Every election cycle, Equality New Mexico listens to our community and lifts up leaders who will take our voices with them into office. Our endorsements are not just about politics; they are about action, values, and commitment. We’re proud to stand with candidates who have proven, or who show real potential, to fight for Queer and Trans liberation and to lead with dignity, equality, and justice for all LGBTQ New Mexicans.
The Equality New Mexico endorsement process is simple, but effective:
Candidates apply to be endorsed.
They go through an interview process.
The independent endorsement committee recommends candidates to the Board of Directors.
The Board unanimously votes on which candidates to endorse.
But what’s taken into account when choosing candidates to endorse?
Elected officials don’t determine what our communities need. New Mexico’s LGBTQ community knows what they need, and they’re the people who should be at the table when decisions that will impact them are made. For a candidate to be endorsed, they must show that they’ll prioritize not only advocating for our community, but listening to and valuing their feedback.
You may be wondering: how do we know if a candidate values LGBTQ voices? For our endorsement to be issued, the candidate must have a history of fighting for and supporting Queer and Trans New Mexicans. If the candidate is running for office for the first time, we need to hear and see potential in their stances on issues impacting LGBTQ New Mexicans.
New Mexico policy and advocacy is rooted in our shared morals of freedom, equality, dignity, and compassion. If a candidate shows that they align with those values, and proves it through their work, it’s likely that we’ll support them.
We’re so excited to be supporting this year’s amazing endorsees! From rural New Mexico City Council elections to mayoral races, we’re confident that our Endorsees will carry our values with them and keep Queer and Trans New Mexicans in mind no matter what table they’re sitting at.
Las Cruces held our first announced slate of candidates this year, four Champions who have not only held the line but pushed it forward, protecting and affirming LGBTQ communities in schools and outside of them.
The capitol of New Mexico; Santa Fe has been an emblem of LGBTQ support for years, and we are proud to support candidates who will continue to uphold and further develop that standard.
Albuquerque, the most populous city in our state, holds plenty of fierce identities and strong values - this is true for its candidate as well as those who call it home.
While not all of these endorsement decisions were easy, we put our trust in those who volunteer their time to participate in our endorsement committee alongside our Board of Directors to vote in the best possible way for the health of our organization and the broader Queer and Trans communities of New Mexico.
As exciting as endorsements can be, we also understand that sometimes community members disagree with the candidates we choose to endorse. We encourage our community to vote for the people they believe will protect and fight for them. Equality New Mexico will never waver in the fact that we endorse based on true commitment to Queer and Trans liberation in New Mexico, and we value action over words.
“Our decision to endorse Alex Uballez, and not Tim Keller for Albuquerque Mayor is purely based on action and commitment. While we applaud the work that Keller has done for Albuquerque, we also must acknowledge the fact that, time and time again, he has failed to listen to LGBTQ New Mexicans when making decisions that impact them. Queer and Trans New Mexicans know what they need, and Keller’s decisions have not reflected those needs, making him ineligible for an endorsement from Equality New Mexico. ”
