From rural communities to the smallest Tribal Nations, I believe every person in New Mexico should have a voice.
That’s been one of my guiding principles as we build this campaign for governor, and it’s a lesson I learned long ago, when I first began my career as a community organizer.
Years before I was first elected to Congress or served as U.S. Secretary of the Interior, I was an organizer in Indian Country for the reelection of President Barack Obama. During that time, I traveled to every chapter of the Navajo Nation. I visited every Pueblo across New Mexico, big and small. The people I met on the campaign trail were eager to share their stories and their ideas. But far too often, our leaders don’t make the effort to engage with underrepresented communities.
We drove so many miles across the state in that little Honda, I thought the wheels might fall off.
Later on while I was the NM Democratic Party chair, I continued to travel to every inch of our great state. I made it a point to go deep into Republican stronghold counties and rural towns to hear directly from people about their struggles. And here’s the thing: we didn’t argue. We had powerful conversations that led to common ground. Those moments taught me that, once you overcome partisanship and division, most of us want the same things.
A recent campaign stop in Carlsbad, NM.
I believe we can’t only focus our energy on big cities while ignoring the people on the margins, and that we must be clear-eyed about the fact that Republicans have been gaining ground in all parts of New Mexico. To win this race, we have to organize everywhere and leave no voice unheard. Because nobody wants to feel forgotten.
Organizing statewide in a state as large as New Mexico is time-consuming and expensive work, which is why I’m counting on people like you.
Thank you in advance for your support as we keep traveling the state. Showing up for each other is how we’ll win.
Be fierce,
Deb
