Republican Candidate Nella Dominici is rallying behind a state she says in “crisis” on many fronts, eager to bring her high-level financial experience and dedication to public service to the U.S. Senate.
An Albuquerque native and third-generation New Mexican, Domenici is running in the Nov. 5 Senate race against Democrat incumbent Martin Heinrich and offers extensive business experience, having served as CFO for Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund, among other senior positions, her website bio said. The wife of a Navy veteran, she’s the mother of two children and four stepchildren and has lived in the same community with husband Pat for roughly 20 years.
As a testament to her hard work, she paid her way through night school at Georgetown Law and then Harvard Business School, graduating as a Baker Scholar in the top 5% of her class, the bio said.
Domenici recently took a break from the campaign trail for an interview with New Mexico Sun on her vision for the state. Though this is her first public office experience, Domenici considers herself endowed with strong qualities, no small part from her upbringing as one of eight children.
“Growing up money was tight, so it was expected that we all pitched in the ways we could…. I learned the value of hard work, education and public service,” she said. From her family and its altruism, she decided to pursue a career in politics and specifically the U.S. Senate. She explains, “All my family members are passionate and dedicated to giving back to their communities. Collectively, they have inspired me to serve. My father, who dedicated his entire career to public service, was a formidable role model.”
She also mentioned her namesake, her father’s sister, Sister Marianella, principal of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Albuquerque; her sister Paula, a Ph.D., who works with disabled veterans; and her brother David, who sees to the education of incarcerated juveniles.
Responding to a ‘crisis’
“I decided to run for Senate because New Mexico is in a crisis. …. Soaring crime, failing education, unaffordable cost-of-living increases, and an open and lawless border,” she said. “The state is ready for and needs new leadership that will demand dramatic change. I am ready for that role.”
Besides lessons learned through family and education, Domenici offers experience in finance and leadership at major firms, including not only Bridgewater, but Citadel and Credit Suisse First Boston.
She sees this as an asset in transforming New Mexico into a place where businesses and families can grow and thrive.
“Our failing education, healthcare and criminal justice systems, as well as Biden/Heinrich high interest rate environment and heavy regulatory environment are making it extremely difficult to locate and prosper in New Mexico. I am a businesswoman who will make New Mexico a state where businesses can prosper,” she said.
Drawing upon her expertise in financial order and accountability, she plans to bring fiscal stability to the federal budget, saying: “A country can’t continue to run $1.7 trillion annual deficits and expect to have a world-class economy.”
To overcome challenges, she can draw from her life experiences while working as a CFO at Bridgewater Associates.
“One of the biggest challenges that I faced, and one of the most rewarding experiences, was prioritizing motherhood while moving up in one of the most rigorous industries in the country. I graduated from Harvard Business School while nine months pregnant with my daughter, and I wanted to set an example for her as I began my career in finance. I went on to serve as the chief financial officer (CFO) at Bridgewater Associates and Dataminr, but my most cherished title was always Mom."
‘Failing’ education
Identifying New Mexico's “failing” public education system as a problem dear to her heart, Domenici said.
“My husband and I recognized this years ago and worked with a bipartisan group to invest in world-class charter schools that put students and families first and ensure children of all economic and social backgrounds are able to reach their full potential.”
They also worked to launch the Excellent Schools New Mexico program, which recognizes entrepreneurial spirit, talent and innovation in New Mexico educators and leaders. “Since then, some of our charter schools have boasted over 90% graduation rates, high attendance rates, and in large part, consistently outperform their peers in critical subjects like reading and math,” she said.
Primary issues
Identifying other key issues, Domenici said, “As New Mexico’s next U.S. senator, my top priorities will be the issues that impact New Mexicans the most every day—cost of living, crime, education, the border crisis and ensuring reliable, affordable energy from all sources. To control the cost of living, she said, “This requires sound fiscal and economic policies… Sound economic policies, lower taxes and less regulation spur greater economic growth and prosperity for all.”
Rampant crime is another quality-of-life issue that Domenici addressed, noting that “much of this crime is caused by violent gangs and cartels coming through the open border.” The solution, she said, lies in “coordinated cooperation with federal law enforcement and the local police” as well as effective border policies. “I will aggressively make sure they act in the best interest of New Mexicans,” she said, referring readers to her website Nellaforsenate.com for more on the issues.
Community engagement
Overall, Domenici said what sets her apart is her commitment to be an “extremely involved and highly connected member of the New Mexico community.” Pledging to “never be farther than a phone call away,” she talked about her team’s effort to deliver supplies to those recently devastated by the South Fork and Salt fires.
She describes her approach as solution-driven, action-focused and balanced in contrast to Heinrich, who put out “a statement with a phone number and website to visit— during an emergency when there was no cell service, electricity or internet.”
Domenici said she also differs from her opponent in the scope of her concern. “Unlike Martin who focuses narrowly on extreme conservation and climate, I will work for all New Mexicans—farmers and ranchers, small businesses, all energy producers, our national laboratories and not just the environmentalists,” she said.
Domenici enjoys listening and learning from constituents as she travels the state and expects that to be a refreshing hallmark of her service.
“My father and former Congressman Manuel Lujan both put a premium on constituent service. I will revive that lost art,” she said.