Conservation candidate wins show clear clean energy mandate from voters
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M – Today, Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM), the leading statewide environmental advocacy organization in the state, reports that General Election outcomes will create a significant shift in New Mexico’s approach to issues affecting New Mexico’s air, land and water. On Tuesday, New Mexicans elected a pro-conservation Governor, Commissioner of Public Lands, Public Regulation Commissioner in District 5 and a pro-conservation majority in the House of Representatives. CVNM, via independent expenditure political action committee CVNM Verde Voters Fund and coordinated political action committee CVNM Action Fund, invested over $2 million in races across the state. This spending represents CVNM’s largest electoral investment ever.
“We are standing in a transformational moment in our state’s history,” says Demis Foster, CVNM Executive Director. “With big wins up and down the ballot for candidates who ran on clean energy and environmental platforms, New Mexicans will have representation that reflects our shared values for protecting our air, land and water. Paired with record-breaking voter turnout, it’s exciting to see that our democracy works when people engage and New Mexico will finally have the leaders to match our potential. Despite expensive attempts by well-connected industries to choose their own landlords and regulators this election, it really is the people who have the power.”
Statewide and Public Regulation Commission
Governor & Lt. Governor: Michelle Lujan Grisham and Senator Howie Morales – WIN
CVNM supported Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham early because of her commitments to diversifying New Mexico’s economy by investing strongly in clean energy and protecting the health of our families – a commitment she restated at the top of her acceptance speech. Rep. Lujan Grisham secured a nearly 14 point lead, making it clear that voters support her commitment to leveraging our abundant clean energy resources. Rep. Lujan Grisham also made history by becoming the first progressive Latina Governor to be elected in the nation. We are looking forward to partnering with her as she transforms our state by returning everyday New Mexicans to the forefront of how our government operates.
Commissioner of Public Lands: Stephanie Garcia Richard – WIN
While many predicted the race for Commissioner of Public Lands would be one of the closest of the night, Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard earned votes from a majority of New Mexicans and won by about 50,000 votes. Despite Chevron backing Pat Lyons with $2 million, New Mexicans chose Garcia Richard who campaigned on a platform rooted in sustainable land management and bringing transparency to the State Land Office. Garcia Richard also made history by becoming the first woman elected to lead the State Land Office. We look forward to partnering with Commissioner-elect Garcia Richard to hold oil and gas operators accountable for how they operate on these lands and expanding clean energy and public access.
Secretary of State – Maggie Toulouse Oliver – WIN
We are excited to partner with Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver as she continues to ensure that every New Mexicans’ voice is heard at the ballot box. She will continue to shine light on dark money in politics, put politicians’ financial dealings online and make it easier for eligible voters to cast a ballot.
Public Regulation Commission: District 5 – Steve Fischmann – WIN
When Commissioner-elect Steve Fischman joins the Public Regulation Commission (PRC), he will create a pro-climate majority. Fischmann is a proven champion for ratepayers and clean energy and this commitment is essential to the PRC’s role in facilitating a clean and equitable energy transition. For too long, the PRC represented the interests of the corporations they regulate – instead of those of everyday New Mexicans. We know from Fischmann’s past public service that he will be instrumental in making this shift at the PRC.
New Mexico House of Representatives
CVNM successfully secured a pro-conservation majority in the New Mexico House of Representatives. CVNM Action Fund endorsed in 26 House races and 20 conservation candidates were successful in their races, translating to a net increase of seven pro-conservation candidates. After eight years of road blocks from Gov. Martinez, New Mexican voters refuted her anti-environment policies that favored her well-connected campaign donors over what is best for the health and well-being of New Mexicans.
Bernalillo County and Central NM
House District 7: Leroy Baca – Loss
House District 15: Dayan Hochman – WIN
House District 17: Rep. Debbie Armstrong – WIN
House District 20: Abbas Akhil – WIN (recount likely)
House District 23: Rep. Daymon Ely – WIN
House District 24: Rep. Elizabeth Thomson – WIN
House District 25: Rep. Christine Trujillo – WIN
House District 28: Melanie Stansbury – WIN
House District 29: Joy Garratt – WIN
House District 30: Natalie Figueroa – WIN
House District 43: Christine Chandler – WIN
House District 44: Benton Howell – Loss
House District 46: Andrea Romero – WIN
House District 50: Rep. Matthew McQueen – WIN
House District 57: Billie Helean – Loss
House District 60: Alexis Jimenez – Loss
House District 68: Karen Bash – WIN
Doña Ana County and Southern NM
House District 33: Micaela Lara Cadena – WIN
House District 35: Rep. Angelica Rubio – WIN
House District 36: Rep. Nathan Small – WIN
House District 37: Rep. Joanne Ferrary – WIN
House District 38: Karen Whitlock – Loss
House District 39: Rep. Rudy Martinez – WIN
House District 51: Jeff Swanson – Loss
House District 52: Rep. Doreen Gallegos – WIN
House District 53: Willie Madrid – WIN
Conservation Voters New Mexico is a statewide nonpartisan nonprofit that works to connect New Mexicans to their political power to protect our air, land and water for healthy Land of Enchantment. We do this by mobilizing voters, winning elections, holding decision-makers accountable and advancing responsible public policies.
###
Media Contact: Liliana Castillo at 505-819-7508 and Liliana@CVNM.org
[huge_it_share]
