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State Representative District 28

State Representatives sit in the New Mexico House of Representatives, which is the lower house of New Mexico. Representatives introduce and vote on proposed laws, serve on legislative committees, and participate in hearings, floor debates, fact-finding and investigations. They also may assist constituents with issues and problems the constituents may have with government agencies within New Mexico. Term: Two years; no term limits.

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  • Candidate picture

    PAMELYA PAULETTE HERNDON
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    BRENDA J OLSON
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

1. What qualifies you for this office?

2. How would you address your highest priorities?

3. How should the legislature address future water needs in an increasingly arid state?

4. What criteria should be applied when considering proposed large economic development projects?

5. What more can be done to ensure that residents have adequate access to health care in your district?

mailingstate NM
Campaign Email HerndonForNM@gmail.com
Occupation Attorney
Filing County Bernalillo
Campaign Website http://PamelyaHerndon.com
I am qualified to hold the position of State Representative for House District 28 in New Mexico due to my extensive experience in law, public service, and community advocacy. My background as an attorney provides me with a solid understanding of legislative processes and legal frameworks, while my involvement in various civic organizations demonstrates my commitment to serving the needs of my constituents. Additionally, my prior leadership roles in non-profit and governmental organizations have equipped me with the skills necessary to effectively represent and advocate for a variety of interests and needs when they arise in my legislative district.
My highest priorities focus on ensuring all children have access to a quality education, and economic opportunities are available to everyone. I help address systemic issues of juvenile crime by providing access to internship and apprenticeship programs and by helping students know they are a valued part of our community. I work to ensure every person has equal access to healthcare, with special emphasis on accessing behavioral healthcare. I am a strong proponent of working with city and county officials to help individuals have access to quality, affordable housing. I focus on ensuring there are viable infrastructure platforms in place to protect access to water in New Mexico. I work to keep our communities safe and walkable.
To address future water needs in New Mexico, the legislature must continue to develop and expand water reuse programs. We must encourage efficient irrigation practices, and support the development of drought-resistant crops. Additionally, the legislature must ensure equitable access to clean water for all communities, while collaborating with local communities throughout the state to promote responsible management of existing water resources and repairing infrastructure as soon as defects are discovered. These strategies will help protect public health, support economic growth, and safeguard access to clean water for generations in the future.
When evaluating large economic development projects, we must first consider the project’s potential impact on local employment and job creation. Next, the environmental effects of the project must be carefully considered with a strong emphasis on examining the amount of water needed to implement the project, and the usage of water after the project is implemented. The project must be developed with an intentional focus on preserving natural resources. Finally, the project must align with long-term community goals and must provide fair access to all communities, households and individuals.
We must first find ways to encourage doctors who are completing their medical residency programs or their fellowship programs to stay in New Mexico, after graduation. We must expand the network of community clinics and mobile health units that are available throughout the state. We must focus on increasing funding for behavioral health services and telemedicine initiatives that will help address gaps in care, particularly for those individuals facing transportation challenges. We must collaborate with local organizations to provide outreach, education, and enrollment assistance in health insurance programs. We must continue to support programs that help individuals pay the rising cost of health insurance premiums.
mailingstate NM
Campaign Email olsonbj9@gmail.com
Occupation Retired US Air Force/ USDA Forest Service
Filing County Bernalillo
Campaign Website http://Olson4NM.com
At 20, I began a service career in the U.S. Air Force, earning an FBI Top Secret security clearance. I maintained B-52 aircraft and missile integration systems, protected classified information, managed training and deployments, wrote government contracts, improved technical manuals, and taught safety and security requirements. Two years in Japan taught me to build relationships, solve problems, and work across cultures. While working full time, I earned an MBA in Global Management. I later served with the U.S. Forest Service, interpreting regulations affecting more than 60,000 employees and turning complex requirements into practical solutions. I bring discipline, accountability, teamwork, and a results-driven approach to public service.
Crime: I support a real “Three Strikes” law for repeat offenses, especially violent crimes, sexual abuse, and crimes against minors. Life without parole should mean life, not release after 30 years. Juveniles who commit heinous crimes should face adult consequences. I support stronger victims’ rights protections against repeat offenders. Accountability: Require a full, independent audit of state spending and transparent individual income reporting by legislators. Eliminate the GRT, and provide oil and gas resource rebates to adult New Mexico residents. CYFD: Put child safety first, separate neglected children from juvenile offenders, improve facilities and foster care, and strengthen independent oversight. Children are New Mexico’s future.
New Mexico and local governments must take primary responsibility for conservation, watershed restoration, drainage maintenance, and water infrastructure. Federal agencies should provide funding, technical assistance, and support—not replace local decision-making. Employ seasonal workers to clear culverts and drainage systems after fires, reducing flash floods, mudflows, and erosion. Invest in local restoration and erosion-control strategies. Require non-potable water for public landscaping, and enforce fines for violations. Use the General Fund to replace outdated infrastructure, reduce leaks, prevent failures and sinkholes, and expand water harvesting and aquifer recharge. Work with Congress to explore desalination opportunities.
Who will fund the project—taxpayers, bonds, private investors, or the developer? Can existing infrastructure support it, including schools, medical care, emergency services, roads, traffic, and utilities? Will the project protect our quality of life while providing meaningful returns through jobs, economic activity, and tax revenue? Are similar businesses already operating nearby, or are there vacant buildings and existing structures that could be reused instead of adding unnecessary development? Does it meet environmental requirements and local planning, zoning, and safety standards? Most importantly, has the community been given a meaningful opportunity to participate in the decision?
New Mexico’s malpractice system should protect patients without punishing good doctors. I support a review of malpractice claims through an independent process, reform tort actions, and place reasonable limits on attorney fees. Expand healthcare across state lines, and reduce licensing requirements. Invest in our healthcare workforce by expanding training and residency opportunities, provide loan-forgiveness programs for local students who practice here, and offer incentives to attract healthcare professionals in underserved communities. Eliminate the GRT on medical costs and make medical expenses fully tax deductible. We need to build accessible mental health facilities throughout the state to deal with the mental health crisis.