New Mexico Voters Are Ready For A New Vision
Pro-Climate and Pro-Democracy Candidates Win Big in Primary
Yesterday, Secretary Deb Haaland won the democratic primary election for Governor, signaling a clear call for fierce leadership by voters statewide. Haaland successfully won with a 44 point lead over oil and gas backed-candidate Sam Bregman. For the past year, Haaland has run on a community-centered affordability platform, calling for strong leadership to protect our communities at a time of historic harm and upheaval caused by the Trump Administration. Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM), via its political action committees CVNM Action Fund and CVNM Verde Voters Fund, invested a combined total of $119,768 in support of Haaland for Governor including the launch of a website, GreenGov2026.org.
“Yesterday’s election outcome signals a significant turning point for New Mexico,” stated Demis Foster, CVNM Chief Executive Officer. “Voters across the state have said loud and clear that we need bold and immediate action on the issues directly impacting our communities, from affordability to abundant clean water, and safe sustainable jobs. Secretary Haaland has been an unyielding force in the fight for our people against unprecedented attacks from the Trump Administration, and in shaping a community-centered vision for New Mexico’s future. We are proud to stand with her in her race for Governor, and applaud her campaign for a landslide primary win.”
CVNM Action Fund also endorsed in twelve contested legislative races, including champion incumbents who have demonstrated a deep commitment to climate action each year. Ten of CVNM’s twelve endorsed races were successful in the primary, including: Rep. Joseph Hernandez (HD-4), Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero (HD-13), Rep. Miguel García (HD-14), Rep. Yanira Gurrola Valenzuela (HD-16), Rep. E. Diane Torres-Velásquez (HD-30), Rep. Micaela Lara Cadena (HD-33), Lori Martinez, Rep.-Elect Yolanda Jaramillo (HD-41), Rep. Michelle Paulene Abeyta (HD-69), Rep. Anita Gonzales (HD-70).
“New Mexicans are clear in the message they sent last night: we are ready to embrace forward progress on the pressing issues most impacting our people,” stated Zoe Barker, CVNM Legislative Director. “When it comes to our water, our land, our air, and the health of our communities, we need to do all that we can to protect our state. Voters chose to stand with the candidates who know these values intrinsically, and who have committed to fighting for this work once in office. We applaud our slate of endorsed candidates for well-run races, and look forward to standing with them in the general election.”
New Mexico races also saw deep investment from big polluters, who backed newcomers challenging climate champions to oust elected leaders who have been outspoken against data centers and new oil and gas development. This marks a disturbing trend of substantial resources invested to block pro-climate candidates from reaching office. Last month, President and CEO of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, Missi Currier, told the public to back Sam Bregman in his primary race to prevent Deb Haaland from taking office. In the State Land Commissioner race, a new political action committee backed by oil and gas companies, called New Mexicans for Responsible Public Lands, invested deeply in Juan Sanchez’s race. Legislative and county races also saw local investment by big polluters, making election bids controversial. Despite this, in nearly all races voters once again sided with candidates who are committed to standing with people, not polluters.
“For far too long, polluters have invested in New Mexico’s races to try to keep the policies New Mexicans want from moving forward,” stated Molly Taylor, CVNM Chief Operating Officer. “Well-funded efforts like what we saw this election cycle contribute to massive disinformation that only serves to confuse voters and stoke chaos. It is deeply disturbing that we are facing this level of influence in races at all levels. Organizations like ours are put in a challenging position: we must raise resources to counter disinformation and misleading narrative being forced on the public. Our communications aim to share fact-based and critical information that help voters understand what is at stake in these races, but we recognize our investments are but a drop in the bucket compared to the deep pockets of the fossil fuel industry.”
Despite this trend, in County Commission races being targeted by data centers and the fossil fuel industry, races were won by voices calling for polluter accountability, community safety, and health. In Dona Ana County, Daisy Maldonado won her primary election for County Commission District 1. Daisy has led organizing efforts against the controversial data center called Project Jupiter, and put in her bid to run for office following the County’s vote to move the project forward. In Bernalillo County, Commissioner Eric Olivas won his primary election for District 5. Olivas spearheaded a recently-adopted ordinance in Bernalillo County to ensure data center projects do not harm the community or environment. In Grant County, Jenny Ferranti won her election to Grant County Commission, District 1 at a time when new and existing mining permits are being considered. Her election win signals that voters want industry accountability.
“Time and time again, New Mexico voters are siding with people, not toxic polluters,” stated Zoe Barker, CVNM Legislative Director. “No matter the corporate and fossil fuel investment, last night’s wins are drawing a line in the sand on the kinds of leaders New Mexican voters want to see in office. We’re thrilled to celebrate strong county commission candidates advancing in their races, and look forward to supporting them in their general election runs.”
CVNM Action Fund’s full slate of endorsed candidates with contested primaries include:
Statewide:
- Deb Haaland for Governor – WIN
- Matthew McQueen for State Land Commissioner – Loss
Legislature:
- Rep. Joseph Hernandez (HD 4) – WIN
- Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero (HD 13) – WIN
- Rep. Miguel García (HD 14) – WIN
- Rep. Yanira Gurrola Valenzuela (HD 16) – WIN
- Rep. Marian Matthews (HD 27) – Loss
- Rep. E. Diane Torres-Velásquez (HD 30) – WIN
- Rep. Micaela Lara Cadena (HD 33) – WIN
- Lori Marrtinez (HD 37) – WIN
- Nancy Wright (HD 40) – Loss
- Yolanda Jaramillo (HD 41) – WIN
- Rep. Michelle Paulene Abeyta (HD 69) – WIN
- Rep. Anita Gonzales (HD 70) – WIN
County Commission:
- Jenny Ferranti, Grant County Commission District 1 – WIN
- Justin Greene, Santa Fe County Commission District 1 – Loss
- Eric Olivas, Bernalillo County Commission District 5 – WIN
- Daisy Maldonado, Dona Ana County Commission District 1 – WIN
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CVNM is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization connecting the people of New Mexico to their political power to protect our air, land, water, wildlife and communities for a healthy Land of Enchantment. CVNM does this by mobilizing voters, winning elections, holding elected officials accountable, and advancing responsible public policies.