What's Next? A Peak at Q2 of 2026 | |
Hey Bern Co Dems,
Its Jacob :) Happy St. Patricks Day!
The pre-primary convention was an incredible display of energy and commitment from Democrats across New Mexico, but it’s only the beginning. Our focus now turns to building the foundation for a strong 2026.
March is busy and critical. First, the No Kings Rally is coming up, and DPBC will help amplify it by sharing graphics and updates so everyone can participate. In preparation, we’re hosting a Sign-Making Party on March 26, two days before the march, at DPNM Headquarters (4013 Silver Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108). Supplies will be available, and special VIPs will join to energize volunteers. We’ve also received a volunteer request from our Chair Emerita, Flora Lucero, whose leadership continues to inspire.
If you are free on 3/28 and can help Flora build out her volunteer team, please reach out to her at ftlucero2010@gmail.com! We are looking for Peacekeepers, Parking Attendants, Chant Group participants.
After March, we turn inward. Throughout April, we will finish internal work and strengthen resources to ensure every ward and precinct is ready. Then, in May, we kick off campaign season with our Spring Gala(TICKETS ARE GOING FAST! BUY THEM HERE NOW), followed immediately by weeks of trainings for ward chairs, precinct chairs, and volunteers, equipping our grassroots network with the tools to organize effectively and connect campaigns directly with voters through events and monthly meetings.
Each of these steps is essential—they energize our base, build community connections, and show that democracy is something we create together every day. The road to 2026 is just beginning, and Bernalillo County Democrats are ready to organize, prepare, and win.
| | New Mexico Democrats passed House Bill 99, a major reform to the state’s medical malpractice system aimed at keeping doctors in New Mexico and improving access to care. The bill creates clear caps on punitive damages in malpractice cases and reforms how those claims are handled, helping reduce insurance costs for providers while still protecting patients who are harmed. By stabilizing the legal environment for doctors and hospitals, HB 99 helps attract and retain more health care providers in our state—so families don’t have to wait months to see a doctor. That means better access to care, stronger rural hospitals, and a health system that works for New Mexicans. | | |
SAVE Act: Republican Lie vs. Reality
What Republicans/Trump Claim: "Common-sense ID to stop rampant non-citizen voting – like showing ID to fly. No big deal, just protects elections."
Bill Reality: Requires rare docs (passport/birth cert) for registration, overrides easy state methods, forces in-person submission, and audits rolls – not like basic voter ID.
Actual Impact: Non-citizen voting is rare (dozens of cases, not millions). But it burdens 21M+ citizens lacking docs, suppresses turnout (esp. minorities, young, low-income), and risks purges. Framing as "no-brainer security" ignores the disenfranchisement.
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Every week, we will dive into our party platform, our resolutions, or big topics and take a stand.
Week of March 17th: Ward Chair Lora Lucero on the People’s Primary Resolution
Our Actions Must Match Our Ideals
Democrats believe that every person matters. All New Mexicans should have an equal voice in how we are governed. We call out the disproportionate influence by rich and powerful special interests on our government. We affirm the ties of unity and inclusion that bind us together as one human family. (Introduction to DPNM Platform)
The Democratic Party of New Mexico (DPNM) has strong words to match our aspiring values, and thanks to the People’s Primary Resolution passed in October 2025 by the forward-looking Democrats in the Bernalillo County Central Committee, we now have an opportunity to align our actions with our values.
In December, DPNM Chair Sara Attleson appointed an Ad Hoc Committee to draft the People’s Primary Pledge Resolution, along with a draft People’s Primary Rule, to reduce, to the greatest extent possible, the use of massive private wealth to buy or unduly influence our primary elections. We are following in the footsteps of Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) who reached a pact with then-Senator Scott Brown in January 2012 they called “The People’s Pledge” – an agreement that required either candidate’s campaign to make a charitable donation any time an outside group spent money on advertising in the race. (MassLive) More recently, the Democratic Party of Arizona (see here) and the DNC (see here) have taken up the idea. And we’re in good company with the Congressional Progressive Caucus (both Rep. Stansbury and Leger-Fernandez are CPC members) who issued this press release on March 3rd in support of getting big money out of our Democratic Primaries --
“Two years ago, 150 billionaire families spent nearly $2 billion to purchase candidates and influence our elections. With unprecedented outside spending from super pacs, dark money organizations, and misleading “shell pacs” already underway in the 2026 congressional primaries, we cannot afford to wait any longer to rid our party of the corrupting influence of Big Money. The time is now for the Democratic Party to lead by example and demonstrate that our party rejects the cynical efforts of a small group of powerful corporations and corrupt billionaires to continue rigging the rules of our elections and our economy at the expense of working families.”
We will not disarm or weaken any Democrat because neither our resolution nor the draft rule applies to the General Elections. Working class voters should have no doubt that the candidates chosen in our primaries are not beholden to the same billionaires and corporations that are exploiting and hurting them. To strengthen our party’s brand, win back trust from our voters, and empower our party to win elections and govern to deliver for the working class, the DPNM must act to confront the crisis of big money corrupting our democracy within the arena under our direct authority: our primary elections.
The Delegates to the DPNM Pre-Primary Convention are now reviewing the People’s Primary Pledge Resolution, and the DPBC Resolutions Committee will be hosting a virtual forum on Wednesday 3/18 at 7pm where your questions and concerns will be addressed. All New Mexico Democrats are welcomed. Here’s the zoom link. On a parallel track, the DPNM Rules Committee will be asked to review the draft People’s Primary Rule. Please consider adding your name on our endorsement sign-on form and help us build momentum to get big money out of future NM Democratic Primaries.
| | 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. | | |
The Young Democrats of America Indigenous Caucus is raising support to bring Native youth leaders to the Young Democrats of America & DNC Spring Meeting in New Orleans, April 9–11. This national gathering is where important conversations about policy, leadership, and the future of our party take place—and Indigenous voices must be part of that conversation.
For generations, Native communities have fought to protect our sovereignty, our lands, our cultures, and our rights. Today, a new generation of Indigenous leaders is stepping forward to continue that work. By helping us travel to New Orleans, you are investing in the leadership development of young Native advocates who will represent Tribal nations, raise the issues that matter to Indigenous communities, and ensure our voices are heard on a national stage.
Your support helps cover lodging and meals making it possible for young Indigenous leaders from across the country to attend and participate fully. Every contribution—large or small—helps strengthen Indigenous representation and empowers the next generation of leaders.
When Native youth are present in the rooms where decisions are made, our communities are stronger and our future becomes brighter.
Together, let’s lift Indigenous voices, honor our ancestors, and open the door for the leaders of tomorrow. The journey to New Orleans is more than a trip—it’s a step toward a future where Native leadership is seen, heard, and respected everywhere.
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ydaindigenous
| | Announcement from Jacob Trujillo | | |
Friends, neighbors, and community members,
Please join us today in supporting Jacob as he steps forward to run for Public Education Commission District 3. Strong public education begins with strong community voices, and your support today helps move that mission forward.
We invite you to sign Jacob’s petition and help place his name on the ballot.
Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Deadline Time: Before 4:00 PM
Link: https://www.electronicpetitions.elections.sos.nm.gov/jacob-trujillo
Your signature is more than ink on a page—it is a commitment to the future of our schools, our students, and the generations yet to come. Every movement begins with a small but meaningful step, and today that step is simply showing up and signing.
Bring a friend, spread the word, and stand with Jacob as he works to strengthen public education for District 3.
Together, we can build a brighter future for New Mexico’s students.
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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.
| | West Side Democrats monthly meeting welcomes Leon Howard, NM ACLU Executive Director. | | Rethinking Housing for a Fossil Fuel-Free Future | Imagine living in an affordable, healthy, and comfortable home powered by clean energy with no utility bills or toxic indoor fumes. Join 350 New Mexico and the New Mexico Solar Energy Association when they host a talk about these beautiful homes and the evolving science of low carbon buildings by Taos Zero Energy Designer Joaquin Karcher. He designed the first certified passive house in New Mexico, co-authored the New Mexico Earthen Materials Building code which was adopted internationally and has designed homes in Germany, New Mexico, Arizona and the Navajo Nation. For more information and to register for the Monday, March 23, 2026 6:30 PM ZOOM meeting visit: https://350newmexico.org/calendar/ | | |
Join us for our campaign kickoff to reelect Representative Yanira Gurrola!
With SPECIAL GUEST - Hon. Deb Haaland
Wednesday, March 25, 6:30 PM
RSVP: bit.ly/yanira25mar
| | Post Legislative Session Town Hall | |
What: Post-Legislative Session Town Hall
When: Thursday, March 26th, 2026 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Where: Robert F Kennedy High School, 4300 Blake Rd. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121
Join our Southwest Legislators Representative Patricia Roybal Caballero (HD-13) and Senator Linda Lopez (SD-11) as they engage with constituents about the outcome of the 2026 Legislative Session. Hear more about their work: what passed, what failed, and what they intend on continuing to build towards. Come with questions, comments, and participate in these important conversations. Light refreshments will be provided.
*For ADA accommodation requests or accessibility inquiries, please contact Nicole Maestas at 505-946-5613 or Nicole.Maestas@nmlegis.gov no later than March 22, 2026.
| | 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
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Help Judge Houghton Qualify For Public Financing | | 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. | | |
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**
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