law enforcement. Haaland consistently fought for civil rights by voting for the Equality Act protecting LGBTQ+ communities, the For the People Act to protect voting rights, and bipartisan background check legislation for gun safety. She co-sponsored transformative legislation including the Green New Deal to address climate justice, Medicare for All to guarantee healthcare as a human right, and the MORE Act to decriminalize marijuana and address racial disparities in the criminal justice system.

As the first Native American Cabinet Secretary leading the Department of the Interior (2021-2025), Haaland continued her progressive legacy by launching the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative to address historical trauma, creating protections for 55 million acres of tribal lands, and prioritizing environmental justice for frontline communities. Her record demonstrates unwavering commitment to economic justice, racial equity, Indigenous sovereignty, and climate action—making her a proven leader who delivers for working families and our planet.

Haaland’s plans for Governor of New Mexico include expanding healthcare access through a public option, creating clean energy jobs, raising the minimum wage to $15, investing in public education and debt-free college, protecting women's reproductive rights, and addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

We highly recommend Deb Haaland in the Democratic Primary for governor, based on her deep roots in New Mexico, her work in Congress and as Secretary of Interior, and her detailed plans to improve healthcare, create living wage jobs, and increase educational access.

Endorsed By: Sierra Club, OLÉ, Planned Parenthood Votes New Mexico, Conservation Voters New Mexico, NM Native Vote, Semilla Action, Equality New Mexico, New Mexico Voices for Children Action Fund, NEA New Mexico, Center for Civic Action, Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) NM, Animal Protection Voters, Stacey Abrams, Elect Democratic Women, Emily's List, Moms Fed Up, Native Organizers Alliance Action Fund, Common Defense , Committee of Interns and Residents SEIU Healthcare , Advance Native Political Leadership, Jane Fonda Climate PAC, New Mexico Wild Action Fund, Democrats Work For America , CWA Local 7076, 350 Santa Fe, End Citizens United, One Fair Wage, "American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 18", "Jeff Steinborn, State Senator", "Ben Ray Lujan, U.S. Senator", Teresa Leger Fernández, "Melanie Stansbury, U.S. Representative ", "Gabe Vasquez, U.S. Representative", "Linda Lopez, State Senator", "Michelle ""Paulene"" Abeyta, State Representative", "Yanira Gurrola, State Representative", "Javier Martínez, Speaker of the House, State Representative, District 11", "Charlotte Little, State Representative", "Tara Lujan, State Representative", "Brenda McKenna, Former State Senator", "Cindy Nava, State Senator", "Jonathan Nez, Former Navajo Nation President", "Kristina Ortez, State Representative", "Michael Padilla, State Senator", "Shannon Pinto, State Senator", Picuris Pueblo

Lieutenant Governor

Harold Pope Jr. photo
Democrat

Harold Pope Jr.

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram

Harold Pope Jr. is running in the Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor.

Pope Jr. is a retired U.S. Air Force Officer with a distinguished 20-year career and made history in 2020 as the first African American elected to the New Mexico Senate, where he has served District 23 in Bernalillo County since 2021. Born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, he earned a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of New Mexico and commissioned through ROTC, later managing critical satellite systems and nuclear deterrence programs before retiring from Kirtland Air Force Base in 2018. He holds multiple advanced degrees including an MA in Operational Leadership, MS in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and Executive MBA.

Pope Jr. currently serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Education Committee and Chair of the Military & Veterans' Affairs Committee. As a prolific legislator, he has championed veterans' rights, education funding, renewable energy development, police reform, civil rights, affordable housing, and environmental protections.

His focus areas include spurring higher wages, quality jobs, better schools, and improved access to affordable healthcare; protecting our environment, democracy, and fundamental rights; uplifting every community from rural to urban and Indigenous communities; and standing up to extremism to defend New Mexico values. Pope Jr. consistently carries the voices of working families, veterans, teachers, nurses, small business owners, and every New Mexican who deserves a fair shot and a future filled with dignity, opportunity, and hope into every room.

We recommend Harold Pope Jr. in the Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor based on his voting record and clear focus on reinforcing working families and our state’s economy.

Harold Pope Jr. is running in the Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor.

Pope Jr. is a retired U.S. Air Force Officer with a distinguished 20-year career and made history in 2020 as the first African American elected to the New Mexico Senate, where he has served District 23 in Bernalillo County since 2021. Born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, he earned a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of New Mexico and commissioned through ROTC, later managing critical satellite systems and nuclear deterrence programs before retiring from Kirtland Air Force Base in 2018. He holds multiple advanced degrees including an MA in Operational Leadership, MS in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and Executive MBA.

Pope Jr. currently serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Education Committee and Chair of the Military & Veterans' Affairs Committee. As a prolific legislator, he has championed veterans' rights, education funding, renewable energy development, police reform, civil rights, affordable housing, and environmental protections.

His focus areas include spurring higher wages, quality jobs, better schools, and improved access to affordable healthcare; protecting our environment, democracy, and fundamental rights; uplifting every community from rural to urban and Indigenous communities; and standing up to extremism to defend New Mexico values. Pope Jr. consistently carries the voices of working families, veterans, teachers, nurses, small business owners, and every New Mexican who deserves a fair shot and a future filled with dignity, opportunity, and hope into every room.

We recommend Harold Pope Jr. in the Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor based on his voting record and clear focus on reinforcing working families and our state’s economy.

Endorsed By: Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate, VoteVets, National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees - District 1199NM, "Jeff Steinborn, State Senator", "Shannon Pinto, State Senator", "Yanira Gurrola, State Representative", "Eleanor Chavez, State Representative", "Joy Garratt, State Representative", "Antoinette Sedillo-Lopez, State Senator", "Brenda McKenna, Former State Senator", "Charlotte Little, State Representative", "Patricia Roybal Caballero, State Representative", "Debra Sarinana, State Representative", "Barbara Baca, Bernalillo County Commissioner", "Eric Olivas, Bernalillo County Commissioner", "Josh Jones, Sandoval County Commissioner"
Maggie Toulouse Oliver photo
Democrat

Maggie Toulouse Oliver

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Maggie Toulouse Oliver is running in the Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor.

Toulouse Oliver is currently the state’s longest-serving Secretary of State, first elected in 2016. She previously served as Bernalillo County Clerk from 2007-2016, where she gained detailed, on-the-ground expertise in election administration and was recognized for her efforts to expand voting access for all voters. A lifelong New Mexican who has called the state home since age three, she earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Political Science from the University of New Mexico while working her way through school.

Toulouse Oliver's career has focused on public service, including work with Native American tribes, fighting for reproductive justice as the NM State Director for the League of Conservation Voters, and organizing in communities across the state. As Secretary of State, she has made New Mexico a national model for election security and accessibility, implementing same-day voter registration, automated voter registration, and record levels of voter participation while protecting voting rights and refusing to turn over voter information to partisan federal commissions.

She supports protecting democracy and voting rights, expanding access to healthcare and education, strengthening campaign finance transparency, and building a fair economy that works for all New Mexicans.

We recommend Maggie Toulouse Oliver in the Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor, based on her nationally recognized work as a leader in elections administration, her track record of working across party lines, and her focus on improving healthcare, education, and a more fair economy.

Maggie Toulouse Oliver is running in the Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor.

Toulouse Oliver is currently the state’s longest-serving Secretary of State, first elected in 2016. She previously served as Bernalillo County Clerk from 2007-2016, where she gained detailed, on-the-ground expertise in election administration and was recognized for her efforts to expand voting access for all voters. A lifelong New Mexican who has called the state home since age three, she earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Political Science from the University of New Mexico while working her way through school.

Toulouse Oliver's career has focused on public service, including work with Native American tribes, fighting for reproductive justice as the NM State Director for the League of Conservation Voters, and organizing in communities across the state. As Secretary of State, she has made New Mexico a national model for election security and accessibility, implementing same-day voter registration, automated voter registration, and record levels of voter participation while protecting voting rights and refusing to turn over voter information to partisan federal commissions.

She supports protecting democracy and voting rights, expanding access to healthcare and education, strengthening campaign finance transparency, and building a fair economy that works for all New Mexicans.

We recommend Maggie Toulouse Oliver in the Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor, based on her nationally recognized work as a leader in elections administration, her track record of working across party lines, and her focus on improving healthcare, education, and a more fair economy.