House District 37: Matilda Villalobos (D)
Candidate Q&A
Name: Matilda "Tilli" Villalobos
Political Party: Democrat
Age: 35
Education: Juris Doctor & Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Minor in Legal Studies
Occupation: Attorney
City of Residence: Las Cruces
Campaign Website:
What steps do you believe should be taken to improve New Mexico's economic competitiveness?
Invest in education, workforce development, and modern infrastructure while expanding childcare and housing access so people can participate in the economy. Support small businesses and cut red tape without sacrificing worker protections. We must build a diverse, inclusive economy that raises wages, strengthens unions, and creates long-term opportunity statewide.
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?
Yes. I support a reasonable legislative salary tied to median income so working New Mexicans, not just the wealthy or retired, can serve. Fair compensation strengthens representation, brings real world perspectives into government, and is essential for a stronger, more representative democracy.
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 targeted reforms to reduce the burden on working families and small businesses. I support eliminating GRT on doctors and limiting GRT during the first five years of operation for New Mexico owned small businesses, while ensuring the state reimburses local governments for the lost revenue to local governments.
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 the legislature establishing water use requirements for all industries, including data centers. Development must be responsible, sustainable, and aligned with community priorities. If permitted by local governments, companies must meet our environmental standards, deliver promised jobs, and guarantee those jobs to New Mexicans and to unions.
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?
We need a system with tools to make individualized decisions because one-size-fits-all policies do not work. I support accountability for serious violent crimes, including addressing repeat juvenile offenders. But we must invest in evidence-based interventions that address root causes, reduce recidivism, and give young people a real chance.
Would you support or oppose a ban on selling certain types of firearms, including semiautomatic firearms and machine guns?
I support common sense gun safety measures, including restrictions on the most dangerous weapons, to protect our communities. That includes limiting access to assault style weapons and fully automatic firearms, while respecting responsible gun ownership and prioritizing policies proven to reduce gun violence and save lives.
Do you support or oppose using New Mexico鈥檚 National Guard to assist local law enforcement with issues related to public safety?
Only in the most extreme situations. The National Guard should not be a routine substitute for local law enforcement. Any use must be limited, clearly defined, and focused on genuine and the most extreme emergencies, with strong oversight to protect civil liberties and maintain trust in our communities.
What changes would you propose to improve New Mexico鈥檚 Children, Youth and Families Department?
Increase staffing, improve caseworker training and retention, and strengthen oversight and accountability. We must also invest in prevention, behavioral health, and family support systems, including rehabilitation focused facilities that help keep families together safely, and provide more support for foster families. A stronger CYFD protects children and supports families earlier.
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?
Fully fund schools, smaller classes, expand early childhood education access, and retain teachers with better pay and resources. I support community schools offering wraparound services like healthcare, counseling, family support, and after-school programs. We must ensure funding reaches classrooms so every child gets the support they need to succeed.
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?
We must be on the forefront of combating the climate crisis. We should look to our tribal communities as leaders in land stewardship, invest in forest management, watershed restoration, fire prevention, strengthen emergency response and infrastructure resilience, and support communities with recovery resources and long-term planning for climate driven disasters.
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 support paid family medical leave that supports workers while considering impacts on small businesses. With thoughtful design, we can strengthen our workforce and economy. I support it for state employees and larger corporations, while offering tax incentive opt-in options for small NM businesses, without increased costs to employees.
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