Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

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.

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • 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 Mailing Address P.O. Box 27724
Albuquerque, NM 87125-7724
Campaign Email HerndonForNM@gmail.com
Campaign Phone 505-205-0868
Campaign Website http://PamelyaHerndon.com
Occupation Attorney
Filing County Bernalillo
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 that all children have access to a quality education, that economic opportunities are available in various professions, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare, with a special emphasis on behavioral healthcare. I am a strong proponent of providing access to internships and apprenticeships for students. I work to provide access to quality, affordable housing in collaboration with city and county programs. I also focus attention on ensuring that there is a viable infrastructure program to protect access to water, in New Mexico. I address these priorities by fostering collaborative policies with other governmental entities that support lifting the well-being of the people of New Mexico.
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 and usage of water needed to implement the project. 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 program 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.
mailingstate NM
Campaign Mailing Address PO Box 11173
Albuquerque, NM 87192
Campaign Email olsonbj9@gmail.com
Campaign Website http://Olson4NM.com
Occupation Retired US Air Force/ USDA Forest Service
Filing County Bernalillo
Trusted at 21 to safeguard national security resources, I learned to make sound decisions under pressure. My Air Force service managing millions in assets built real-world problem-solving skills. Living in Japan taught me to bridge cultural differences, leading me to pursue an MBA in Global Management. My Forest Service work interpreting federal regulations strengthened my analytical judgment. I’ll bring discipline, openness, and commitment to Santa Fe for the people of New Mexico.
I support a Three Strikes Law for violent crimes, firearm offenses, and sexual abuse of minors, with life without parole meaning exactly that. Juveniles who commit heinous crimes should face adult consequences. We need real deterrence. I support a full independent audit of state spending, and a citizen rebate from natural resources. Federal–state cooperation is vital for infrastructure and safety, but local communities should guide resource management.
Upgrade drainage to prevent stormwater pollution. Require non-potable water for public landscaping and drought-resistant plants at public buildings. Enforce existing fines for public waste. Increase R&D and incentives for efficient agricultural irrigation. Expand rainwater storage to support aquifers. Improve access to salvage yards to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste.
Who will fund the project—taxpayers, bonds, or the developer? Can current infrastructure support it, including schools, medical care, emergency services, traffic, and utilities? Does it maintain quality of life and offer returns through jobs and revenue? Are similar businesses nearby or empty structures that could be reused? Has the community been consulted, and does the project meet environmental and local compliance standards?
New Mexico’s malpractice system should protect patients without punishing good doctors. I support a review committee to investigate questionable claims, reform tort actions, and reduce high insurance rates. We must invest in our workforce with loan forgiveness for NM-trained students and support for rural doctors, including housing and education incentives, while expanding training and residency slots to attract more providers.