Deb Haaland and Stephanie Garcia-Richard started to campaign together pledging to help New Mexico families
Garcia-Richard voted to be the Lt. Governor nominee by the Democratic Party
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —
Deb Haaland and Stephanie Garcia -Richard have officially started campaigning together for New Mexico’s highest offices after the Democratic Party selected Garcia Richard as Haaland’s running mate for the November ticket.
“It’s about time, right? Sure. I’m confident that two women can oversee our state government in the best possible way. And we’re ready to get to work,” Haaland said.
Garcia -Richard narrowly defeated State Sen. Harold Pope to secure her spot on the ticket. Speaking Thursday morning, Garcia- Richard shared her thoughts on key issues.
“Affordability, ensuring a basic thing that folks can afford a basic lifestyle to put gas in their car, to afford their rent. And I’m excited about, you know, Deb’s approach to these challenges in New Mexico,” Garcia -Richard said.
Haaland outlined her priorities for the campaign.
“Everybody wants to access quality health care regardless of where they live. People want to feel safe in their neighborhoods, and folks just want to be able to afford their rent and buy groceries in the same month,” Haaland said.
When asked about addressing the recent controversy surrounding the Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) and alleged systemic failures, Haaland shared her plans.
“I’d like to create a commission that sets policy for the department. We need to build morale back in that department. There’s workers who really just want to feel like. Like they are doing the right thing,” Haaland said.
Both candidates also expressed their commitment to protecting the ten-mile radius around Chaco Canyon from gas and oil development.
“New Mexicans have been advocating for that withdrawal to protect the boundary around Chaco. This is something that’s been advocated for for decades,” Garcia Richard said.
Garcia Richard, the outgoing state land commissioner and a former New Mexico state lawmaker, highlighted her achievements and alignment with Haaland’s vision.
“I’ve made historic revenue into the state land office. We’ve built renewable energy on state land, affordable housing. All of these things are initiatives that that Deb would like to continue. Not to mention the fact that I’m an educator,” Garcia Richard said.
The two candidates are scheduled to campaign together later this week in Sandoval County.
