Embedded Files
2026 Democratic Candidates
U.S. Senator
Ben Ray Lujan
Born and raised on a small family farm in Nambé,
New Mexico, by a union ironworker and a public school employee, Ben Ray Luján learned the values of hard work and community service from a young age.
Ben Ray has dedicated his career to improving the lives of those in his community and his state, fighting to create good-paying jobs for hardworking New Mexican women and men, increasing access to quality, affordable health care, and protecting New Mexico’s natural resources.
In 2018, Ben Ray successfully chaired the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, leading the Democratic effort to take back the majority in the U.S. House while electing the most diverse and youngest Congress in history. This majority was critical to holding the first Trump administration accountable.
Congressman
Gabe Vasquez
Gabe Vasquez grew up in New Mexico’s borderlands, where he learned the value of hard work from his mother. He worked his way through college, helped build a local small business, and served on the Las Cruces City Council before being elected to Congress. In Congress, Gabe has put partisanship aside to do what’s right, working to keep rural hospitals funded and cap the price of insulin at $35, fund 22,000 Customs and Border Protection agents to make our communities safer, and get his bipartisan bill to combat wildfires signed into law by President Trump.
As Congressman, Gabe also founded the bipartisan Public Land Caucus and led the successful fight to stop the MAGA extremists in Congress from selling off million of acres of public lands across the country; he’s cracked down on out-of-state landlords buying up homes and jacking up rents; he fought back against the disastrous Medicaid cuts; he delivered over $3 million to public safety agencies across the district; and he’s stood up to leaders of both parties to deliver for New Mexicans. With another term, Gabe can keep fighting for these values and champion policies that actually help working families get ahead. Gabe will always put New Mexicans first.
Deb Haaland
for New Mexico Governor
As Governor, Deb Haaland will make New Mexico healthier, safer, and more affordable for all.
Deb Haaland went from running a salsa business and relying on SNAP and Medicaid as a single mother to serving in Congress and as U.S. Secretary of the Interior. She comes from a military family who taught her how to work with anyone, and she was recognized in Congress for her strong record of working with both parties. She delivered major investments in New Mexico's water and energy infrastructure and created good-paying jobs. As Governor, she will stand up to Donald Trump and work with local communities to tackle crime, expand healthcare access, and lower costs for housing and groceries.
Stephanie Garica Richard for Lieutenant Governor
Stephanie Garcia Richard is a proven leader who has transformed the role of New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands and delivered real results for the people of New Mexico. Elected in 2018 as the first owman and first Latina to hold the office, she has raised over $15 billion for public schools, increased renewable energy production on state trust lands by over 600%, and launched affordable housing projects to help address the state's housing crsis.
Stephanie's leadership has been defined by her unwavering commitment to public service, transparency, and protecting New Mexico's lands for future generations. Under her watch, the State Land Office has won two national awards for Top Workplace, a testament to her efforts to reform and modernize state government.
Amanda López Askin
for Secretary of State
Amanda López Askin, appointed in 2018 and elected twice, has led one of New Mexico's most diverse counties through challenging elections. She's focused on coalition-building, securing funding, and strengthening election infrastracture, including raising poll worker pay and securing $4 million for a new warehouse.
Her priorities are protecting voting access, ensuring consistent election funding, and creating nonpartisan voter guides. She opposes proposals like the SAVE Act that could disenfranchise rural and low-income voters.
Born and raised in southern New Mexico, Amanda believes her background offers a unique perspective she plans to connect with voters across the state while continuing her role as county clerk.
Attorney General
Raúl Torrez
A former federal prosecutor and senior advisor in President Obama's Department of Justice, he has worked at every level of the criminal justice system to protect New Mexico communities and fight for justice. Prior to being elected Attorney General, he served as the elected District Attorney for the Albuquerque metro area, where he led one of the state's largest law offices.
As Attorney General, Torrez has made protecting children a top priority - suing Meta and Snap for enabling online abuse, investigating failures in the child welfare system, and launching undercover operations that have led to arrests of online predators. He's held Big Pharma, grocery chains, and utility companies accountable on behalf of families' pocketbooks. He's defended New Mexicans' right to fish and recreate in public waters against wealthly landowners. And he's been a leading voice among Democratic attorneys general challenging federal overreach.
State Auditor
Joseph Maestas
State Auditor Joseph Maestas has a long track record of solving problems, challenging the status quo, and making government work better for New
Mexicans.
Prior to taking office as State Auditor on January 1, 2023, he served as chair and vice-chair of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, where he championed community access to solar energy and a just and equitable transition to renewable energy. As a city councilor in both Santa Fe and Española, and as mayor of Española, Maestas fought for and implemented reforms, tackled longstanding problems, and worked to make government more effective and responsive to the communities it serves. He brings that same commitment to reform and results to the Office of the State Auditor.
Under his leadership as State Auditor, New Mexico was named number one in the nation for financial transparency for the first time in state history. His priorities include investigating complaints of fraud, waste, and abuse; holding high-risk public entities with chronic late audits and weak internal controls accountable; and overseeing conservatorships to help protect some of New Mexico’s most vulnerable residents.
State Treasurer
Laura Montoya
Laura Montoya is a trailblazer who made history on January 1, 2023 as the state's first female Treasurer and the first Latina elected to this role in the United States. Raised and educated in Northern New Mexico, Laura Montoya's upbrining fostered a deep commitment to service, community, and policy work.
During two terms as Sandoval County Treasurer, Luara Montoya implemented effective internal controls and politices that led to commendable audit outcomes and a tax collection rate of 99.37%. As Legislative Chairwoman for the Treasurers Affiliate, Laura led the passage of over 20 pieces of legislation, reforming the tax structure to be fairer, simpler, and more equitable, and championing initiatives for veterans, seniors, and New Mexicans with disabilities. Laura also expanded the permissibility of investments within New Mexico for Class A counties and municpalities in these counties.
Juan De Jesus Sanchez III for Commissioner of Public Lands
Juan De Jesus Sanchez III is a 13th generation New Mexican who comes from a ranching family in Valencia and Socorro counties. Juan strives to bring real world land management experience and generational knowledge to the Land Office. His campaign is built on the principle that New Mexico's lands are special and deserve protection and respect today and for generations to come.
Juan received his undergraduate degree from New Mexico Highlands University, and also attended the University of New Mexico to pursue a Master's degree in Water Resources. Professionally, Juan has worked as a Natural Resource Specialist and Park Ranger for the Army Corps of Engineers at Cochiti Lake, and as a Technical Assistant for the New Mexico Acequia Commission.
Juan lives in Los Chavez with his wife and young daughter, where they raise goats and grow their own food. He will protect public lands, strengthen rural economies, and ensure that New Mexico’s natural resources remain in the hands of responsible stewards.
Kris Houghton for Judge of the Court of Appeals, Position 1
Judge Kris Houghton was appointed to the NM Court of Appeals in August 2025 by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, after being recommended by the Bi-Partisan Judigial Nominting Commission.
Prior to being appointed, Kris served our community from 2012-2025 in the Department of Justice at the United States Attorney's Office in Albuquerque. Kris began as law clerk, became an Assitant US Attorney in the Ciriminal Division, was selected to serve overseas as DOJ's Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Columbia, and then returend to NM as the US Attoney's Chief of the Criminal Division in Albuquerque. He finished his time at the US Attorney's Office as an Assistant US Attorney in the Civil Division.
Frederick Walton Parker for Public Education Commission, District 7
Federick Walton Parker is a cabinet-level education executive with deep experience leading both instructional and operational systems in public school districts. His work sits at the intersection of strategy, governance, operations, and academic performance - alighning people, processes, and resources to drive measurable results for students and communities.
He has overseen multimilion-dollar budgets, district-wide capital construction, human resources redesign, federal program alignment, transportation reform, safety and security modernization, and systemic instructional improvement initatives.
Candidates for State Representative
State Representative Micaela Lara Cadena - District 33
Micaela Lara Cadena serves as a State Representative for House District 33 in Doña Ana County, representing the south and west sides of Las Cruces, Mesilla, Mesilla Park, NMSU Main Campus, San Pablo, South Fiaracres, and Tortugas Pueblo.
She has called out powerful politicans and their dirty backroom deals. She has challenged trial attorneys putting thier profits over the needs of patients and providers. She has stood with fronteriza families being sacrificed at the expense of Santa Fe and corporate billionaires. No matter what, she will keep showing up for New Mexicans.
State Representative Raymundo Lara -
District 34
Representative Raymundo "Ray" Lara proudly serves the communities of Sunland Park, Santa Teresa, La Union, Chamberino, La Mesa, and San Miguel. Since being elected in 2019, Ray has focused on strengthening public education, expanding early childhood opportunities, improving infrastructure, supporting healthcare access, and promoting economic growth across southern New Mexico.
Ray currently serves in the Hosue leadership as Majority Caucus Chair, making him the only legislator from Doña Ana County serving in House leadership. In this role, Ray works with legislative leadership and colleagues from across the state to advance politices that support working families while ensuring southern New Mexico has a strong boice at the Roundhouse.
State Representative Angelica Rubio -
District 35
Angelica Rubio was born and raised in rural New Mexico and is the youngest daughter of Mexican immigrants who settled there over fifty years ago. Coming from a large (and loud) family, Angelica grew up with a deep working knowledge of the power found in numbers, as well as a flair for making her case. Leaving behind her family and small community, she went on to college at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces and later received her Master's at California State University, where her passion for racial and social justice flourished.
She focused on policies that center on disporoportionately impacted communities that are deeply affected by extracting industries, and working towards a vision of building a restorative economy for all New Mexican's.
State Representative Nathan Small -
District 36
As a lifelong outdoorsman, third-generation New Mexican, and dedicated public servant, Representative Nathan Small has spent his career fighting for the families, workers, and natural landscapes of New Mexico.
Growing up in a family of educators and ranchers, Nathan learned early on the value of hard work, community resilience, and fiscal responsibility. That upbringing shaped his deep commitment to public service, leading him to serve on the Las Cruces City Council, where he championed economic development and sustainability, before being elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives to represent District 36.
In the State Legislature, Nathan chairs the House Appropriations Committee, where he focuses on crafting state budgets that uplift working families, invest in local communities, and create jobs.
Lori Martinez
for State Representative District 37
Raised in northern New Mexico, Lori Martinez came to Las Cruces in 1998 to attend New Mexico State University and has called it home ever since. For 23 years, she has served southern New Mexico as a social worker, with experience in early childhood education, mental health, and higher education, including as a social worker at NMSU. For the past nine years, she has led Ngage New Mexico, a Las Cruces nonprofit that focuses on education and supporting the nonprofit community. Lori is running for House District 37 to fight for accessible health care, including reproductive care, affordable housing, fully funded quality public education from cradle to career, healthy food in every household, workers' rights, and environmental justice for border communities. She believes in building power with, not for, the people most impacted by decisions made in Santa Fe. She's a proud mom and New Mexican who has lived her life in border communities and understands both their challenges and their beauty.
David Mooney
for State Representative District 38
Born and rasied in New Mexico, David Mooney grew up splashing around in the Rio Grande, trying to catch fish with his hands. He graduated from NMSU with a Bachelor of Creative Media in 2015. After moving to ORegon for a few years David was called home to this beautiful desert.
He has over 8 years experience as an Organizer and FIeld DIrector for on the ground campaigns across 27 states and DC. He now works as a recruiter and is also invovled in several local nonprofits and volunteers as a bike mechanic.
David knows that policy decisions have real-life consequences, which is why he takes a practical, solutions-focused approach to support families, workers, and small businesses. He believes our economy should work for the people who live and work here - not out-of-state corporations. He is committeed to keeping jobs local and investing in our communities.
State Representative Doreen Yvonne Gallegos - District 52
Doreen Gallegos ahs served Doña Ana County as State Representative for Hosue District 52 since 2013. Doreen serves as Chairwoman of the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee. She also serves on the House Taxation and Revenue Committee and the House Rules Committee. During the interim, Doreen serves as Chair of the Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee, the Legislative Council and Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee.
Doreen is the Executive Director of Mesilla Valley Court Appointed Special Advocates, (CASA), a nonprofit organization that advocates for abused and neglected children in foster care. After receiving her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from NMSU, Doreen was awarded the NMSU Socail Work Alumni of the Year in 2024; the New Mexico Whitecoat Award from Burrell College at NMSU; the New Mexico Excellence in Education Award; The New Mexico Chamber of Commerce FOCUS Award; and the Doña Ana Medical Society Legislative Champion to name a few.
As a fourth generation New Mexican, Doreen's family has its roots in Berino, Anthony, Mesquite, and Las Alturas.
State Representative Sarah Angelina Silva - District 53
Raised in a Mesilla Valley farming community, Sarah brings the values of honesty, integrity, hard work, and optimism to public service.
She is fighting to protect the freedoms that help us turn our hopes into reality - like the freedom to decide whether and when to grow our families, to support and enjoy time with loved ones, to care for them when they're sick wtihout losing jobs, and to let kids be kids and come home safely from school.
As state representative, she secured $5 million for a new Chaparral public safety facility with an ambulance bay, helped reform medical malpractice laws to keep local doctors serving their communities, and brought schools, and fought for higher wages for early childhood workers who are providing care for our youngest kids.
A longtime community organizer and small-business owner, she has helped protect Southern New Mexico families from foreclosure, raise Las Cruces' minimum wage, support DACA applicants, incorporate Anthony as a city, and protect the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks.
Doña Ana County Candidates
Vanessa Ordonez
for Sheriff
Vanessa Ordoñez is a first generation American and a lifelong public servant, U.S. Navy combat veteran, former Police Chief, and experienced law enforcement leader with more than two decades of combined military and public safety service.
Raised in Las Cruces, Vanessa is deeply rooted in Doña Ana County and understands the families, communities, and values that make southern New Mexico home. Over the course of her career, Vanessa took on increasing levels of responsibility and under her leadership ranked the top safest city to live in New Mexico.
Vanessa holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration, extensive law enforcement training, and brings executive leadership experience grounded in accountability, professionalism, collaboration, and community trust.
As a mother, wife, veteran, and public servant, Vanessa believes effective leadership means being present, listening to people, supporting law enforcement professionals, and working together to keep every community safe.
She is running for Doña Ana County Sheriff to bring experienced, people-centered leadership to the Sheriff’s Office and to serve the county she proudly calls home.
Daisy Ann Maldonado
for County Commission District 1
Daisy Maldonado is a working-class Latina, single mother, practicing Muslim, and proud NMSU alumni who has called Las Cruces home for more than twenty years. Born in El Paso and raised by a city mechanic and a state caseworker who built their lives through hard work and public service.
She holds a master's degree in economics with a focus on community development and has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of community organizing, public policy, and environmental advocacy in Doña Ana County. As Director of Empowerment Congress of Doña Ana County, she grew the organization from a $90,000 budget and one staff member to over $900,000 and a team of twelve.
In 2021 she was appointed to the Sustainable Economy Advisory Council, where she helped advise New Mexico's strategic plan to transition the state away from dependence on natural resource extraction. In 2024 she was recognized nationally by the CDC and the Association of Immunization Managers as an Immunization Champion for her work protecting community health in underserved communities.
She is running for Doña Ana County Commission District 1 on a platform of water security, roads and infrastructure investment, affordability for working families, healthcare access, community safety through prevention and services, and a government that is transparent and accountable to the people it serves, not the corporations or public interests.
County Assessor
Eugenia Montoya Ortega
Probate Judge
Judith Ann Baca
Willie D. Madrid
for County Commission, District 3
Isabel Jerabek for District Court Judge, 3rd Judicial District, Division 4
Magistrate Judge
Nathan William Graff Division 1
Magistrate Judge
Linda Flores
Division 2
Magistrate Judge
Rosenda Chavez Lara
Division 3
Magistrate Judge
Bryan Michael Gelecki
Division 4
Chrystian Julian Gonzalez for Magistrate Judge
Division 5
Magistrate Judge
Jannette Alicia Mondragon
Division 6
Magistrate Judge
Gian Alexander Rossario
Division 7
The mission of the Democratic Party of Doña Ana County is to elect Democratic candidates up and down the ticket by accomplishing the following objectives:
Get out the vote (GOTV) of all Democrats in the county.
Register new voters, as most new voters tend to register or identify with Democrats.
Maintain a social organization of like-minded individuals ready to support the next round of elections.
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