CVNM Announces Endorsements of Pro-Climate and Pro-Democracy Candidates In Las Cruces
and Santa Fe Municipal Elections
SANTA FE – On Monday September 22nd, 2025, Conservation Voters New Mexico announced several endorsements of pro-democracy and pro-climate candidates in the Las Cruces and Santa Fe municipal elections. The endorsements follow a rigorous process vetting candidates in contested races, including thorough questionnaires and interviews. Las Cruces and Santa Fe have ranked choice voting, allowing voters to cast ballots for multiple candidates in a given race. As a result, CVNM has issued dual endorsements for several races, encouraging voters to support all viable candidates running on pro-environmental platforms.
“With federal efforts accelerating to cut funding and programs vital for our communities and environment, the importance of who we elect at the local level can not be overstated,” stated Molly Taylor, Chief Operating Officer for CVNM. “We are pleased to see numerous candidates in Santa Fe and Las Cruces running with strong public commitments to advance the renewable energy economy, and protect the water we drink and the air we breathe for future generations. Now is the time for all leaders, in all levels of decision-making spaces, to advocate for the values of New Mexicans – especially safeguarding our health, environment, and democracy.”
This November, three City Council seats and the Mayor will be on the ballot in Santa Fe. Mayor Alan Webber is not running for re-election, creating a highly contested field of candidates vying for the city’s highest leadership role. CVNM is pleased to issue a dual endorsement for Justin Greene and Oscar Rodriguez for Santa Fe Mayor due to their platforms centering public engagement, democracy, social justice, and the environment.
“As a city that often leads on climate and democracy policy, Santa Fe deserves leadership that will build on recent accomplishments and forge a new path with a strong vision in the years to come,” stated Demis Foster, CVNM CEO and Santa Fe resident. “The current federal culture of chaos and uncertainty calls for strong and bold local leadership. We are proud to stand with Justin Greene and Oscar Rodriguez as the candidates that have answered that call. If either are elected as Mayor, these
candidates will ensure Santa Fe is a democratic beacon of hope and progress in the coming years. We urge all Santa Fe voters to support them in November.”
Justin Greene is a small business owner, County Commissioner, and community advocate with deep knowledge of conservation and climate issues. He also has decades of experience with city planning and community service.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the endorsement of Conservation Voters New Mexico,” stated Justin Greene. “As their mission has grown to include not only statewide but local elections, this endorsement means even more. It underscores that the decisions made in our city halls are just as critical as those made in legislatures – especially when it comes to protecting our land and water, reducing wildfire and pollution risk, and delivering clean energy opportunities in every neighborhood. I’m committed to meeting that standard, building leadership at every level that cares for our air, our environment, and our shared future.”
An enrolled member of the Lipan Apache Tribe, Oscar Rodriguez has a deep commitment to social justice. He also has substantial city management and public sector leadership expertise, including a former role as Finance Director for the City of Santa Fe.
“I’m honored to have the support of Conservation Voters New Mexico,” stated Oscar Rodriguez. “The values that CVNM embodies are the same values I carry as a Lipan Apache tribal member. I was raised to understand that our land, water, and air are sacred and that we have a responsibility to protect them for generations to come. That principle guides me every day, and as Mayor, I will ensure Santa Fe leads with policies that honor our natural resources while building a resilient, thriving community for our families’ future.”
CVNM also issued endorsements for candidates running for City Council, including Patricia Feghali in District 1. A dual endorsement was issued for Elizabeth Barrett and Aurora Martinez, both running in District 2.
The City of Las Cruces has three council seats up for election this fall. CVNM issued endorsements in two of the three races, including incumbent Councilor Becky Corran (District 5) and Michael Harris (District 3). With water, energy development, and extreme heat among the top environmental concerns for voters, strong leadership at the Council level will ensure that critical projects move forward regardless of federal funding cuts.
“We’re proud to stand with climate champion City Councilor Becky Corran, who has a clear and dedicated record of community-centered leadership,” stated John Martinez, CVNM Political Director. “Her work to ensure that the values and voice of the community is represented in the Council is a model for ethical and democratic leadership. We look forward to working with her in the coming months, and supporting her re-election. We also applaud Michael Harris for his deep commitment to climate action and water protection, and know he will be an asset to the City Council if elected. We encourage all Las Cruces voters to support these candidates.”
The newly endorsed candidates join a full slate that includes those running in the Albuquerque municipal election, including Mayor Tim Keller and five City Council candidates. CVNM’s full list of endorsements in the 2025 municipal elections include:
Albuquerque Mayor
- Mayor Tim Keller
Albuquerque City Council
- Daniel Leiva, District 1
- Teresa Garcia, District 3
- Athenea Allen, District 5
- Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, District 7
- Colton Newman, District 9
Las Cruces City Council
- Michael Harris, District 3
- Councilor Becky Corran, District 5
Santa Fe Mayor
- Justin Greene
- Oscar Rodriguez
Santa Fe City Council
- Patricia Feghali, District 1
- Elizabeth Barrett, District 2
- Aurora Martinez, District 2
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Conservation Voters New Mexico is a statewide, nonpartisan nonprofit committed to connecting the people of New Mexico to their political power to protect our air, land and water for a healthy Land of Enchantment. We do this by mobilizing voters, winning elections, holding elected of icials accountable and advancing responsible public policies.