LOCAL COLUMN
OPINION: Setting the record straight on NM's Democratic process
State Sen. David Gallegos, R-Eunice, argues that the Democratic Party subverted democracy. The facts tell a different story. His column (July 26 Sunday Journal) asks readers to overlook New Mexico law, established precedent and the full context surrounding the Democratic Party's lawful selection of Stephanie Garcia Richard for lieutenant governor.
It鈥檚 rare but not unprecedented for a primary-winning candidate to withdraw from the general election ballot. When that occurs, New Mexico law provides a clear process: The appropriate party governing body selects a replacement nominee.
In 2012, Daniel Ivey-Soto defeated Vanessa Alarid by one vote to replace Democrat Tim Eichenberg in Senate District 15. In 2024, Democrats in House District 53 selected Sarah Silva to replace their nominee. The last time the full Democratic State Central Committee (SCC) met for this purpose was in 2006, when it selected then-state Rep. Hector Balderas as the Democratic nominee for state auditor.
This week, Democratic Party Chair Sara Attleson convened a meeting of the SCC, and the proceedings followed the law in an open and transparent manner. Describing that meeting as a "backroom deal" distorts the facts. The SCC is composed of Democrats elected by fellow Democrats, and its votes were cast publicly and transparently 鈥� the exact opposite of a backroom deal.
Gallegos also mischaracterized my comments by removing them from their context. He wrote that I "didn't mince words this week describing his own party's process," quoting my statement that there was a "power grab by the ultra-left" that "does not serve the party or the state."
As Source NM reported, my complete statement was:
鈥淚t鈥檚 just indicative of the contradiction that surrounds his (Albuquerque state Sen. Harold Pope鈥檚) candidacy. When you compare their accomplishments, there鈥檚 no comparison. So instead of Deb Haaland and Stephanie Garcia Richard barnstorming the state this past month, there鈥檚 this power grab by the ultra-left, which does not serve the party or the state.鈥�
The full context makes it clear that I was discussing Pope's candidacy and the political dynamics surrounding it 鈥� not questioning the Democratic Party or the legality or legitimacy of the nomination process.
Political debate should be grounded in an accurate description of the facts. Claims that a lawful process was somehow illegitimate undermine confidence in democratic institutions.
The Democratic SCC is composed of grassroots Democrats from every corner of New Mexico who volunteer their time to organize local activities, recruit candidates and fulfill responsibilities assigned by state law and party rules. Suggesting these members acted improperly simply because they carried out those responsibilities misrepresents both the process and the people involved.
The party made the right choice. It chose proven, progressive leadership over a candidate whose appeal rested largely on ideological purity rather than a record of results. Too often, purity tests reward ideological conformity over demonstrated leadership, leaving long-standing Democrats with proven records of delivering results labeled as insufficiently progressive and sent to the proverbial guillotine.
Stephanie Garcia Richard has spent years serving New Mexicans in elected office. As a legislator and commissioner of public lands, she has demonstrated an ability to govern, build consensus and achieve meaningful results. The SCC recognized that experience and selected a nominee with a proven record of leadership and the skills to lead on day one.
Adding Stephanie Garcia Richard to the Democratic ticket gives voters a clear choice. Ultimately, New Mexicans 鈥� not party leaders or political commentators 鈥� will decide who is best prepared to serve as lieutenant governor. They deserve to make that decision based on accurate information, not misleading characterizations of a lawful and transparent process.
The rule of law 鈥� not political rhetoric 鈥� is what protects democracy. The voters deserve an honest debate about the future of New Mexico.
Sen. Antonio 鈥淢oe鈥� Maestas, D-Albuquerque, represents District 26 in the New Mexico Senate.
