New Mexicans should be proud – in the June 2 Democratic primary election, a majority of progressive candidates won their races, proving that when our communities show up, we can build a future that works for all families, not just the wealthy and well-connected.
And you used that voice in big numbers. Voter turnout from both Democrats and Independents demonstrates that New Mexicans understand what’s at stake—from our children’s schools and healthcare access to good jobs and clean water in our communities.
This year, we not only refused to skip races and let others decide our future, we voted FOR what we want to see happen in New Mexico.
Races We Watched Closely
- NM Governor | Deb Halaand | While some might say it was a foregone conclusion that Haaland would win the primary, it’s important to remind ourselves of what exactly Haaland stands for and what she represents. First and foremost, Haaand is an Indigenous woman who was the first Indigenous person to hold the position of Secretary of Interior in our country and now stands to be elected as the first member of a Pueblo to be elected Governor in New Mexico. That means something! And her ongoing commitment to land sovereignty, the health of air and water, access to healthcare and fair wages, and her experience as a single mom are ALL things New Mexicans can relate to. Meanwhile, Sam Bregman exemplified the failing Good Ol’ Boys club of doing business in New Mexico with campaign events with Oil executives IN Texas and horse racing scandals. His comments in wake of his defeat about not supporting Haaland in November really do tell you everything you need to know about why New Mexicans supported the right candidate for Governor on Tuesday.
- Secretary Of State | Amanda López Askin | As Doña Ana County Clerk, López Askin has proven time and time again that she will stand up against election interference and suppression with integrity. New Mexico elections are the most secure in the Nation and with López Askin at the helm, they will stay that way. Her race exemplified that New Mexico is more than just Albuquerque or Santa Fe, and well qualified candidates from anywhere in the state CAN and DO earn the trust of voters from all over when they’re the right person for the job!
- House District 27 | Abby Foster | Abby Foster’s win over incumbent Marian Matthews proves that when elected officials vote NO on policies such as paid family medical leave and capping greedy payday loaners (which Matthews did repeatedly) they get replaced by candidates that will work for the people. Foster ran her campaign on promises of robust healthcare access and affordable housing, which may now have a real chance at passing the House with her in this seat.
- House District 37 | Lori Martinez | Lori Martinez’ race was one of the few races to fill a vacant seat. It’s always difficult to judge two newcomers, but it’s clear that Doña Ana County residents backed the longtime community organizer who also openly pushed back on the harmful effects of the hyperscale Project Jupiter data center, over an opponent who worked to prosecute immigrants for much of her career as well as was backed by big Dark Money ads from PACs associated with Project Jupiter.
- House District 41 | Yolanda “Pancha” Jaramillo | This is another race that was an open seat and Jaramillo was running against Debbie Rodella who previously served in the state house for 26 years. Jaramillo has proven she has deep community roots, spending years as an advocate for policies that would help her community and working to preserve water in Northern New Mexico. Rodella on the other hand proved during her 26 year tenure in the House that she will always side with corporate interests whether it’s allowing payday lenders to charge 175% interest rates or trying to pass bills that make it harder to install solar panels. This was a huge win for Northern NM and our state as a whole.
- Doña Ana County Commission District 1 | Daisy Maldonado | After the Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners lawsuit-riddled decision last year to approve the $165 BILLION boondoggle of Project Jupiter, the whole state suddenly became aware of the looming threat of data centers coming into our state. Daisy Maldonado was THE voice for the community in southern Doña Ana County bringing awareness to the risks BEFORE the vote happened. Daisy’s race was the essence of grassroots from the jump and her dedication to these communities is something we’ve been watching closely as a bellwether for future fights around data centers across the state.
These wins represent more than individual candidates—They represent the ongoing dedication of everyday New Mexicans to making New Mexico the best version of itself by electing candidates that represent those values. They represent a commitment to reproductive justice, environmental protection, LGBTQ+ liberation, and accountability for public officials.
What We’re Fighting For
Let’s be blunt: things are not good at the federal level. Our economy is struggling which we all feel in our daily lives, our international standing is suffering, and Trump and the people around him are enacting a disturbing agenda to attack anyone who is not a Christian Nationalist.
But it is not enough to simply be against something. And that’s where New Mexico comes in, we have an opportunity to demonstrate what is possible, to fight for a positive vision of the future.
Healthcare Stays a Human Right: With progressive candidates winning their primary races for Governor and statewide offices, New Mexico has a chance to double down on what we already know: healthcare is not a privilege, it is a human right. The winning primary candidates have committed to protecting and expanding access to reproductive care, mental health services, and affordable coverage for all.
Our Public Lands Power a Renewable Future: The race for Commissioner of Public Lands controls over 13 million acres of state land. Juan De Jesus Sanchez III, a progressive candidate, won their primary and now moves to the general election. That means a real choice for voters: solar and wind development instead of fossil fuel extraction, or a return to corporate profits flowing to out-of-state oil companies. Good-paying union jobs are on the ballot. A just transition that puts workers and communities first is on the ballot.
Voting Rights Have Champions on the Ballot: From the Secretary of State candidate to progressives in the House who secured their spot in the November election we have an opportunity to continue to lead the country on policies that protect ballot access and fight voter suppression. In New Mexico’s first semi-open primary—where independent voters participated without changing registration—we saw record engagement. That’s the democracy we’re building: one where every voice counts.
The wins don’t end there. From county commission races to securing wins in the state house, up and down the ballot we saw an overwhelming number of progressives win. This matters because progressive values are New Mexican values and when we show up and elect progressives, the outcome is policies that work for all of us.
The Work Continues
Primary victories don’t change everything overnight. Our candidates still face the November general election, where they’ll confront well-funded opponents backed by fossil fuel companies, private prison operators, and billionaires who profit from the status quo.
They will try to divide us. They will spread disinformation. They will spend heavily to convince New Mexicans that progress isn’t possible. But here’s what they don’t understand: we know what’s possible because we’ve already built it together.
We must continue organizing in our communities, talking to families across generations, building trust, and ensuring every New Mexican knows their vote matters in every race—from governor to local school board.
Let’s carry this momentum forward. Let’s keep talking about what’s happening, keep showing up, and keep taking action. These are hard times, but we will find a path forward.
Our families deserve real, community-centered solutions. Our communities demand it. And as our hardworking community organizers consistently remind us: si se puede.