Secretary of state: Katharine Clark (D)
Candidate Q&A
Name: Katharine Clark
Political Party: Democratic
Age: 44
Education: Dual BA, MBA, CERA, NMCCL
Occupation: Santa Fe County Clerk; election administrator
City of Residence: Santa Fe
Campaign Website:
How has your background prepared you to serve as New Mexico鈥檚 top election official?
I bring 25 years of experience in elections and public service, including two terms as Santa Fe County Clerk. I鈥檝e modernized systems, ensuring consistent, complete election night reporting across complex communities. I鈥檓 ready to take that success statewide鈥攎odernizing the office, strengthening trust, and ensuring every New Mexican鈥檚 vote is protected.
If elected, would you comply with the federal Department of Justice鈥檚 request for the state to share personal information (including names, dates of birth and addresses) about all registered state voters?
No. I will not turn over New Mexicans鈥 personal information to Donald Trump or anyone seeking to misuse it. I鈥檝e taken on unlawful federal overreach from this administration before and won. As Secretary of State, I will protect voter data and stand firm against intimidation and abuse of power.
Would you support or oppose New Mexico using ranked choice voting in statewide elections?
I support ranked choice voting. In Santa Fe, I implemented transparent processes so voters could watch results rounds live in real time. I understand skepticism, which is why education and transparency are critical to implementation. Done right, it expands voter choice while maintaining trust and confidence in election outcomes.
What additional steps, if any, do you believe should be taken to make it easier for New Mexico residents to vote?
Overhaul NMvote.org and the SOS website, expand civic education statewide, improve ballot clarity, increase language access, and strengthen Native American voting access. Continue secure absentee and early voting, expand jail-based voting, and modernize systems to provide real-time information, making voting accessible, transparent, and easy for every eligible voter.
Do you believe voter fraud is an issue in New Mexico elections? What steps, if any, do you believe should be taken to ensure the integrity of state elections?
Voter fraud in New Mexico is extremely rare. The real threat is misinformation pushed by MAGA extremists and Donald Trump to undermine trust. We must strengthen cybersecurity, support clerks, increase transparency, and prebunk and aggressively counter lies so voters know their elections are secure and their votes count.
Do you support or oppose New Mexico鈥檚 law allowing independent voters (or those declining to state a party affiliation) to vote in primary elections without having to change their affiliation?
I support expanding access to the ballot. Allowing independent voters to participate in primaries increases engagement and reflects how many New Mexicans identify. Any changes should be broadly promoted to ensure understanding and implemented clearly and securely to maintain confidence in the process.
Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
Yes, 25 years ago, my grandmother left me a small inheritance, and due to an attorney's error, two states disagreed on where to pay the taxes. The lien was released without fault or payment once the paperwork was corrected.
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