New Mexico House of Representatives, Districts 7 & 8

By Press release submission

Oct 25, 2022

Danny Bernal Jr.

Age: 24

Occupation: Mayor pro tem, city of Belen; federal investigations, ADC LTD NM

Education: Belen High School diploma; some college University of New Mexico – Valencia Campus (2016-18)

Previous elected political offices: Belen City Council

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified to represent this district in Santa Fe?

“I’m the most qualified, experienced candidate for this seat. My record shows I’ve boosted Belen’s economy by supporting pro-growth policies and projects, rebuilt roads by finding funding, and reduced crime by getting tougher on criminals and the rundown properties that attract them. I plan to do the same for District 7.”

What, in your opinion, are the most important issues in your district, and how will you address them?

“Public safety, education and jobs/infrastructure. I’ve been directly involved in reducing crime, helping students and strengthening our economy. I’ll sponsor legislation to change laws to condemn and keep in prison violent and repeat offenders, ban school fees, properly fund our schools, and help fund our infrastructure needs.”

In light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s determination that abortion access is a state issue, what, if any, restrictions should New Mexico implement?

“I support medical privacy. I don’t like when the government is involved in my personal business. The government’s job is to ensure our rights and freedoms are protected, and to stay out of people’s personal lives. I support codifying that a woman and her family make their own private medical decisions.”

Republican

Tanya Mirabal Moya

Age: 47

Occupation: Biology and chemistry teacher at Belen High School

Education: Bachelor of Science in health and wellness from Purdue University Global, Master of Science in sports management: athletic administration and coaching from Liberty University

Previous elected political offices: None

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified to represent this district in Santa Fe?

“I believe the most important qualification that a representative should have is the desire to impact and benefit their community. For the last decade I have dedicated my life to the youth in Valencia County, I want to do the same for all of Valencia County in Santa Fe.”

What, in your opinion, are the most important issues in your district, and how will you address them?

“Education: I hope to properly fund our classrooms and develop programs for students to have the opportunity to graduate with a certification in trades. Economy: Work with our local leads to attract more businesses to our community. To bring more jobs and attract more people to spend their money here.”

In light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s determination that abortion access is a state issue, what, if any, restrictions should New Mexico implement?

“I am 100 percent pro-life. Most New Mexicans do not approve of elective abortions in the third trimester. Plus, we need a standard of care for women, which New Mexico currently does not have. These are two things I will fight for if I am elected.”

New Mexico House of Representatives District 8

Republican

Brian G. Baca (I)

Brian Baca (I)

Age: 52

Occupation: Educator

Education: BA and MA from UNM

Previous elected political offices: Current N.M. representative, District 8

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified to represent this district in Santa Fe?

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have been appointed to represent our community in Santa Fe this last legislative session. I am a 30-year educator and am very involved in our communities, schools, and local police/fire personnel. I look forward to returning to Santa Fe to continue to provide a voice for our community and families in Valencia County.”

What, in your opinion, are the most important issues in your district, and how will you address them?

“Accessibility, infrastructure and public safety are major concerns for me, and for many residents, as our community continues to grow. We need to ensure our roads, schools, and medical needs are being met as more and more people choose to raise their families in our community.”

In light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s determination that abortion access is a state issue, what, if any, restrictions should New Mexico implement?

“I agree with the vast majority of New Mexicans that late term abortions should be limited.”

(Editor’s Note: New Mexico House of Representatives incumbents Republican Gail Armstrong, District 49; and Democrat Harry Garcia, District 69; did not respond to the Valencia County News-Bulletin questionnaire. Both candidates are running unopposed for their respective races.

Democrat Matthew McQueen, District 50, will no longer represent Valencia County after Dec. 31, 2022.)

VOTER INFORMATION

Early in-person voting

8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Oct. 11-21

Valencia County Administration Offices

444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas

Early voting at alternate sites

10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, Oct. 22-Nov. 5

Belen Community Center

305 Eagle Lane, Belen

Bosque Farms Public Library

1455 W. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms

Valencia County Administration Offices

444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas

Absentee ballots

Absentee ballots will begin going out on Tuesday, Oct. 11. The last day to request an absentee ballot from the Valencia County clerk’s office is Thursday, Nov. 3. Absentee ballots must be returned to the clerk’s office by 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Absentee ballot drop boxes