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2024 General Election Guide
N.M. Senate
Tina R. Garcia
Age: 58
Occupation: Retired
Education: Los Lunas High School Graduate. Judicial Studies Certificate. Annual Judicial training and school board training as required.
Previous elected political offices: Valencia County Clerk 2000-07; Magistrate Judge 2008-21; appointed Los Lunas Board of Education member 2021-23
Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”
1. What experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?
“I have extensive experience in public service. As a former magistrate judge, I developed a comprehensive understanding of New Mexico laws and gained firsthand experience in applying the law. As county clerk and school board member of the Los Lunas Schools, I deepened my understanding of the needs and challenges faced by our education system and counties. I have a strong commitment to ensuring the integrity of our elections and helping our governments. I am ready to effectively represent our community.”
2. What will you advocate for at the Legislature to address public safety concerns?
“I will advocate for common-sense legislation that ensures laws are crafted with the proper input of all key stakeholders — law enforcement, detention centers, judiciary and advocates. For legislation to be effective, it is essential that all parties have their voices heard. I will make it a priority to ask critical questions but also hold programs and entities accountable for delivering results. Advocating for the education system contributes to safer and more prosperous communities.”
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3. What legislation do you plan to sponsor this upcoming legislative session?
“I will introduce legislation that focuses on common-sense reform, including property crimes, crimes involving firearms, juvenile offenses and justice for victims. I am also committed to bringing access to treatment for addiction, homelessness and assisting families living in poverty. I will prioritize legislation that supports affordable housing, job creation and the growth of small businesses. My votes will be ensuring that our veterans receive the services they deserve.”
4. Would you support a change in legislation that clearly defines where political candidates are required to live to seek and hold office?
“Yes. I firmly believe that candidates should reside in the district they seek to represent. It is essential that a representative truly understands and experiences the community they serve. Supporting legislation that clearly defines this requirement that “living in the district” means actual residency, not merely property ownership. Clear and precise language on this issue is critical to maintaining the integrity of our electoral process and ensuring that our elected officials are genuinely connected to the communities they represent.”
Joshua A. Sanchez
Age: 43
Occupation: Small business owner
Education: High school diploma from Belen High School
Previous elected political offices: New Mexico state senator
Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”
1. What experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?
“As a New Mexico state senator the past four years, I gained a lot of insight into what challenges the people of New Mexico face, and this opportunity to serve the people of New Mexico has allowed me to work for them, to work with them and people in all areas of government. As a small business owner, I understand the responsibility of what it takes to work with people to get things done.”
2. What will you advocate for at the Legislature to address public safety concerns?
“I want to work on improving border security and work to stop the spread of illegal drugs, like Fentanyl from ruining our state. Crime prevention and enforcement changes need to be made to the laws in New Mexico, otherwise we are going to continue to have safety issues in New Mexico’s communities. We must ensure that law enforcement is fully funded and supported to ensure the safety of all New Mexicans.”
3. What legislation do you plan to sponsor this upcoming legislative session?
“Any legislation that I will work on will include a focus on vocational education, with programs to increase funding for apprenticeships and vocational training programs that would focus on high-demand industries. Additionally, I would like to look at legislation that would create incentives for businesses to partner with schools for internship and apprenticeship opportunities, enhancing practical experience for students. If we want to keep our kids here, we must give them a way thrive here.”
4. Would you support a change in legislation that clearly defines where political candidates are required to live to seek and hold office?
“An elected official’s primary place of residence should correspond with their voter registration address and legislation should reflect that.”
Angel Charley
Age: 40
Occupation: Executive director, IllumiNative
Education: Associate degree in Liberal Arts
Previous elected political offices: None
Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”
1. What experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?
“As a proud member of Pueblo of Laguna, I’ve dedicated my career to lifting up families and ensuring safer communities. Serving as the executive director of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, I focused on policy advocacy and direct services to protect rural and tribal communities. My work is grounded in my deep commitment to equity and justice for all New Mexicans.”
2. What will you advocate for at the Legislature to address public safety concerns?
“At the Legislature, I will advocate for a holistic approach to public safety. This includes supporting police and firefighters, while also ensuring schools are fully funded and offer after-school programs that keep kids engaged. I will push for policies that create well-paying jobs and affordable housing for families, alongside accessible mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. Community safety is about building strong, resilient communities where every family can thrive.”
3. What legislation do you plan to sponsor this upcoming legislative session?
“During the upcoming legislative session, I plan to sponsor legislation that supports working families, including paid family medical leave, which will allow families to care for loved ones without fear of losing their income. I will also advocate for increasing the minimum wage, ensuring that every New Mexican can earn a livable wage.
“Additionally, I am committed to ensuring the safety of domestic and sexual violence survivors by pushing for stronger protections and resources. My focus will be on creating economic opportunities, enhancing public safety, and investing in education to strengthen our communities.”
4. Would you support a change in legislation that clearly defines where political candidates are required to live to seek and hold office?
“I need more specific information before taking a stance on legislation regarding residency requirements for candidates, but I firmly believe political candidates must live in the community they seek to serve. A deep connection and understanding of the community’s needs are crucial for effective representation. It’s important to carefully consider the potential impacts such changes would have on representation, particularly in rural and tribal communities. I want to ensure any changes are fair, just and truly benefit the communities I will serve.”
Elizabeth Stefanics (I)
Age: 73
Occupation: Retired
Education: B.S.; M.S.; Ph.D.
Previous elected political offices: Santa Fe County Commissioner; N.M. state senator
Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”
1. What experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?
She is serving in her third,four-year term and is unopposed for her fourth term as a N.M. state senator. Her district is primarily rural and was changed to parts of four counties. She served eight years as a Santa Fe county commissioner.She has experience in state government at the Human Services Department, the Risk Management Division, the Health Policy Commission; as higher education faculty; and in nonprofit management.
2. What will you advocate for at the Legislature to address public safety concerns?
“Create a tax credit or deduction for volunteer firefighters as an incentive for recruitment.
Create a grant program for counties that need more law enforcement for crime, behavioral health, cannabis control and more.”
3. What legislation do you plan to sponsor this upcoming legislative session?
“Protect low-income individuals and families from increased net metering costs. A revision to advanced directives information. A Right to Repair bill for electronics. Continue to ease prescription prices. Continue to fund our statewide water planning and data collection.”
4. Would you support a change in legislation that clearly defines where political candidates are required to live to seek and hold office?
“I support clarifications in this requirement.”
