Democrats Showed Up in Mescalero +

Pre-Primary Results

By: Jacob Trujillo, Chair

This weekend, Democrats from across New Mexico came together for the Democratic Party of New Mexico’s Pre-Primary Convention — one of the most important steps in our state’s election process.

These conventions matter. They bring together grassroots Democrats and the candidates who want to represent us, giving delegates the chance to hear directly from them, ask questions, and ultimately decide who moves forward to the ballot. It’s a reminder that our party is built from the ground up by people who care enough to participate.

The energy this weekend was undeniable!

Hundreds of delegates gathered in person, with hundreds more joining on Zoom to take part in the proceedings. From federal races to key state contests, Democrats across New Mexico showed real enthusiasm for the work ahead and the leaders stepping up to run.

Bernalillo County showed up in a big way. We had nearly 400 delegates participating, making up almost 40% of the vote at the convention. That level of engagement speaks to the strength of Democrats right here at home and the important role our county plays in shaping the direction of our party.

Results of the 2026 DPNM Pre-Primary Convention

An asterisk indicates candidates who qualified for the ballot through the pre-primary convention delegate vote.

U.S. Senate

Ben Ray Luján* — 866 votes (85.91%)

Matt Dodson — 142 votes (14.09%)

U.S. House of Representatives

Congressional District 1

Melanie Stansbury* — 415 votes (100%)

Congressional District 2

Gabe Vasquez* — 255 votes (100%)

Congressional District 3

Teresa Leger Fernandez* — 320 votes (100%)

Governor

Deb Haaland* — 733 votes (73.52%)

Sam Bregman* — 264 votes (26.48%)

Lieutenant Governor

Maggie Toulouse Oliver* — 586 votes (58.37%)

Harold Pope Jr.* — 418 votes (41.63%)

Attorney General

Raúl Torrez* — 1000 votes (100%)

Secretary of State

Katharine Clark* — 460 votes (46.18%)

Amanda López Askin* — 357 votes (35.84%)

Sonya Smith — 179 votes (17.97%)

State Treasurer

Laura M. Montoya* — 968 votes (100%)

State Auditor

Joseph Maestas* — 990 votes (100%)

Commissioner of Public Lands

Juan De Jesus Sanchez* — 552 votes (55.81%)

Matthew McQueen* — 366 votes (37.01%)

Jonas Moya — 71 votes (7.18%)

NM Court of Appeals Judge

Kris Houghton* — 985 votes (100%)

Candidates who did not receive at least 20% of the vote are still able to qualify for the Democratic primary ballot by submitting additional petition signatures. In addition to ballot qualification, the Pre-Primary Convention vote also determines ballot placement.

Now the focus turns to the primary election on June 2nd. Our candidates will continue making their case to voters across the state, and Democrats will have the final say.

And when that choice is made, we’ll do what Democrats do best: come together. Whoever voters send forward to the general election will have a united party behind them — ready to organize, ready to fight for our values, and ready to win big in November.

Flash Sale for Spring Gala Tickets!

Since we had such a great convention, we want to keep the energy up and see each other again soon!

This is your last chance to get $75 tickets.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

Among other huge wins in the legislative session, New Mexico House and Senate Democrats delivered on justice and public safety by passing HB9, the immigrant safety act, which ensures that local communities focus on protecting their people rather than assisting the Trump administrations radical and hateful immigration crackdown. This bill prohibits local governments from entering deals with ICE and requires current contracts to be eliminated. This bill will protect civil rights, justice and our communities as a whole while also strengthening the trust with public services. 

HB9 has now become law with the signature of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham!

Thank your lawmakers for their action!

Claim: Trump pledged to bring gasoline prices below $2 a gallon, saying it would “bring down the price of everything from electricity rates to groceries, airfares, and housing costs.”

Why it’s false: Trump’s reckless decision to launch a devastating war against Iran complete with airstrikes and the assassination of its supreme leader—has sent global oil markets into chaos, directly causing U.S. gas prices to surge. As of March 9, 2026, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline stands at $3.48, a sharp increase of nearly 17% since the conflict began, far from the bargain-basement levels he promised and a painful reminder of how his aggressive foreign policy prioritizes conflict over American families’ wallets, a liar telling his lies. 

To us, a party is more than a cheerleader. We should listen to the communities we claim to represent and champion a platform and resolutions that meet the demands of our base. This section will dissect our Party Platform and Resolutions into weekly, bite-sized pieces.

At this year’s convention, delegates are also considering policy resolutions brought forward from the floor.

These resolutions reflect ongoing conversations within our party about how Democrats strengthen our institutions, improve public services, and address long-term challenges facing New Mexico. Their fate will be decided over the coming days and we will report back what the body decides.

Among them is “The People’s Primary”, which aims to reduce, to the greatest extent possible, the use of massive private wealth to buy or unduly influence our primary elections.

Another resolution, “No to Blackstone’s Proposed Acquisition of PNM; Yes to Public Power & the People’s Management of Resources in the Commons” raises questions about private equity ownership of utilities and the role of public power in the state’s energy future.

Delegates are also reviewing “The State of New Mexico Must Create a Transit Fund” which calls for dedicated funding to expand and sustain public transit systems across urban and rural communities.

In healthcare, “Addressing Root Causes of Healthcare Worker Shortages” focuses on structural factors affecting the state’s medical workforce and access to care. Finally, “State Payer Health Insurance” explores the potential for a publicly administered health insurance model at the state level.

Together, these resolutions represent the kinds of important policy debates that help shape the priorities and direction of Democrats across New Mexico.

If passed, it allows organizers within the party to use them as a sign of party support when discussing the issues with lawmakers. If failed, our state party will not take a formal stance on these issues. 

The DPBC County Central Committee approved all five resolutions in October of 2025.

Talk with us! What are your thoughts? Whether you just have a few sentences or an opinion piece you want to submit, submit it for review at info@bernalillodems.org.

Submissions:

Jacob T.: "Thank GOD that Kristi Noem is gone, but that doesn't mean she is free from the crimes she committed."


Carol T.: "I loved the convention this weekend. It was so pretty out there and seeing so many Democrats was amazing. I felt like I had real power by voting and can't wait to see what we do this year."


Democrats, we encourage you to submit your events! Events and community announcements are displayed in chronological order with no preference in a Democratic primary.

Event submission deadline: Events submitted after 5 p.m. Friday will not appear in the following Tuesday's Blue Review."

Bookmark our new calendar: https://events.bernalillodems.org/

Be sure to check it for the most up-to-date information.

TGIF with West Side Dems

Come on out for a relaxing & fun time with the West Side Democrats. We welcome new comers!

Friday, March 13th, 2026

6-8 PM

Neighbors Westside Bar & Grill

2101 Vista Oeste NW

Legislative Recap - Town Hall

Join Westside Albuquerque legislators for discussion of the 2026 legislative session.

Don Newton-Taylor Ranch Community Center

Saturday, March 14, 10 am

SD15 & HD25 Town Hall

Sen. Heather Berghmans and Rep.Cristina Parajón will be presenting on the legislation that passed in the 2026 30-day session.

Saturday, March 14th, 11:00am-12:30PM

5000 San Mateo Blvd NE (ABQ Goodwill Center)

WSD Anti-Fascist Action Group

There are moments in history when neighbors gather not just to talk—but to stand up for the values that built our communities: democracy, dignity, and the courage to speak when something isn’t right. This is one of those moments.

Join us for a community conversation on standing together against the rise of fascism. Through shared ideas, thoughtful discussion, and collective action, we can strengthen the democratic traditions that generations before us fought hard to protect. When people come together, listen to one another, and organize with purpose, real change begins.

📅 When: Sunday, March 15

⏰ Time: 11:30 AM

📍 Where: Weck’s (just north of Montaño)

6311 Riverside Plaza Lane NW, Albuquerque

Bring your voice, your ideas, and your commitment to building a stronger, more democratic community. History has always moved forward because ordinary people chose not to stay silent. Now it’s our turn.

Recurring Events:

Help Dominic La Fayette Get on The Ballot

Time is short — we have only one week left to gather the required signatures.

In New Mexico, voters have the power to decide who appears on the ballot for District Court Judge. Signing the petition does not obligate you to vote for anyone. It simply ensures that the community has a choice.

If you believe judicial candidates should earn their place on the ballot through the support of the people, please consider signing the petition to nominate Dominic Levi La Fayette for District Court Judge (Children’s Court).

For More information about the candidate please visit ---> https://www.lafayetteforjudge.com/

Sign the Petition Here ---> https://www.electronicpetitions.elections.sos.nm.gov/dominic-la-fayette

Help Judge Houghton Qualify For Public Financing

TIME IS RUNNING OUT! Help Judge Kris Houghton qualify for public financing today at https://www.electronicpetitions.elections.sos.nm.gov/petition

It takes JUST ONE MINUTE to submit your $5 qualifying contribution online.

Help Judge Diana Garcia Qualify For Public Financing

TIME IS RUNNING OUT! Help Judge Diana Garcia qualify for public financing today at https://www.electronicpetitions.elections.sos.nm.gov/petition

It takes JUST ONE MINUTE to submit your $5 qualifying contribution online.

WSD Anti-Fascist Action Group

Join us to read and discuss books that deal with various forms of fascism. Through knowledge, we may identify and learn to combat current repressive actions.

Our Community Our Voice - NE Heights Dems

Every Thursday, the corner of Paseo del Norte & Ventura NE (by Trader Joe’s and Albertsons) becomes more than just pavement — it becomes the people’s pulpit. From Noon to 1 PM, voices rise, signs lift, and hearts unite under one banner: Our Community, Our Voices!

We’re not just protesting — we’re proclaiming.

We’re saying no to tyranny, no to cruelty, and YES to the enduring promise that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth.

Bring your passion, your poster, and your presence. Whether you’ve marched a thousand times or never before — this is your moment to stand tall, speak loud, and show that Albuquerque’s NE Heights has fire in its soul and love in its purpose.

Because when neighbors gather, democracy breathes again. 🌹💙

Weekly Anti-Trump Neighborhood Protests

Tuesday and Saturday anti-Trump protests at Juan Tabo and Montgomery NE. Tuesdays is sponsored by Indivisible and Saturdays has not been going on as long and is growing. 

Resist Tyranny Tuesday

IABQ supports this weekly rally organized by our sister Indivisible group in Sandoval County. Join us Saturday mornings! 

WHEN: Saturdays, 10 to 11:30 AM

WHERE: Intersection of HWY 550 and HWY 528 in Bernalillo

**ORGANIZED BY SANDOVAL COUNTY INDIVISIBLE AND SANDOVAL DEMS**

Follow us on social media for DPBC updates, local politics info, and fun videos.

Stay current with what's going on in the party by bookmarking these websites.