(Santa Fe, NM) – Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM) continues to build power for our environment in the Land of Enchantment by electing pro-conservation candidates who will work to protect our air, land, water and the health of our communities. Six of the eight candidates that CVNM endorsed for primary election were successful in their races.
“CVNM’s work in the primary elections better positions us for success in the general election,” said Demis Foster, CVNM Executive Director. “We were successful in upgrading a seat on the Public Regulation Commission. Our Election Day success takes us a step closer towards decision-makers and public policies that represent the conservation values of New Mexicans.”
CVNM endorses candidates based on their conservation records and their positions on topics including environmental health, quality of life, energy, water, land use, transportation, wildlife and wilderness.
New Mexico House of Representatives
HD 5: Doreen Johnson – WIN
CVNM and plaintiff Larry King won a court case to remove an anti-conservation incumbent, Rep. Sandra Jeff, from the ballot in April. Doreen Johnson has personally witnessed the devastating impacts of uranium mining in her community, and is focused on cleaning up the contamination and ensuring the residents of HD 5 have access to clean water.
HD 7: Teresa Smith de Cherif – WIN
CVNM’s electoral work in HD 7 helped propel Teresa Smith de Cherif to a narrow victory of 42 votes. We believe Smith de Cherif is a more viable candidate to challenge Rep. Kelly Fajardo in the general election. Rep. Fajardo has shown little concern for protecting New Mexico’s air, land and water. Smith de Cherif is a doctor who has firsthand experience treating children suffering the health impacts of pollution. She will be a strong voice for environmental justice in the Roundhouse.
HD 10: G. Andres Romero – WIN
Longtime Rep. Kiki Saavedra is retiring. Andres Romero is a young community advocate dedicated to improving the quality of life and conservation representation for the residents of HD 10.
HD 11: Javier Martinez – WIN
The retirement of long-time conservation champion Rick Miera is a huge loss—one that is alleviated by the candidacy of Javier Martinez, a professional advocate for social and environmental justice. We are confident that Martinez will bring a powerful voice of conscience to the Roundhouse.
HD 70: Rep. Tomás Salazar – WIN
On conservation issues, Rep. Tomás Salazar is a significant improvement over his predecessor, Richard Vigil. In this year’s rematch between the two, the voters of HD 70 recognized that Rep. Salazar is working hard to protect their air, land and water.
New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC)
District 4: Lynda Lovejoy – WIN
Lynda Lovejoy’s return to the PRC represents a step forward for conservation. When Lovejoy chaired the PRC in 2002, the Commission adopted one of the nation’s first and most aggressive Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). The current commissioner for District 4, Theresa Becenti-Aguilar, has acted on several occasions to undermine clean energy policy. Lovejoy doesn’t face opposition in the general election, so her presence on the PRC will tilt the balance of power back towards clean energy and energy efficiency.
CVNM is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization connecting the people of New Mexico to their political power to protect our air, land, and water for a healthy Land of Enchantment. CVNM does this by mobilizing voters, winning elections, holding elected officials accountable, and advancing responsible public policies.
Contact: Liliana Castillo, 505-992-8683 or Liliana@CVNM.org
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