Benavidez begins treasurer campaign
Ex-judge vows to be ‘an effective steward of our state’s financial resources’
SANTA FE — Heather Benavidez, a former municipal and magistrate judge, has launched a campaign for state treasurer, vowing to be an effective manager of public funds.
Benavidez, a Democrat, works in the Treasurer’s Office now as coordinator of ABLE New Mexico, a savings program for individuals with disabilities — experience she says makes her well-qualified to succeed outgoing Treasurer Tim Eichenberg.
“I will be an effective steward of our state’s financial resources,” Benavidez said in an interview. “It’s important that the person who holds the office operates ethically, honestly and with total transparency.”
Benavidez, 43, joins one other prominent candidate in the race, former Sandoval County Treasurer Laura Montoya. Both are seeking the Democratic nomination to succeed Eichenberg, a Democrat who has served two terms and cannot run for reelection because of term limits.
The primary election is in June.
The State Treasurer’s Office manages and invests the cash used to operate state government and runs an investment pool for local governments. The treasurer also serves as a member of the State Investment Council and other state boards.
In addition to working in the Treasurer’s Office, Benavidez has a background in the judiciary. She has served as a manager in the 13th Judicial District, municipal judge in Rio Communities and magistrate judge in Valencia County.
The experience, Benavidez said, demonstrates her ability to hold a “position of trust” to help the community.
If she is elected, she said, her priorities will include strengthening financial literacy efforts and retirement savings programs offered by the Treasurer’s Office.
The treasurer makes about $85,000 a year.
New Mexico voters next year will decide races for governor, attorney general, secretary of state, auditor, 70 seats in the state House and other offices.