House District 60: Zachary Anaya (R)
Candidate Q&A
Name: Zachary Anaya
Political Party: Republican
Age: 33
Education: University of New Mexico
Occupation: Business Owner/ Realtor
City of Residence: RIO RANCHO
Campaign Website:
What steps do you believe should be taken to improve New Mexico's economic competitiveness?
To improve New Mexico's economic competitiveness, we must slash burdensome regulations and reform our tax code to attract industry. We need to leverage our energy independence, invest in vocational training for our workforce, and ensure our local businesses in Rio Rancho and beyond can thrive without government overreach.
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 paying legislators a salary because we should maintain a true citizen legislature. However, if voters pass this amendment, it must be paired with strict term limits. We need to prevent the rise of career politicians and ensure our leaders remain focused on public service rather than a paycheck.
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 fully support the total elimination of both the personal income tax and the gross receipts tax. We should use our historic oil production revenue to fund our state and get the government's hands out of your paycheck. This is the ultimate way to make New Mexico a powerhouse.
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 oppose banning data centers, as they represent vital infrastructure for the future of our economy. However, I believe we must prioritize our limited water resources. I support sensible water use limits for these facilities to protect our local supply while ensuring New Mexico remains open for business.
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 sentences for juveniles who commit violent crimes. Our first priority must be the safety of our families and the protection of our community. Violent offenders, regardless of age, must face real consequences to ensure justice for victims and to deter future crime in our neighborhoods.
Would you support or oppose a ban on selling certain types of firearms, including semiautomatic firearms and machine guns?
No.
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 local law enforcement when our communities face public safety crises. Our families deserve to feel safe in their own neighborhoods. If local police are overwhelmed, we should deploy every available resource to restore order and protect the citizens of our state.
What changes would you propose to improve New Mexico鈥檚 Children, Youth and Families Department?
To improve CYFD, we must implement total transparency and independent oversight to protect our most vulnerable. I propose shifting focus toward supporting stable families and streamlining the adoption process. We need to move away from bureaucratic red tape and ensure every child is placed in a safe, permanent home.
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?
We must ensure funding directly impacts the classroom rather than expanding bureaucracy. I am proud to have the AFT New Mexico endorsement because I value our teachers' expertise in solving these challenges. We must prioritize vocational training and equitable resources to prepare every child for a career.
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 prioritize active forest management and fuel reduction projects like thinning and clearing debris. I support empowering local governments and private landowners to manage their land without excessive red tape. We must also ensure our emergency services have the resources to respond quickly to protect our families.
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 paid family leave mandate. Small businesses and families in Rio Rancho are already squeezed by high costs. Forcing a new payroll tax on workers and employers is not the answer. I prefer private-sector solutions and voluntary benefits.
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.