House District 69: Harry Garcia (D)
Candidate Q&A
Name: Harry Garcia
Political Party: Democrat
Age: 76
Education: Grants High, Vietnam Veteran
Occupation: Retired
City of Residence: Grants
Campaign Website:
What steps do you believe should be taken to improve New Mexico's economic competitiveness?
We need to invest in education, workforce training, clean energy jobs, and local businesses. Reducing barriers for small business owners, improving infrastructure, and enhancing broadband access will help rural areas compete and grow. Together, we can build a stronger economy where families and businesses thrive side by side.
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鈥檓 not running to earn a paycheck鈥擨鈥檝e proudly served before without one. But I support tying legislative salaries to median family income. It ensures working families can serve too, making leadership more inclusive of all voices, not just the well-off. This is about fairness and better representation for all.
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 revisiting these tax structures to ensure fairness for families and small businesses. Simplifying gross receipts tax can reduce burdens on entrepreneurs while closing loopholes. Adjustments to personal income tax should prioritize working families over out-of-state corporations and wealthy special interests.
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?
Water is precious for rural communities; data centers must operate responsibly. I support water-use limits and partnerships with data centers to ensure sustainability. Banning them entirely would impact jobs and innovation鈥攚e need balanced solutions tailored to New Mexico鈥檚 needs.
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?
Accountability is essential for violent crimes, but solutions must also include rehabilitation and addressing root causes like poverty and trauma. Stricter sentences may be necessary in some cases, but investing in support systems for youth could prevent these crimes before they happen.
Would you support or oppose a ban on selling certain types of firearms, including semiautomatic firearms and machine guns?
I support common-sense measures to protect public safety, including reasonable restrictions on high-powered firearms. However, solutions must respect law-abiding gun owners while prioritizing mental health resources and community-based violence prevention programs to address the root causes of gun violence.
Do you support or oppose using New Mexico鈥檚 National Guard to assist local law enforcement with issues related to public safety?
The National Guard plays an important role during emergencies, but law enforcement must focus on building trust within communities. I鈥檇 only support limited deployment for urgent crises, while prioritizing investments in community-based policing and crime prevention programs.
What changes would you propose to improve New Mexico鈥檚 Children, Youth and Families Department?
CYFD must be transparent, well-funded, and staffed with trained professionals who care deeply for families in crisis. I鈥檇 prioritize accountability, increased caseworker support, and partnerships with local organizations to ensure every child in New Mexico gets the care and resources they deserve.
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 fully fund education, expand access to schools in underserved areas, increase teacher pay, and invest in culturally relevant programs for Indigenous and bilingual students. When we prioritize equity in classrooms, we strengthen opportunities for every single child 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?
New Mexico must invest in wildfire prevention through forest health programs and local fire response teams. Policies should also prioritize infrastructure improvements for flood resilience while supporting farmers and families impacted by these natural disasters. We must ensure that all our our first responders funded.
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 leave, but I believe we must design a program that supports workers and fits the needs of small businesses. By collaborating with local employers, we can create a model that lifts up families without overburdening rural economies.
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. *
I have been charged with minor traffic citation that was dismissed.
Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding? *
No