Ariana Marmolejo Regional Communications Strategist (West) | Conservation Voters New Mexico
Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM) has announced its endorsements for candidates in the upcoming municipal elections in Las Cruces and Santa Fe. The organization evaluated candidates through a process that included questionnaires and interviews, focusing on those with pro-climate and pro-democracy platforms. Both cities use ranked choice voting, allowing CVNM to endorse more than one candidate per race.
Molly Taylor, Chief Operating Officer for CVNM, commented on the importance of local leadership given recent federal policy shifts: “With federal efforts accelerating to cut funding and programs vital for our communities and environment, the importance of who we elect at the local level can not be overstated,” she said. “We are pleased to see numerous candidates in Santa Fe and Las Cruces running with strong public commitments to advance the renewable energy economy, and protect the water we drink and the air we breathe for future generations. Now is the time for all leaders, in all levels of decision-making spaces, to advocate for the values of New Mexicans – especially safeguarding our health, environment, and democracy.”
In Santa Fe’s November election, three City Council seats and the mayoralty are up for vote. With Mayor Alan Webber not seeking re-election, CVNM issued dual endorsements for Justin Greene and Oscar Rodriguez for mayor due to their focus on public engagement, democracy, social justice, and environmental issues.
Demis Foster, CEO of CVNM and a Santa Fe resident, stated: “As a city that often leads on climate and democracy policy, Santa Fe deserves leadership that will build on recent accomplishments and forge a new path with a strong vision in the years to come. The current federal culture of chaos and uncertainty calls for strong and bold local leadership. We are proud to stand with Justin Greene and Oscar Rodriguez as the candidates that have answered that call. If either are elected as Mayor, these candidates will ensure Santa Fe is a democratic beacon of hope and progress in the coming years. We urge all Santa Fe voters to support them in November.”
Justin Greene is recognized as a small business owner, County Commissioner, community advocate with experience in conservation issues as well as city planning.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the endorsement of Conservation Voters New Mexico,” stated Justin Greene. “As their mission has grown to include not only statewide but local elections, this endorsement means even more. It underscores that the decisions made in our city halls are just as critical as those made in legislatures – especially when it comes to protecting our land and water, reducing wildfire and pollution risk, and delivering clean energy opportunities in every neighborhood. I’m committed to meeting that standard, building leadership at every level that cares for our air, our environment, and our shared future.”
Oscar Rodriguez is an enrolled member of the Lipan Apache Tribe with prior experience as Finance Director for Santa Fe.
“I’m honored to have the support of Conservation Voters New Mexico,” stated Oscar Rodriguez.“The values that CVNM embodies are the same values I carry as a Lipan Apache tribal member. I was raised to understand that our land, water, and air are sacred and that we have a responsibility to protect them for generations to come. That principle guides me every day, and as Mayor, I will ensure Santa Fe leads with policies that honor our natural resources while building a resilient thriving community for our families’ future.”
For City Council races in Santa Fe, Patricia Feghali received an endorsement in District 1; Elizabeth Barrett and Aurora Martinez were both endorsed in District 2.
In Las Cruces’ fall election where three council seats are open this year—endorsements went to incumbent Becky Corran (District 5) and Michael Harris (District 3). Environmental priorities such as water access, energy development projects,and heat mitigation were cited among top concerns influencing these choices.
John Martinez,CVNM Political Director,supported these selections:“We’re proud to stand with climate champion City Councilor Becky Corran who has a clearand dedicated recordof community-centered leadership.Her workto ensurethat the valuesand voiceofthe communityis representedinthe Councilisamodel forethicaland democraticleadership.We look forwardtoworkingwithher inthecomingmonths,and supportingherre-election.We also applaudMichael Harrisfor his deep commitmenttoclimate actionand waterprotection,and know hewill bean assettotheCityCouncil ifelected.We encourageallLasCruces votersto supportthesecandidates.”
These newly endorsed candidates join others previously named by CVNM running in Albuquerque’s municipal election—including Mayor Tim Keller—and five City Council hopefuls:
- Daniel Leiva (District 1)
- Teresa Garcia (District 3)
- Athenea Allen (District 5)
- Tammy Fiebelkorn (District 7)
- Colton Newman (District 9)
CVNM describes itself as a statewide nonpartisan nonprofit working toward mobilizing voters,wining elections,and advancing responsible public policies designedto protectNewMexico’s airlandandwater.
