Stefani Lord, a House Representative from New Mexico, expressed her views on derogatory comments made by Roswell school board candidate Sarah McArthur. Lord said that these comments highlight the intolerance and hypocrisy of groups claiming to empower women, describing them as "despicable and not leadership." Her statement was made on the social media platform X.
"Not surprised that an Emerge-trained New Mexico candidate was caught on camera calling conservatives “MAGA f**gots," said Lord, New Mexico State Representative for 22nd District (R). "This is exactly what I wrote about in my Albuquerque Journal op-ed: the intolerance and hypocrisy inside organizations that claim to “empower women. Hatred isn't empowerment. Bigotry isn't progress."
Sarah McArthur, who is running for a position on the Roswell school board, was recorded using a slur while canvassing for her campaign in October 2025. She later told KOAT News that she "meant to say 'fascist'" and apologized for her outburst. The incident was aired by KRQE TV, leading to public condemnation and statements from local officials and Emerge New Mexico—a training organization with which McArthur is affiliated—affirming their commitment to respectful campaigning.
According to the Silver City Daily Press, formal discipline for school-board misconduct in New Mexico has seen a modest increase since 2024. In January 2025, the Cobre Consolidated Schools Board voted to censure its vice president for violating board procedures. This reflects local efforts to use accountability tools such as written reprimands and policy reviews. Several districts have also reported ethics complaints related to board or candidate behavior over the past year.
Public confidence in education governance remains low. A Gallup survey conducted in 2025 found only 35% of Americans satisfied with K-12 education quality—the lowest recorded level. New Mexico In Depth reported that residents participating in statewide listening sessions called for greater accountability and transparency in school boards, illustrating both national and local declines in trust toward education leadership.
Stefani Lord is a Republican member of the New Mexico House of Representatives for District 22, covering parts of Bernalillo and Torrance Counties. First elected in 2020 and serving since January 1, 2021, she participates in committees focused on public safety and regulatory issues. Previously a small-business owner, her policy priorities include crime reduction and government accountability.
Emerge New Mexico is a nonprofit program affiliated with the Democratic Party that recruits and trains women and nonbinary candidates for public office through workshops, mentorships, and fundraising support. According to its website, Emerge New Mexico aims to increase diversity in political leadership and lists alumni serving in various state and local roles.
