mailingstate
NM
Campaign Phone
505-450-8502
Occupation
Pastor and Business Owner
Filing County
Bernalillo
As a business owner, I understand what it takes to start a business, hire people, and make tough decisions. As a former legislator, I am not new to the intricacies of policy making, and the time it takes to build relationships and weigh the pros and cons of every decision while serving the public. Both my private and public experiences have provided a strong foundation for my ability to lead and make life better for my community on the Westside of Albuquerque.
My highest priorities will all follow strict parameters. Building relationships and creating alliances with the party in majority will be vital to getting good things done for my district. I will never forfeit my values, but if there are common issues where I can find support, then I will work with whoever I can to move the needle. We need strong leaders who execute, who deliver results, and who follow through.
New Mexico’s underground water is around 90% brackish (saline), so it requires treatment before consumption or irrigation. Investments are underway for various desalination projects, but more can be done to promote a true pathway for water security, including increased investments in ways to reuse produced water from oil and gas production, advanced nuclear reactor technology for desalination plant generation, and continued investment in wastewater treatment.
There are five questions. I will always ask when considering economic development projects. Number one: Is there an overall benefit to the New Mexican taxpayer? Number two: What are the continuing cost related to the project after completion? Number three: Will New Mexico businesses receive favor for the work related to the project? Number four: Is there a clear budget and timeline? Number five: Where possible, are there opportunities for public-private partnerships?
The immediate solution to allow better access to care is expanding compacts to ensure specialized healthcare practitioners are readily available, in person and via telehealth. I also believe in rewarding, healthy behavior through tax credits or tax deductions for qualifying expenses related to health and wellness, creating a culture of health. Medical malpractice still needs to work to allow us to compete with surrounding states, and we must look at ways to keep our medical students in New Mexico to alleviate the healthcare shortage among primary care and mental health.
mailingstate
NM
Campaign Phone
505-238-0595
Occupation
Consultant
Filing County
Bernalillo
I'm proud to have served this district as your Representative since 2022. My background in healthcare administration and tribal governance has uniquely prepared me to navigate complex systems and advocate for meaningful policy changes that benefit all New Mexicans. During my time in the Roundhouse, I have remained focused on expanding healthcare access and improving public safety. I am committed to being a transparent and accountable voice for House District 68, ensuring our government is responsive to the needs of every family.
I'm honored to be a member of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee, where I’ve worked to ensure our state budget reflects our values as New Mexicans.
My focus remains on achieving tangible results for our community, such as the interstate medical compacts I helped pass to expand healthcare and mental health access for New Mexico families.
I am also committed to addressing public safety by passing common-sense legislation that prioritizes accountability and protects our neighborhoods. Additionally, I continue to advocate for the sustainable management of our water resources to protect our future.
Addressing New Mexico’s future water needs requires a shift from reactive management to long-term stewardship. In the legislature, I advocate for modernizing our state’s water infrastructure and securing the funding necessary to protect our aquifers. My work on the House Appropriations and Finance Committee is focused on ensuring our budget reflects the urgency of this crisis. We must prioritize sustainable conservation, improve data-driven mapping of our water resources, and foster collaboration between state, local, and tribal governments.
When evaluating large economic development projects, the legislature should move beyond simple job counts and focus on long-term community health. Resource sustainability is the most critical factor in our climate, as no project justifies compromising the water security of our communities or future generations. We must also prioritize job quality by supporting projects that offer living wages, comprehensive benefits, and enforceable commitments to hire New Mexicans first.
Furthermore, the impact on local infrastructure like roads and utilities must be addressed through clear mitigation plans so that existing residents do not subsidize private growth. Every proposal requires a rigorous and transparent analysis of the public benefit.
We did a lot of work last session -- passing interstate medical compacts and addressing medical malpractice. We must continue prioritizing incentives that make New Mexico truly competitive for recruiting and retaining doctors. While the compacts have streamlined the licensing process for out-of-state physicians, professional recruitment remains a critical challenge in our rural landscape. We need to expand state-funded loan repayment programs and specialized incentives for medical students who commit to practicing in high-need areas. We also need to expand telehealth.
