House District 27: Jahnelle Garcia (R)
Candidate Q&A
Name: Jahnelle Garcia
Political Party: Republican
Age: 46
Education: MSN APRN FNP-C
Occupation: Nurse Practitioner
City of Residence: Albuquerque
Campaign Website:
What steps do you believe should be taken to improve New Mexico's economic competitiveness?
Reduce taxes, cut regulatory burdens, and create a business-friendly environment. Invest in workforce development, strengthen education, improve healthcare access, and support small businesses. We must make New Mexico a place where companies and healthcare professionals want to invest, grow, and create jobs for families.
New Mexico is the only state that does not pay its legislators a salary, though lawmakers do receive per diem payments and can qualify for a legislative pension. Do you support or oppose the proposed constitutional amendment calling for a new legislative salary tied to the median family income level?
I oppose tying legislative salaries to median income. Public service should not become a career path driven by compensation. We should focus on fiscal responsibility and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent on priorities like education, public safety, healthcare access and economic growth.
With New Mexico now the nation鈥檚 second-highest oil producing state, would you support or oppose changes to the state鈥檚 gross receipts tax and personal income tax structures? Please explain.
I support tax reform that lowers the burden on families and small businesses while ensuring long-term stability. Oil and gas are a key driver of New Mexico鈥檚 economy, and revenues should be used responsibly to diversify, not expand government, while protecting taxpayers and promoting economic growth.
Would you support or oppose imposing water use limits on data centers? In addition, would you generally support or oppose banning data centers in New Mexico?
I support responsible water use limits to protect our resources, but not outright bans on data centers. We should encourage economic development while requiring conservation, including water recycling, reuse technologies, and efficient infrastructure, along with innovation and accountability to ensure long-term sustainability.
Amid a recent string of high-profile criminal cases involving juvenile defendants, do you support or oppose imposing stricter sentences for adolescents convicted of certain violent crimes?
I support stricter consequences for serious violent crimes to protect our communities and ensure accountability. At the same time, we must invest in early intervention, workforce development programs, and opportunities for youth that provide pathways to jobs, mentorship, and purpose, addressing root causes and preventing crime before it starts.
Would you support or oppose a ban on selling certain types of firearms, including semiautomatic firearms and machine guns?
Law-abiding citizens have a constitutional right to protect themselves, their families, and their homes. We should focus on enforcing existing laws, holding criminals accountable, and ensuring firearms stay out of the hands of those who intend to do harm. I oppose bans on semiautomatic firearms.
Do you support or oppose using New Mexico鈥檚 National Guard to assist local law enforcement with issues related to public safety?
I support using the National Guard to assist law enforcement when needed. Public safety is a priority in District 27, where many families are concerned about crime, property, theft, and repeat criminal offenders. We must ensure our communities are safe places to live, work, and raise families.
What changes would you propose to improve New Mexico鈥檚 Children, Youth and Families Department?
Increase accountability, transparency, and oversight with public reporting of outcomes. Strengthen workforce recruitment, training, and retention while reducing caseloads. Invest in early intervention services for families. Establish an independent oversight committee, including community members, to review performance and ensure a system that is responsive, effective, and focused on safety.
What steps should be taken to bring New Mexico into compliance with the 2018 court ruling that found New Mexico is failing to provide a sufficient education to all students?
Focus on improving outcomes. Implement science-of-reading instruction, early intervention, and strong accountability. Support teachers with training, better pay, and resources, expand school choice, and ensure funding reaches classrooms. We must focus on real solutions that improve student confidence and ability, ensuring every child has access to quality education.
New Mexico has seen a string of devastating wildfires and floods in recent years. What policy steps, if any, should the state take to address these natural disasters?
Invest in proactive prevention, including forest management, controlled burns, and watershed restoration. Strengthen infrastructure for flood control and water management. Improve emergency response coordination and community preparedness. Support local and federal partnerships to protect lives, property, and natural resources while ensuring long-term resilience across New Mexico.
Would you support or oppose a paid family and medical leave program that would require most employees and employers to pay into a state-run fund?
I oppose a state-run mandate that increases costs for workers & businesses. NM already requires paid sick leave through existing law, that can be built on. I support flexible solutions that meet needs without adding financial burdens or expanding government.
Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
No
Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain.
No
Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
No