Endorsements for contested state House races

Contested races for the New Mexico House of Representatives can be few and far between — but this June primary, both Democratic and Republican voters have a number of choices. That’s good for democracy and eventually could lead to a better government. Several Santa Fe-area representatives unfortunately lack primary or general election opposition and will win re-election without ever having to engage voters. We hope that changes. Now, for the contested races.

House District 40: With the retirement of longtime state Rep. Nick Salazar of Ohkay Owingeh, there is a rare open seat. Three candidates are running, with two so outstanding we wish they could both serve. Joseph Sanchez helped the Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative regain its footing before returning to work at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Paula Garcia has years of work on important acequia and cultural issues of the North. The district is drawn strangely, crossing the Sangre de Cristos, encompassing villages on both sides — places that don’t necessarily have common interests. If the districts could be more compact, someone like Sanchez could serve from west of the Sangres and another representative like Garcia could serve the eastern side. Garcia, who hails from Mora, has governing experience as a member of the Mora County Board of County Commissioners and years of lobbying the state Legislature on acequia issues, giving her an experience edge in how laws are made. Through her work as president of the New Mexico Acequia Association, she knows people throughout her district, making her the most familiar with the entire region.

An independent candidate in this race is possible, giving voters a choice in November. In House District 40, The New Mexican endorses Paula Garcia.

House District 41: The choice is clear. Former Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation CEO Susan Herrera is running against longtime incumbent state Rep. Debbie Rodella, who has been increasingly out of touch with her district. Herrera brings fresh ideas, energy and most of all, a sense of ethics that the voters of the region deserve. A resident of Embudo, Herrera would bring experience from working in Congress and knowledge gained in helping found the University of New Mexico-Taos campus. The LANL Foundation has boosted student performance and education for decades, and Herrera’s understanding of those issues also will make a difference in the House. Most of all, Herrera is engaged and interested in her

neighbors and would be available to regular people, not just special interests. In House District 41, The New Mexican endorses Susan Herrera.

House District 43: Two great candidates here, are vying to replace Stephanie Garcia Richard, who is running for land commissioner. Both serve on the Los Alamos County Council, with Christine Chandler a lawyer in private practice after years of working for Los Alamos National Laboratory. She also has worked as a legislative analyst, giving her understanding of our Roundhouse. Pete Sheehey brings the analytical mind of a scientist to the Legislature — in fact, we have endorsed him for this job before, back in 2010. He supported Bernie Sanders in 2016 and currently serves on the Los Alamos County Council. He also has shown the ability to bring diverse viewpoints together on the council, with its Democratic and Republican split. This is a win-win for Democrats. The winner of the Democratic primary has a GOP opponent in the fall. In House District 43, The New Mexican endorses Pete Sheehey.

House District 46: This is a troubling race. Incumbent state Rep. Carl Trujillo stands accused of sexual harassment and his opponent, Andrea Romero, already has admitted spending public money improperly. The campaign has been nasty and underhanded, with both sides guilty of over-the-top attacks. Surely, the district, split between rural Santa Fe County and the city of Santa Fe, deserves better. Unfortunately, these candidates are it.

Because of the vitriolic nature of this campaign — from both sides — voters are on their own in this one. In District 46, The New Mexican makes no endorsement.

GOP primary: With the retirement of respected state Rep. Jim Smith, a Republican, the District 22 GOP primary has two candidates vying for his seat. We think Navy veteran and public relations executive Merritt Allen is the best choice for Republicans. Her experience as a veteran, service on the board of East Mountain High School and with the Adelante Program, which serves people with disabilities, gives her insight to the different issues facing New Mexicans. She is less to the right to than her opponent, meaning she will be able to work across the aisle. She also gives Republicans the best chance to keep the seat, since there is a Democratic opponent in November. In District 22, The New Mexican endorses Merritt Allen.