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In this Issue . . .

A Look at the Results

Post Election Discussion

Election Day

GOTV Final Numbers

Rallies Call Out Trump’s Shame

Watch Party

A Hand for Vasquez

Celebrating Volunteers

Save the Date

Correction

CSP

Calendar of Events

Click here for the Democratic Party of Santa Fe County Event Calendar

Harris 73%-24% Santa Fe County

TLF won CD3 by 12 points (35,000 votes)

Vasquez won CD2 by 4 points (10,000 votes)

All SF Democratic legislators re-elected

All Democratic judges retained

SF County delivered 60,234 votes for Harris/Walz, 73% of the overall county vote.

A Look at the Results

By David Thompson

You might not know it from news accounts, but this was not a landslide for Trump. Though he won a decisive victory in the Electoral College, like the margins enjoyed by Biden and Obama, the vote margin in the seven swing states that decided the election was 2.7%. Trump’s final lead in the national popular vote is expected to be near 1.4% when votes are counted in California and other western states. That would be the closest election in terms of popular vote since 2000.

Harris’ national popular vote was down by about 7% (10 million votes)  from Biden’s +4.5% margin, and though there are no doubt various shifts between the candidates relative to 2020, Trump’s total vote is only slightly higher than in 2020.

In New Mexico, we saw a decline in the overall Democratic vote, with Harris winning by about 6%, down from Biden’s 11% margin. However, we successfully re-elected all our congressional delegation: Sen. Martin Heinrich by 10% despite a big-money campaign by his multi-millionaire opponent, U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury in CD-1 by 12%, our own Teresa Leger Fernandez by 12% in CD-3, and in the closest major race, Gabe Vasquez again defeated his opponent in CD-2, but this time by 4% instead of the 0.7% margin in 2020.

In state legislative races, only one incumbent Democrat failed to win re-election: NM Rep. Tara Jaramillo lost her TorC area district to Rebecca Dow, who held the seat previously. We lost a net of one NM Senate seat, due to retirement. However, Democrats retain 26-16 and 44-26 margins in the Senate and House.

NM elected a Legislature with the highest proportion of women in the nation: 63% in the House (75% of Dems) and 38% in the Senate (50% of Dems).

Spotlight on Santa Fe

Santa Fe County retained our position as the highest-performing county, with 73% of the vote for President (slightly ahead of our perennial rival, Taos County). Our 72.9% turnout was behind only Los Alamos (74.7%) and Harding County (74.2%, but they only have 585 voters!). Both turnout and our Democratic vote were down from 2020: 73.9% of the vote compared to 76.8% in 2020.

Turnout dropped slightly: 72.9% compared to 76.6% in 2020. Our vote percentage seemed to slip the most in more Hispanic and working-class parts of the county: northern Santa Fe County and the city’s southside. However, southside turnout increased, something we attribute to our canvassing campaign to apartments and mobile home parks. Very active Democrats in Eldorado increased the Dem share from 82.9% to 84.4%. Congratulations, Eldorado Dems!

Some question the value of the intensive voter contact that DPSFC organized. It works!

We analyzed the effectiveness of our Get Out the Vote (GOTV) effort by comparing turnout of supporters we identified through door-knocking, phoning and texting with those in the GOTV target group (supportive, but only moderately likely to vote). Those moderate-propensity voters that we identified as supporters turned out at 77%. By comparison, those voters in that GOTV target group that we didn’t contact voted at only 54%. A 23% difference!

All our representatives won comfortably, but you never know going into a campaign, and in a tight race, this kind of voter engagement makes all the difference. And consistent voter contact can increase our support in future elections.

Post-election Discussion:

Our two vice chairs discuss the election:

Mary Jane Parks:

The 2024 election had all the promise we could have ever hoped for in a campaign with two amazingly capable and experienced leaders. But for a percentage in each of the three rust belt states, we would be having a very different outcome for our great nation. Therefore we must look at the close races, learn from them, adjust our strategy, and keep moving forward. Every setback has a comeback.

David Thompson:

I think we need to do better at talking with people where they are – working class people, young people, Hispanic people. That applies to us in Santa Fe County as well as across the country.

MJP: Too many voters in key swing states perceived the economy better four years ago. (In reality, the U.S. economy has had 10 quarters of growth, 2.8% growth in 2022-2024, and higher growth than during the Obama and Trump presidencies. ABC News) Some voters forgot that Obama handed Trump a robust economy in 2016. Inflation and the public perception of it remained top of mind. Congressman Jaime Raskin reminded us in a post-election phone call that the bipartisan American Rescue Act injected $2.1T into the economy, with inflationary effect, alongside critical assistance for Americans to pay their bills when many were jobless during the pandemic.

There are larger cultural and economic reasons in the U.S. for the lower turnout among Democrats and non-voters. In NM, almost 35% of registered voters did not vote. Importantly, however, we continue to move forward around all the policies that reflect our NM values, including healthcare, affordable housing, public education and climate.

DT: There are a substantial number of Trump’s followers who value the racism and misogyny and even the complete lack of consideration for others, but those are beyond our reach. The bigger problem is that there are a large number of people who are willing to overlook the lack of character and morality in Trump (and his hangers-on) because they believe he will address their more direct problems. We need to consider how to reach those people, many of them Democrats or former Democrats, about their real problems, and how those can be addressed.

There’s room for a discussion of why there was a drop in Democratic turnout and appears also to be some slippage in support to Trump, particularly among working class people. It’s important to understand those things before we can sensibly discuss how to move forward, in terms of our approach to voters, the issues we choose to promote and the way we frame them.

MJP: For now, our collective hats are off to our dedicated volunteers. We could not have had a team who worked harder or smarter.

GOTV By the Numbers

It was a Blowout!

Total doors:17,572

Doors + phone calls: 33,854

Doors in GOTV (after 10/12): 8,273

GOTV goal: 8,000 doors!

Connect rate (doors where we spoke with the voter sought): 26%

Postcards: 24,200

Texts: 275,079 (to CD1 and CD3 since 10/16)

Helping Win for Neighbors

Santa Fe canvassers who traveled to the Albuquerque area for Canvassing Days of Action helped win two Democratic seats in the New Mexico House of Representatives:

• Kathleen Cates (HD 44) won by 679 votes, defeating Republican Ali Ennenga, 52%-47%.
• Charlotte Little (HD 68) defeated Republican Nathan Brooks by 590 votes -- 52%-48%. Little, who was in our 2022 postcard campaign, won her first election by only 35 votes.

Our postcard campaign to competitive legislative districts netted one big win: Martin Hickey, SD 20, won re-election with 58 percent of the vote. We mailed 1,000 cards to each of five districts.

Other candidates postcarders supported were not incumbents. They lost to candidates in long-time Republican districts. Remember their names! Tina Garcia, Vicky Estrade-Bustillo, Gabriella Begay and Michelle Sandoval.

Rallies Call Out Trump’s Shame

It was the day after Trump’s airport rally in Albuquerque, and New Mexico candidates barnstorming northern New Mexico at a rally in Española on Nov. 1 had a few words for the man who is now President-elect.

None were stronger than those of U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, who proclaimed that Trump is sin vergüenza (without shame). She, along with AG Raul Torrez and Assessor Joseph Maestas, blasted Trump for using his airport visit and native Hispanics as “props.”

“We in New Mexico know our Chevys and our Fords, and there he is pointing out different kinds of jets on the runway,” Leger Fernandez said. “He doesn’t understand our people … what we need.”

The congresswoman outlined her goals for New Mexicans: a home of your own (a $30,000 down payment assistance program for first time home buyers), keeping Social Security solvent for retirees and ensuring military veterans get the health care they deserve.

Later at Nuckolls Brewery in Santa Fe, Torrez inspired a crowd to read Abraham Lincoln’s two inaugural speeches, and New Mexico candidates reminded people that who serves in Congress is important.

Local and state results for our candidates were great! Santa Fe voted:

75%-24% for Sen. Martin Heinrich

80%-19% for Leger Fernandez

73.1%-24.7% for Kamala Harris/Tim Walz

We Won the Local Battles

Watch Party Low Key

It wasn’t exactly a night for champagne. It was a night for hard working Democrats to gather and honor their efforts. Hopeful, engaged and nervous. That’s how the Santa Fe New Mexican described DPSFC’s election night watch party at HQ. To read story CLICK HERE. We set up two TV streams: MSNBC in the community room and PBS in the auditorium. Of course, many of our volunteers watched from home or with friends, and we all saw the same picture as one by one state electoral votes failed to go for Harris-Walz.

We had something to cheer about when the national ticket won Colorado. And when Melissa Mascareñas, gathered with friends and supporters at a front table, got word at 7:24 p.m. that, though unopposed, she had officially been elected magistrate judge. Rep. Tara Lujan visited with fellow Dems about her experience in Arizona knocking doors, checked her phone and sat down to brief The New Mexican reporter Cormac Dodd, who camped out with us for the evening. Lujan was also unopposed and re-elected in Dist. 48. After Democrats drifted away there was lots of good news in the early morning hours for New Mexico.

Lending a Hand in Vasquez Victory

When Gabe Vasquez won his race for re-election to Congress in CD2, Santa Fe Democrats were jubilant. The vote was 52-48%, a higher margin than the congressman racked up in 2022 when he won by the slim margin of 1,350 votes.

Even though it’s not our district, Santa Feans knew that it was one of the top five races Republicans had targeted for flipping and donated early and often. DPSFC activists wrote more than 12,000 postcards – more than 8,000 of those were by Eldorado’s Postcard Persisters. Other Santa Feans went to Bernalillo County, where part of Vasquez’ district lies, to canvass.

Blue CD2 also has a strong presence in Santa Fe and continued to lead the charge. Blue CD2 developed the theme of “freedom” early in the campaign (freedom to see a doctor when you’re sick) and hammered home his opponent’s votes, such as those against public safety, support for first responders and better pay for firefighters. They also called out facts about immigrant crime rates and workers.

Celebrating Volunteers!

Santa Fe downtown and Eldorado area Democrats both had the same idea Saturday, Nov. 9: They celebrated and appreciated the people who dug in and did the work.

Wards 4A and 5A gathered at Café Fina to honor those who spent countless hours knocking, writing, calling and texting to keep New Mexico blue.

Pat Cruz invited the canvassing team, the postcard team and ward members to her Casa Solana home for Frito pie and lots of sweets. Pat said the party was a chance for fun talk, “no solutions needed.” It was a house brimming with Democrats. To see more pictures of Eldorado CLICK HERE. Then click “Client Login” and go to Democratic Party Santa Fe folder.

Devoted Democrat Bowen Dies

Peggy Ann Bowen, 77, a trailblazing attorney, social justice advocate and cherished friend, passed away on Sept. 9. Born in Paris, Ark., and raised in Carlsbad, N.M., Peggy earned her Juris Doctor from the UNM School of Law in 1973, a time when few women entered the legal profession, and was among the first 100 women to be admitted to the New Mexico bar. She spent most of her life in Santa Fe. 

Peggy was a lifelong Democrat who walked precincts in Carlsbad with her father, a miner and union organizer. She was a chair of Ward 4-B in Santa Fe and worked on many campaigns, including that of her law school classmate, Justice Petra Maes. She was in that select group of thousands whom Gov. Bruce King called by name.

A celebration of Peggy’s life will be on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Fe, 107 W. Barcelona Rd.

Amid a demanding line of work, she cultivated and maintained deep and meaningful friendships that spanned decades. An avid traveler and fluent in Spanish, she traveled often, including an adventurous journey around the world in 1987. Her love for swimming and the ocean led her to Hawaii, where she spent the last year and a half before returning home this July. 

Peggy worked with dedication, fought tirelessly for equal rights and sought to protect the vulnerable. Her tenacity, integrity and passion for fairness stood out. Her work helped shape policies that had far-reaching impacts on state regulations, public safety, and industry standards.

A devoted follower of Amma, the renowned "hugging saint" from India, Peggy embraced Amma’s teachings of love, compassion and selfless service. This and her long-standing involvement in the Unitarian Church guided her deep commitment to equity and human rights.

Peggy opened doors for others, as a pioneer for women in law, in the way she helped people think for themselves, and in the invitations she gave them to grow and reflect. She inspired many with her courage, practicality, generosity and willpower. Her extensive vocabulary, wise advice, dedicated service, unique quirks and expressive face are greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers (Peggy had lots of allergies), donations may be made in her honor to Amma.

Correction

The Ben and Carmen Lujan Awards were a great success, as reported in our last newsletter. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, the son of the namesakes of the award and our presenter, was misidentified as a U.S. representative. We regret the error.

As a reminder, here are the generous sponsors of this year’s Lujan Awards:

John Bingaman, Darrell Deaguero, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, Gary King, U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, Mona Medina, Pojoaque Pueblo, Earl Potter, Julie Rodriguez, State Rep. Andrea Romero, Barbara Serna, Marco Serna, State Sen. Liz Stefanics and State Sen. Peter Wirth. We thank them all.

Now More Than Ever

Join Community Service Program

Our community needs us and will need us more in the future. As Democrats, our values remain firm. We care about building community and believe in a better life for all, not just a few. Our work continues.

Welcome New Members

During the election season, the number of volunteers signing up with the DPSFC and CSP was incredible. If you are new to the CSP—WELCOME!!

Prior to the election season we had a roster of just under 100. In the last two months the number rose to 249. It is time to get more active and be proud Democrats while serving our community.

VIEW CURRENT CSP NEWSLETTER HERE

Join the Team

Democratic Party of Santa Fe County Office

1420 Cerrillos Rd.

Tuesday & Thursday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

505.316.4585

UPCOMING EVENTS

>Nov. 14:  11 a.m. CSP City Parks

~Nov. 15:  9 a.m. CSP Santa Fe Indigenous Center

>Nov. 21:  1:30-4 CSP Food Depot

*Nov. 24:  5 p.m. Deadline to submit for Newsletter

>Dec. 2:  1:30-4 p.m. CSP Food Depot

~Dec. 5:  5:30-7:30 p.m. DPSFC Holiday Party

~Dec. 6:  9 a.m. CSP Santa Fe Indigenous Center

>Dec 10:  8:30 a.m. CSP Animal Shelter

  ~1420 Cerrillos Rd.

  * Online Event

  > Site location listed OR TBD

  CSP= Community Service Program

Editor: Billie Blair, communications.dpsfc@gmail.com
Assistant Editor: Cindy Pabst, communicationsdep.dpsfc@gmail.com
Designer: Jonnalyn Grover, jonnalyngrover@gmail.com

Copyright © 2024 Democratic Party of Santa Fe County, All rights reserved.
As of 10.31.17

Our mailing address is:
Democratic Party of Santa Fe County
1420 Cerrillos Road
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 316-4585

Join Us at the Next YUCCA Network Meeting

We’re gathering for our next Network Meeting, and we want you there!

On Wednesday, October 30th, we’ll host a teach-in on the PFAS rulemaking, and the opportunity to ban PFAS chemicals - highly toxic class of “forever chemicals” used in the oil and gas industry. These chemicals accumulate in the environment and our bodies, even across generations, posing severe risks to public health and water systems.

We’ll also provide updates on YUCCA’s campaigns and prepare for the critical PFAS rulemaking hearing in November, where we’ll demand meaningful regulations to protect New Mexico.

This is where we come together to build strategy, strengthen connections, and mobilize for action. Whether you’re new or a long-time supporter, your voice and energy are essential to our movement.

Date: October 30, 2024, at 6:00 PM
Location: Virtual / Online
Join:https://bit.ly/yuccameeting

Oil Spill Action and PFAS Press Conference Report Back

On Monday, October 21st, YUCCA and our partners staged an oil spill demonstration outside the New Mexico State Capitol to expose the dangers of PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” PFAS are widely used in oil and gas operations across New Mexico and are linked to severe health risks like cancer. These chemicals persist indefinitely in the environment, threatening New Mexico’s water, ecosystems, and public health.

As part of the action, we delivered over 4,700 petition signatures to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, demanding a ban on PFAS chemicals and full chemical disclosure from the fossil fuel industry. “New Mexico is being treated as a sacrifice zone for fossil fuel production,” said Ennedith López from YUCCA. “It’s time for the state to stand with its people, not the polluters.”

The demonstration highlighted the urgent need for regulation ahead of the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission hearings on November 12-15, where a critical decision will be made on banning PFAS and enforcing chemical transparency.

Photos from the event by Brooke Anderson (@movementphotographer).

Call to Action: PFAS Hearing – November 12–15

From November 12–15, the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing to decide whether to ban PFAS chemicals and require full chemical disclosure in fracking operations. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to protect our health and water and force oil and gas companies to change course.

We need Your Help!

• Email the Oil Conservation Commission: Demand a ban on PFAS and mandatory chemical disclosure.
• Sign Up to Give Public Comment: Participate in person or virtually from November 12-15. Tuesday, November 12th is designated entirely for public comment—our goal is to have 70+ commenters speak up! YUCCA has committed to turning out twenty-five of our members and supporters.
• Join Our Network Meeting this Wednesday to Learn More and Prepare: Demand a ban on PFAS and mandatory chemical disclosure.

Learn More and Get Involved: Visit DefendNMWater.org for details.

We must ensure that public health, clean water, and climate justice take precedence over fossil fuel profits. Let’s show up in force and demand a PFAS-free New Mexico!

Creative Resistance: OGAN Workshop Report Back

Last Saturday, YUCCA teamed up with organizers from the Oil and Gas Action Network (OGAN) to host a creative resistance workshop in Albuquerque. We planted the seeds for a long-term relationship between New Mexico environmental justice work and OGAN’s work on the West Coast.

Using a diversity of tactics, OGAN has successfully blockaded ports and waterways, shuttered fossil fuel operations, and cost the industry billions of dollars. We’re excited to learn from their successes and bring these strategies to New Mexico.

During the workshop, we explored:

• Security culture tips for organizing safely and effectively
• How to use creative resistance to inspire people to join the movement
• The importance of powerful visuals to shift narratives
• How we can fight false climate solutions from California to New Mexico

This collaboration marks the beginning of new possibilities for direct action and creative disruption in New Mexico’s fight against the fossil fuel industry!

Report Back: YUCCA Disrupts NMOGA Meeting

On October 7th, we took direct action at the NMOGA Annual Meeting, exposing the industry's profits as environmental devastation. While NMOGA celebrated their so-called success, we called attention to the 3 to 7 barrels of toxic waste generated for every barrel of oil—and the 33,000+ spills reported this year alone.

Through banners, chants, and a wall of shame, we demanded accountability for the environmental destruction and poisoning of New Mexico’s communities. This action was about more than disruption—it was a call to end New Mexico’s dependence on fossil fuels and pressure policymakers to invest in just, sustainable solutions that protect people and the planet.

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View this email in your browser2024 General Elections Committee Recommendations
We invite you to choose candidates you would like to help.  Donate money, time or both! Congratulations! As reported earlier, ten of our supported candidates won theirPrimary elections on June 4. Of them, six face no challengers inthe General Election.
6 of them face no challengers in the General Election, no action is required! Michele “Paulene” Abeyta (HD 68)
Anita Gonzales (HD70)
Rep. Susan Herrera (HD41)
Rep. Angelica Rubio (HD35)
Angel Charley (SD30)
Linda Trujillo (SD24)
4 of them have Republican opponents in the General Election, and 8 more are opposed by Republicans. These candidates can use your support.  Gabby Begay (HD39)
Heather Berghmans (SD15)
Kathleen Cates (HD44)
Athena Christodoulou (SD21)
Victoria Estrada-Bustillo (31)
Rep. Yanira Gurrola (HD16)
Joseph Hernandez (HD4)
Tara Jaramillo (HD38)
Charlotte Little (HD68)
Cindy Nava (SD9)
Michele Sandoval (HD57)
Phillip Ramirez (SD12)
In our recommendations below, we will be clear about any of these suggested candidates for your support whose races appear tight at this writing as well as those that now appear less so. We will watch the races closely and alert you to any changes in that assessment.  As in the Primary, we invite you to choose candidates whom you would like to help.
The races come in three flavors:PICK-UP Progressives who would aid in passing Roundhouse legislation more in keeping with our legislative goals.

PROTECT A few are progressive Democrats whose elections will “protect” seats that they currently hold from being challenged by extremist Republicans.PREVENT Another few may not meet our goals for progressivism, but the opponents are hard-right, even MAGA, Republicans whose elections we would want to “prevent” in either chamber of the NM legislature.
Make financial contributions as you are able. Now’s the time. The big publicity push in districts is now and every dollar helps a lot.  Visit the candidates’ web sites to volunteer a little or a lot. Be guided by the instructions of the candidate’s campaign manager. In each case, find the candidate’s web site hot-linked to the candidate’s name. Also find the link to make donations at the end of each description.
Worry less.Do more.Your Elections Committee, Willie, Rich, and Paul August 13, 2024
Gabby Begay (HD39)Catron, Grant, Hidalgo Counties –  PICK-UP.Begay is an experienced public-school teacher who is passionate about improving the state’s educational system. She is an Emerge graduate and currently serves on the NM Commission on the Status of Women as well as serving as President of the Cobre Consolidated School District Board of Education. Begay was chosen by her cohort peers as the 2024 NM Teach Plus Fellow of the Year and is a past member of the union AFSCME and current member of the National Education Association.Gabby is running against a well-funded, two-term Republican incumbent, Luis Terrazas. Rep. Terrazas voted against Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, capping payday lending rates, and reproductive rights.
In the Primary, 2,302 Democrats voted for Gabby.  Gabby outpaced her Primary opponent 80% to 20% while Luis ran unopposed as a Republican incumbent.Gabby raised $31,429 of which $23,707 are carried forward to the General. Conservation Voters, Planned Parenthood and AFSCME were all donors.
Luis, again a Republican incumbent, raised $141,979 with $124,720 still available. The largest contribution was from himself, plus others from GOP Representative Gail Armstrong, Chevron Oil and other individuals.
To donate to Gabby Begay, go here.
Here is an upcoming fundraiser for Gabby Begay: Heather Berghmans (SD 15) - ABQ PROTECT a Democratic SeatThis race already has broad interest and participation.  It is of particular interest to those of us who focus on gender justice.
Heather is an ABQ native and has worked as a policy analyst as well as a fundraiser for the NM Democratic State House Caucus. At 35 years old, she would be the youngest woman serving in the State Senate, but already has a long history working in the NM legislature under Speakers Egolf and Martinez.  
Heather challenged incumbent Daniel Ivey Soto in the Primary. The Primary voters removed him from the NM Senate.
Heather’s opponent is Republican Craig Degenhardt whose only previous electoral race was for a community college board position where he lost to James Chavez 57% to 42%, a vote margin of 1,600 out of a total vote of 11,200.
To donate to Heather Berghmans go here.
Rep. Kathleen Cates (HD44)A PROTECTION & PREVENTION race in Corrales, Rio Rancho and NW ABQThe 2020 redistricting moved the boundaries of this district to include less of Rio Rancho which may indicate a marginal benefit for a Democrat.Rep. Cates flipped this seat from a Republican incumbent in 2022.  She received 51% to former Rep. Republican Powdrell-Culbert’s 49%, a difference of only 297 votes. Keeping this seat is a worthy goal for us.  Cates ran unopposed in the 2024 Dem Primary.
Moreover, Kathleen’s opponent is Ali Ennenga who has run for office many times.  In previous cycles Ms Ennenga has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association and the Right to Life Committee of NM. Her FB page includes emphatic upset about Planned Parenthood endorsing public school board candidates as well as offense at mask requirements in schools during COVID.
In her first term, Rep. Cates sponsored bills that passed and have been signed into law such as two water project funding and prioritization bills, a workforce development and apprenticeship funding bill, and a NMFinance Authority affordable housing bill.
Rep. Cates writes: “ [As] a member of the New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Council [I] … advocate for underserved and marginalized people, such as women diagnosed with mental health and substance abuse problems; disabled people seeking job opportunities; and children with developmental disorders or who are considered “at-risk.”
To donate to Kathleen Cates, go here.
Athena Christodoulou (SD21)ABQ PICK-UPChristodoulou is a member of Indivisible Albuquerque.She is a retired Navy engineer veteran and has also worked as a technology entrepreneur and consultant. She served as the committee analyst for the NM House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources committee during the 2023 legislative session, where she analyzed 40 different bills, 

Her leadership and volunteer experience includes advocating for solar energy in all NM communities for years (she lives fossil fuel free herself, as a private citizen), and has also served as the political director for Adelante Progressive Caucus, including organizing members to make public comments in support of the Civil Rights Act, Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, and salary increases for teachers. She served as secretary and board member of the New Mexico Solar Energy Association, as a community solar coach for the Department of Energy and is currently the Vice Chair for the Environmental Justice caucus of the Democratic Party of New Mexico.In past elections, Athena has run to unseat two Republicans, Bill Rehm (HD31) in 2022 and Mark Moores (SD21) in 2020.  Now she is running for an open Senate seat due to Mark Moores’ retirement.
Athena’s General Election opponent is Nicole Tobiassen who won the Republican Primary with 44% of the vote against two other contestants who split the remainder with 30.4% & 25.6% respectively.  Nicole appears not to have run for public office previously.
Athena’s Primary opponent was Philip Snedeker.  She received 76.1% while he received 23.9%. 2,827 voters supported her while 888 voters supported him.
To donate to Athena Christodoulou, go here.Vicky Estrada-Bustillo (HD31)ABQ PICK-UPVicky worked for the United States Forest Service for more than two decades. Before her retirement from civil service, she served as District Ranger for the Cibola National Forest, which borders the eastern boundary of District 31. In the years since, Vicky has become a tenacious neighborhood advocate and is a member of the NE Heights D8 Neighborhood Coalition and a regular participant with the Foothill and Northeast Community Policing Council.

As a lifelong leader and community facilitator, Vicky knows what it means to face down a challenge and to bring people together to overcome it. In her career with the Forest Service, Vicky worked tirelessly to unite groups with diverse needs and experiences to solve complex problems. 
HD31 has been held by a Republican, Bill Rehm, who held the seat since 2006. He is now retiring.  He won the 2022 race over Democrat, Athena Christodoulou who is now running for SD21 and appears in this report under that race.
Vicky is attempting to flip this House seat in our direction.  Redistricting does not appear to have a major effect on the political traditions of this district.  Vicky’s Republican opponent in 2024, Nicole Chavez, also ran against Rep. Pamelya Herndon in HD28 in 2022 and lost, Herndon: 52.3% to Chavez: 47.4%, 7,552 votes to 6,883, separated by 669 votes.  
This will be a tight race with field work essential. Vicky is already knocking doors with enthusiastic volunteers.  Join them. With Rep. Rehm’s legacy in the district, Republican money may very well get spent on Ms. Chavez’ account.
Donate to Vicky Estrada-Bustillo, go here.Rep. Yanira Gurrola (HD 16,)ABQ Westside - PROTECT This is a key incumbent protection seat. Yanira is an immigrant and engineer who has worked in education, first as a math teacher active in the teacher’s union, and now works as a national consultant in bilingual education.
Yanira won the Primary against Marcella Duarte 63.9% vs 36.1%, 1,639 votes to 925 votes. In her Primary, she raised $116,968 and has a balance of $20,344.
Yanira’s General Election opponent is Leland Bohannon who was unopposed in the Republican Primary. Mr. Bohannon raised in his Primary $8,156 and carried forward a balance of $674.  Bohannon’s name appeared in the press as an ardent opponent of LGBQ+ rights.  See this reference.  From one perspective, this race appears not to be tight at all, and it may not be now.
Your committee will monitor it to learn if the Republican Party will spend heavily here to tighten this race and we will alert you quickly if that should happen.
To donate to Yanira Gurrola, go here.Joseph Hernandez (HD 4)-San Juan County- PROTECT Democratic open seatIndigenous Energy Organizer for Native American Environmental Voters Alliance (NAEVA), Joseph Hernandez grew up in Pueblo, Colorado in the Bessemer Community and graduated from Shiprock High School in 2006. Joseph worked as support staff for the Youth Opportunity Program with the Navajo Nation Office of Youth Development, Shiprock Agency.  He was a field organizer for Anthony Allison’s campaign for the New Mexico House of Representatives as well as the former Committee President of Gadii’ahi-To’koi Chapter Community Land Use Planning Committee.
Joseph should be of particular interest to our subscribers who focus on environmental protection and alternative energy issues.  He advocates on behalf of post-carbon economy and does so fully grounded in his Navajo community.  This is an open seat as Representative Allison is retiring.
This is an article about Joseph.
In Joseph’s Primary, he won with 50.8% and 550 votes while his two opponents split 49.2% and 532 votes. Joseph raised $32,085 with a balance of $2,743 in the Primary.His General Election challenger is Lincoln Mark who was unopposed in the Republican Primary.  He only received 624 votes. Mr. Mark raised $1,100 and carries forward a balance of -$63.
From one perspective, this race appears not to be tight at all, and it may not be now. Your committee will monitor it to learn if the Republican Party will spend heavily here to tighten this race and we will alert you quickly if that should happen.
To donate to Joseph Hernandez, go here.Rep. Tara Jaramillo (HD38)important PREVENTION raceDemocrats picked up this seat in 2022 thanks to Rep. Jaramillo’s defeat of the Republican heir-apparent to Rebecca Dow who had held it since 2017.  Ms. Dow did not run in 2022, choosing instead to run for Governor.  She lost in the Primary to Mark Ronchetti. Now Rebecca Dow is attempting to return to her long-time and former House seat, District 38.
Reboot subscribers may very well take different approaches to this race. Representative Jaramillo voted against PFMA and Clean Fuels.  However, she sponsored reliable Democratic bills, particularly regarding public education where Rep. Dow had for years staked out a conservative reputation.  
Support for Rep. Jaramillo is to deny Ms. Dow’s return to the chamber while advocates will still need to provide constructive feedback to the incumbent, if we are successful, on bills that we support.
To donate to Tara Jaramillo, go here.
Rep. Charlotte Little (HD68)Western ABQ, important Dem PROTECTION raceOur goal here is to protect this district and its Representative, a promising one-term member running for re-election for the first time.  In her first term, Charlotte sponsored an act criminalizing “materially deceptive advertising” in political campaigns.  She did so with colleagues Chasey and Duhigg – MLG signed it into law (HB182).  Charlotte joined eighteen other sponsors of the new affirmative consent law that requires all post-secondary schools that receive public funds to adopt policies and programs designed to protect students from non-consensual sexual behavior (HB151) – again signed by the Governor.
Charlotte comes from San Felipe Pueblo.  She is married to Joseph Little, an attorney and former judge.  Charlotte writes that for fifteen years she has owned her own small business; served as a Tribal Administrator; and worked as an Administrative Officer for the United States Department of Health and Human Services. She has served New Mexicans through her work as Vice-Chair of New Mexico Voices for Children, President of Emerge New Mexico, and Chair of the San Felipe Pueblo Health Board.   
Her priorities for continued service in the House are: Creating thousands of new jobs in clean industries like clean energy, film, eco-tourism, food, and cannabis.
Making sure all New Mexicans have access to high quality, affordable health care.
Ensuring we have safe neighborhoods that retain the quality of life we hold dear.Hiring the very best educators for our early education, K-12, and higher education programs.
Charlotte’s opponent is Nathan Brooks who appears not to have run for office in previous cycles.  There were 1,221 votes cast in the Republican primary this year, of which Brooks received 716. He is an undergraduate at UNM.
To donate to Charlotte Little, go here.Cindy Nava (SD9)  Sandoval County an open Democratic PROTECTION & PREVENTION seat. Cindy is one of a handful of former DACA recipients running for office around the country this year. She is the proud daughter of a construction worker and a housekeeper who moved Cindy to the US when she was young in search of a better education. Cindy was the first former DACA recipient appointed by the White House, where she served as Senior Policy Advisor to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. She's the former ED of Transform NM Education and has an extensive policy background working in the legislature in NM. Cindy has a proven track record and key lived experience on core Democratic issues such as housing, healthcare, and reproductive rights.
Cindy writes: “The day I received my U.S. Citizenship was one of the proudest days I can remember. I pledged that day that I would always work to ensure that others had the same opportunities and would do all I could for my community. So, it is with those dreams … that I am running for State Senate in District 9.”
Cindy’s opponent in the General Election is Audrey Trujillo who Ballotpedia reports is a member of the Coalition of America First Candidates which promotes Trump-aligned candidates in state and local races.
To donate to Cindy Nava,  go here. 

Phil Ramirez (SD12)Sandoval County, Important PREVENTION RaceOur objective in this race is to prevent Jay Block from becoming a NM Senator.
Phil ran unopposed in the 2024 Democratic Primary.  He will be a strong voice for organized labor in our Senate.  He says, “I am a project manager and a Union Refrigeration journeyman, working at my family business. Our small business is a signatory company with Local UA 412, and I am honored to contribute to the success of our local economy... I was appointed to the Construction Industry’s Commission in 2019. I am proud to have been voted in as the Vice Chairman for the industry in 2021” Phil is endorsed by AFT and AFSME as well.
Senate District 12 has been held by Democrat Jerry Ortiz y Pino since 2005. Senator Ortiz y Pino is retiring. He has been a staunch ally, overall, of progressive causes. So, the threat of a highly ideological Republican to this seat in particular needs to be taken seriously.
Phil’s opponent is Jay Block who has high name recognition, endorsed by Veterans for America First (a shadow MAGA ally), one of five gubernatorial candidates in 2022 Republican Primary along with Rebecca Dow (see above). Both were soundly defeated by Mark Ronchetti in the 2022 Primary.
Mr. Block was a Sandoval County Commissioner. According to a candidate survey that Mr. Block submitted to Ballotpedia in 2022, “Block's career experience includes working as a nuclear weapons consultant. He is affiliated with the DAV, VFW, NRA, and Association of Air Force Missileers.”
District 12 has changed its location with redistricting. It is now further north and includes parts of Rio Rancho.  
To donate to Phil Ramirez, go here.
Michele Sandoval (HD57)Rio Rancho, PICK-UPMichele is running for this seat for the second time.  In 2022 she ran against an incumbent Republican, Jason Harper, first elected in 2013.  She lost to him with 48.2% of the vote to his 51.8%, a margin of only 428 votes and he a six-term incumbent to her first time run.
Now the seat is open with Mr. Harper’s retirement.  Replacing Mr. Harper has been a frequent goal, but now that the seat is open, perhaps we have a rare chance.Michelle is running against Rio Rancho realtor Republican Catherine Cullen who appears to have served for two terms on the Rio Rancho Public School Board winning her first election in 2013.
As though someone is about to require us to buy electric vehicles, Ms. Cullen is quoted in the Rio Rancho Observer as saying, “I’m not someone who wants to have an electric car, but we should have choices, and oil and gas is such an important part of our state budget. I mean, so when they’re talking about going to EV (electric vehicles) and reducing our oil and gas (revenues), how are we going to supplement our budget?” she said. “You should be able to have choices. If I want to have an electric car, great.” (April 6, updated April 9, 2024)
In the Primary, Ms. Cullen raised $17,330 with 5 current House Republican members making the largest contributions.  She has $7,485 remaining.  Michele raised $20,496 with $17,537 still available.
This will be a close race with Republicans trying to keep a seat that has been theirs for a decade.  It is a clear pick-up for us, with all our help.
To donate to Michele Sandoval, go here.

The Reboot Elections Committee thanks the following sources:Progress Now NM; NMmas; BallotPediaNM; NM Sect’y of State Financial Reports. We consult our own contacts within the two Democratic Caucuses, House and Senate, as well as campaign managers with whom we have successful electoral experience, public press, and campaign web sites.
The Reboot Our Democracy Elections Committee is Willie Orr, Rich Weiner, and Paul Dirdak                                August 13 2024