Ariana Marmolejo Regional Communications Strategist (West) | Conservation Voters New Mexico
Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM) has announced its endorsements for the upcoming Albuquerque municipal elections, supporting candidates it describes as pro-climate and pro-democracy. The organization selected its preferred candidates through a process involving questionnaires and interviews.
Among those endorsed is incumbent Mayor Tim Keller. During his time in office, Keller led Albuquerque to become the first city nationwide to adopt the Justice40 initiative, set a target for net-zero emissions by 2050, and positioned Albuquerque among the top five solar cities in the country with a commitment to achieve 100% renewable power by 2025. The city also applied for a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant under the Inflation Reduction Act and hired staff dedicated to emission reduction efforts. Additionally, Albuquerque adopted clean car standards consistent with those of New Mexico.
“At a time when the Trump Administration is dismantling community rights and environmental protections, New Mexicans deserve strong leadership,” stated Demis Foster, CVNM Chief Executive Officer. “We are pleased to endorse Mayor Tim Keller in his re-election based on his deep and demonstrated commitment to address the climate crisis and protect our democracy. As the state’s largest city, Albuquerque has a substantial influence on policy across the southwest. Thanks to Keller’s advocacy, Albuquerque is now recognized as a national leader in renewable energy and climate action. We look forward to building upon these efforts to ensure all Albuquerque residents are protected from the devastating impacts of climate change, from extreme heat to pollution and more.”
The organization also endorsed four candidates for City Council: Daniel Leiva (District 1), Teresa Garcia (District 3), Athenea Allen (District 5), and Colton Newman (District 9). Garcia and Allen are running against incumbent councilors Klarissa Peña and Dan Lewis respectively, while Newman is challenging incumbent Renee Grout. These endorsements join CVNM’s previous support of City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn in District 7.
“We’re proud to support candidates for City Council who are running on community-centered values and will fight to protect our democracy, air, water, and people,” stated Molly Taylor, CVNM Chief Operating Officer. “As a Burqueña, I know first hand how important it is to have bold leadership at the City Council. The decisions our Councilors make directly impact our families, and our futures. We applaud Daniel Leiva, Teresa Garcia, Athena Allen, Colton Newman, and Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn for their commitment to building a safe, equitable, and sustainable Albuquerque.”
CVNM describes itself as a nonpartisan nonprofit focused on connecting New Mexicans with political action aimed at protecting air, land, water, wildlife, and communities through voter mobilization and policy advocacy.
