In a debate that aired on Mother’s Day, Democrat congressional candidate Melanie Stansbury had the chance to ask one question of another candidate. She chose to ask Republican Mark Moores to explain why he voted against the radical abortion bill in this year’s legislature.

She had one shot to raise an issue – and her focus was protecting abortion up to the moment of birth.

The exchange in that debate says a lot about the candidates who are running and where they stand. It also says a lot about what’s at stake in the June 1 special election to fill former Rep. Deb Haaland’s 1st Congressional District seat. After all, Speaker Nancy Pelosi controls the U.S. House by the slimmest of margins.

Stansbury, currently a state representative, is known for her progressive positions, including abortion. In addition to voting for this year’s extreme abortion bill, she also voted to legalize assisted suicide and recreational pot.

Moores, currently a state senator, voted against all three of those bills. And when it came to answering Stansbury, he was crystal clear.

“First off, I am pro-life,” he said. “I am pro-life, because you know in New Mexico, we are the late-term abortion capital of the world. And you know, the first time I held my daughter in my arms … it was just moments after she was born. Under New Mexico law that you support, Melanie – just moments before I held her in my arms, she could have been killed. She wasn’t a blob of cells; she was a human being.

“I also oppose having taxpayers be forced to pay for abortions,” Moores added. “In New Mexico, you [Stansbury] have supported late-term abortions up to birth.”

Make Your Voice Heard: Vote

If you are registered to vote in the 1st Congressional District, you can impact this race with your vote. Reports indicate that early voting is down. That makes your vote even more impactful.

The District: The 1st Congressional includes most of Bernalillo County, all of Torrance County, and parts of Sandoval, Santa Fe and Valencia counties.

When: Now – Election Day is June 1, but early voting runs until May 29.

Where: To find your voting location, as well as a sample ballot, click here.

Thanks for making a difference with your vote!

The Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico Team

By Vince Torres, President & Executive Director

Are we witnessing the purge of all moderate Democrats in New Mexico politics?

That is the question I found myself asking following the results of last Tuesday’s primary election. The big story of the night was the defeat of several incumbent Democratic Senators to progressive challengers, forcing a shakeup in the leadership and political makeup of the New Mexico Senate heading into 2021. Among the defeated were two of the most powerful and senior members of the Senate – Senate President Pro-Tempore, Mary Kay Papen, and Senate Finance Committee Chairman, John Arthur Smith – who have a combined 50 years of legislative service.

As you may recall, Senators Papen and Smith were two of the eight Democrats who voted against the abortion up-to-birth bill, House Bill 51, in 2019. Also falling to progressive challengers last Tuesday were pro-life Democratic Senators Richard Martinez, Clemente Sanchez, and Gabriel Ramos. Together, these five Senators, along with a few others, have long represented the more traditional, moderate wing of the Democratic party, including those Democrats who are pro-faith, pro-life, and pro-family. Following the primary election, however, the future of the moderate Democrat in New Mexico politics is uncertain; and having been raised by a traditional northern New Mexico Democratic family, this concerns me greatly.

For my family, “politics” is not only a regular discussion topic at gatherings. “Politics” is part of our lives and our family legacy. My great-grandfather served as the New Mexico State Auditor and Land Commissioner during the 60s, 70s, and 80s, and my grandmother served in former-Governor Bruce King’s administration. Needless to say, much has changed since then and I suspect my great-grandfather, who won three statewide elections, would not survive the progressive-dominated Democratic Party of today. In fact, in 1979, while serving as Land Commissioner, my great-grandfather famously installed an oil pump jack in front of the state land office to pay tribute to the contributions of the oil industry to New Mexico’s economy – an act that would certainly ruffle the far-left today.

At a time when many Democrats have elected to “walk away” from the Democratic Party, I have been encouraged by those who have tried to “take it back,” including some close, personal friends. Some of them were candidates in last week’s primary; but sadly, almost all were unsuccessful. The progressive establishment, loaded with out-of-state cash from the abortion industry and other radical groups, pumped exorbitant amounts of money into Democratic races across New Mexico to purchase the votes needed to advance their radical agenda.

Are we witnessing the purge of all moderate Democrats in New Mexico politics? Absolutely.

But more important, are we witnessing the purge of our traditional New Mexico values – values of faith, family, and freedom? Yes, we are.

In a general election, our vote is often simplified as a decision between one party or another, or one candidate over another. Recent events, however, lead me to believe that the 2020 election will be much more significant than that – that come November, we will not simply be choosing between mere parties or candidates, but between dangerous progressive policies and our traditional New Mexico values.

The good news is, we all still have a voice and a choice when it comes to the future of our state.

Did you know that there are over 100 contested races for the 112 seats in the New Mexico Senate and House of Representatives? Did you know that the balance of power is up for grabs and with pro-life majorities in both chambers, we can not only STOP House Bill 51 again, but actually PASS pro-life legislation?

Friends: this is the year to vote values over party and to support candidates who will defend the unborn, strengthen families, and protect our First Amendment rights. In the coming months, we will let you know who those men and women are, and with your support, we will help usher in new leadership and direction for our state in 2021.

New Mexico is on the wrong track. We have been for some time. But be encouraged.

November is coming.

Dear Friends:

After months of television and radio ads, robocalls, political signs, and constant chatter about the election, we are now in the final stretch! With less than 5 days until Election Day—Tuesday, November 6—we are rapidly approaching the conclusion of what has been a busy and sometimes tumultuous election cycle.

Last week, the frontpage of the Santa Fe New Mexican featured a story about St. Anne Parish Catholic Church in Santa Fe. According to the article, some Santa Fe residents raised concerns about a sign above the church’s doors, encouraging parishioners to “Vote Pro-Life.” In response, Father Larry Brito, St. Anne’s pastor, stated, “If we were standing up for immigrants, nobody would complain. But when we stand up for others who have no voice, the 4,000 children a day who are killed by abortion, they complain. It would be a great disservice to be quiet during this holocaust.”

Then, over the weekend, the Santa Fe New Mexican and the Albuquerque Journal published a full-page advertisement that included a New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (NMCCB) statement on the “dignity of the human person from conception to natural death.” In the 2017 statement, the bishops expressed their firm opposition to abortion and physician-assisted suicide, stating, “Support for abortion or doctor-assisted suicide is not in accord with the teachings of the Church. These represent the direct taking of human life, and are always wrong.” Earlier this week, the NMCCB objected to the statement being used for “political advertising.”

These stories and others point to the frequent intersection of faith and politics, and the need for people of faith to vote in accordance with their faith—not their party.

So if you have not already voted, please do so this week or on Election Day, and please remember to VOTE CHRISTIAN!

Thank you again for exercising your civic responsibility and for standing with us in our efforts to defend and strengthen the family, life, and religious freedom!

Together in Christ,

Vince Torres
President and Executive Director

 

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” -Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV)

 “Prayer is the language that moves heaven. Voting is the language that will change New Mexico.”

Today, Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico proudly endorsed the following 15 candidates for the New Mexico House of Representatives.

Rep. David Adkins
District 29 (Bernalillo)

Brenda Boatman
District 23 (Bernalillo and Sandoval)

Rep. Cathrynn Brown
District 55 (Eddy)

Rep. Rebecca Dow
District 38 (Grant, Hidalgo, and Sierra)

Rep. David Gallegos
District 61 (Lea)

Ray Gallegos
District 17  (Bernalillo)

John Jones
District 30 (Bernalillo)

Rep. Rick Little
District 53  (Dona Ana and Otero)

Rep. Rod Montoya
District 1 (San Juan)

Rep. Greg Nibert
District 59 (Chaves and Lincoln)

Rep. Gregg Schmedes
District 22 (Bernalillo, Sandoval, and Santa Fe)

Lisa Shin
District 43 (Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, and Santa Fe)

Rep. James Strickler
District 2  (San Juan)

David Tofsted
District 36 (Dona Ana)

Martin Zamora
District 63 (Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Roosevelt, and San Miguel)

“At Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico, we take our endorsements very seriously,” said Vince Torres, Executive Director. “These men and women have all completed our thorough vetting process and we are confident that they will work with us to achieve our vision for New Mexico—a state where religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished. As you consider your vote in New Mexico’s general election on November 6, we encourage you to support these great candidates.”

Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico endorses candidates based on their voting records and/or responses to a Candidate Survey on topics related to family, life, and religious freedom. Statements of support for each candidate listed below.

Please note, Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico did not consider or survey candidates in all races. Therefore, the lack of an endorsement does not necessarily mean that a candidate does not share our stated values. If your candidates for State Representative are not listed, please visit their campaign websites or contact the candidates directly to inquire about their positions on the issues that matter most to you.

 

Statements of Support

 Representative David Adkins
District 29 (Bernalillo)

“As a veteran, pastor, and small business owner, Representative David Adkins is one of the most respected members of the House of Representatives. During his time at the State Capitol, he has demonstrated an ability to work across the aisle and has been a faithful champion for life and family. The citizens of House District 29 would be well served to send David back to Santa Fe for another term and we are proud to support his reelection.”

 Brenda Boatman
District 23 (Bernalillo and Sandoval)

“Brenda Boatman served our nation honorably in the U.S. Army and now she has answered the call to serve the people of District 23 in the New Mexico House of Representatives. Brenda’s leadership skills, life experience, and commitment to faith and family are attributes we desperately need in Santa Fe, and we are proud to support her campaign.”

 Representative Cathrynn Brown
District 55 (Eddy)

“Representative Cathrynn Brown is one of the most effective legislators in Santa Fe and the people of House District 55 are fortunate to have her. In addition to always putting the interests of her district first, Cathrynn has been a strong defender of life, family values, and religious freedom, and we are honored to support her reelection.”

 Representative Rebecca Dow
District 38 (Grant, Hidalgo, and Sierra)

Family Policy Foundation Statesmen Academy™, Class of 2018

“Since her election in 2016, Representative Rebecca Dow has represented the people of District 38 with great passion and integrity. As an education consultant, she has been a powerful voice for parents and families, and has demonstrated a willingness to work across the aisle to get things done. Rebecca is also a graduate of our Family Policy Foundation Statesmen Academy, and we are proud to support her reelection.”

 Representative David Gallegos
District 61 (Lea)

Family Policy Foundation Statesmen Academy™, Class of 2017

“There is not a stronger advocate for life and religious freedom in the House of Representatives than David Gallegos. In addition to leading the Legislative Prayer Caucus, David has been a faithful champion for pro-life legislation and an outspoken defender of our First Amendment rights. The citizens of House District 61 are blessed to have David in Santa Fe and we are honored to support his reelection.”

 Ray Gallegos
District 17 (Bernalillo)

“As a small business owner, family man, and native of the North Valley, Ray Gallegos is the best candidate to represent the people of House District 17. Ray’s leadership experience and his commitment to faith and family will make him an extremely valuable addition to the House of Representatives, and we are excited to support his candidacy. For pro-life and pro-family voters, the choice is clear. Vote Ray Gallegos for State Representative.”

 John Jones
District 30 (Bernalillo)

“Commander John Jones (U.S. Navy (Ret.)) served our nation for more than 20 years in the U.S. Navy and now he has answered the call to serve the people of District 30 in the New Mexico House of Representatives. As a legislator, John will provide the bold leadership we need to strengthen families, protect the dignity of human life, and defend our religious liberties. We are honored to support his campaign and we thank him for his many years of military service.”

 Representative Rick Little
District 53 (Dona Ana and Otero)

“While serving in the New Mexico House, Representative Rick Little has been one of our greatest champions for life. In addition to sponsoring key legislation to protect the unborn, Rick has worked diligently to strengthen parental rights and protect victims of sexual abuse and human trafficking. We need more legislators like Rick in public office and we encourage the people of District 53 to send him back to Santa Fe for another term.”

 Representative Rod Montoya
Minority Whip
District 1 (San Juan)

Family Policy Foundation Statesmen Academy™, Class of 2018

“Representative Rod Montoya is one of the most influential leaders in our state legislature and one of our greatest champions for strengthening families, defending life, and protecting religious freedom. From the moment he took office in 2015, Rod has exhibited bold leadership and a willingness to work across the aisle, without comprising on the issues that matter most. The people of House District 1 are fortunate to have Rod as their State Representative, and we are proud to support his reelection.”

 Representative Greg Nibert
District 59 (Chaves and Lincoln)

“Representative Greg Nibert is a widely respected member of the New Mexico House and we are proud to support his campaign. Since his election in 2016, Greg has been an active member of the Legislative Prayer Caucus and a faithful supporter of pro-life and pro-family legislation. The citizens of District 59 are well-represented with Greg in Santa Fe and we look forward to having him at the State Capitol for another term.”

 Representative Gregg Schmedes
District 22 (Bernalillo, Sandoval, and Santa Fe)

“The people of District 22 deserve a leader who shares and champions their values, and Representative Gregg Schmedes is that leader. As a legislator, Gregg will work across the aisle to ensure that the best ideas come forward, without compromising his core convictions regarding the sanctity of life and the importance of religious freedom. Gregg is a leader we can trust to represent not only the best interests of his district, but the best interests of New Mexico, and we are proud to support him.”

 Lisa Shin
District 43 (Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, and Santa Fe)

“As a longtime resident and businessowner in Los Alamos, Lisa Shin is the best candidate to represent the people of House District 43. Lisa’s leadership skills and experience as a small business owner, combined with her commitment to faith and family, will make her an extremely valuable addition to the House of Representatives, and we are proud to support her in this critical race.”

 Representative James Strickler
District 2 (San Juan)

“Representative James Strickler has been a stalwart of pro-family, pro-life, and pro-religious freedom efforts for years, and the people of House District 2 are fortunate to have him as their representative in Santa Fe. James’ experience and understanding of the legislative process is invaluable and we need more legislators like him in the New Mexico legislature. We are thankful for James’ years of public service and we are honored to support him for another term.”

 David Tofsted
District 36 (Dona Ana)

“For 36 years, David Tofsted served our state and nation as a Signal Corps officer with the U.S. Army, at White Sands Missile Range. Now he has answered the call to serve the people of District 36 in the New Mexico House of Representatives and we are pleased to support his candidacy. We need more legislators devoted to protecting the dignity of human life and strengthening the family, and David will be a welcomed addition to the New Mexico legislature.”

 Martin Zamora
District 63 (Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Roosevelt, and San Miguel)

“As a native rancher, farmer, and family man, Martin Zamora is the best candidate to represent the people of House District 63. Martin’s leadership experience, knowledge, and commitment to faith and family will make him a valuable addition to the House of Representatives, and we are proud to support his candidacy.”

 

Paid for by Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico

Today, Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico proudly endorsed Steve Pearce for Governor of New Mexico.

“At Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico, we are committed to promoting families, life, and religious freedom, and we are pleased to endorse Congressman Steve Pearce to serve as our state’s next governor,” said Vince Torres, Executive Director. “As a member of Congress, Steve has earned a 100-percent pro-life voting record, has supported parental rights, and has strongly supported protecting our First Amendment rights, including the freedom of religion. For pro-family, pro-life, and pro-religious freedom New Mexicans, the choice is clear. This November, vote Steve Pearce for governor

Steve Pearce has served in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than 13 years, representing New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District. Prior to running for public office, he was a small business owner and served our nation during Vietnam as a combat pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Steve has been married to his wife Cynthia  for 36 years, and together, they have one daughter and two grandchildren.

To access our gubernatorial Voter’s Guide, please click here.

Paid for by Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico