I am a dedicated professional and a parent who is committed to fixing the systemic gaps that prevent the government from effectively serving New Mexican families. Having spent my career working in high-stakes environments, from retail pharmacy to oncology patient support and complex workforce data analysis, I have developed a unique ability to identify, track, and solve problems as they emerge. I do not come from a background of traditional politics. Instead, I bring a lifetime of experience in handling the day to day realities and challenges that many families face when trying to navigate large and often impersonal systems. Motivated by my role as a parent, I am stepping up to serve during this critical window of time to ensure that the next generation inherits a state that truly works for them. I view my lack of a political resume not as a deficit, but as my greatest strength. By operating outside of the traditional political ladder, I am uniquely positioned to listen to the concerns of everyday people, ensuring that their voices are heard directly in the halls of government. I am focused on results rather than titles, with a singular goal of ensuring that public service lives up to its promise. My vision for the Lieutenant Governor’s office is to serve as a frontline bridge between state government and our neighborhoods. Rather than waiting in a capital office for issues to arise, I am committed to being a constant physical presence in our communities to act as an early warning system for the administration. By working on the ground to spot roadblocks and inefficiencies in real time, I aim to ensure that government policies are actually delivering tangible and positive outcomes for families across New Mexico.

“It isn’t over until we decide it’s over.” Those words have guided our campaign from the very beginning, and they ring more true today. My name is Harold Pope Jr., and I am a proud New Mexican, State Senator from Albuquerque, U.S. Air Force veteran, and candidate for Lieutenant Governor. After more than two decades of military service, I chose New Mexico as my home. I have dedicated my life to serving our communities and strengthening our state. I want to be clear: I am not entitled to this nomination because I am the only one left. I believe this campaign is about earning the trust of New Mexicans, showing up, listening, and fighting for the future we all deserve. As I shared with Source New Mexico last year, “I feel like I can do more in the executive position of lieutenant governor working for the governor full time. I think, more importantly, it’s having someone at the table on the fourth floor being a voice for New Mexicans, and that’s really what I want to be.” New Mexico deserves experienced, bold leadership that understands how the state government works, especially during challenging moments. I am ready to support Deb Haaland’s vision while continuing to fight for the people of New Mexico by bringing their voices to the fourth floor. Over the past year, I have done the hard work of earning the opportunity to serve. I collected the signatures required to qualify for the ballot, earned 42% of the votes during the Democratic pre-primary convention nomination, visited every county in New Mexico, and attended as many community meetings, events, and local gatherings as possible. Now, I am ready to serve as New Mexico’s next Lt. Governor. Thousands of New Mexicans placed their trust in our campaign on June 2. We built that support by showing up, listening, and earning it one conversation at a time. No one who has entered the race since the primary has gone through that same process or earned that level of support from Democratic voters. Throughout my life of service, I have learned that leadership is measured by the willingness to step forward and do the work. From my time in the U.S. Air Force to the New Mexico State Senate, I have fought to deliver results, listen to communities, and make sure New Mexicans have a voice in the decisions that shape their future. We built this campaign by listening to New Mexicans and bringing their stories, concerns, and hopes into the conversation. The strength of this movement has always come from the people who believe our state deserves a leader who will show up, fight for them, and make sure their voices are heard.

Stephanie Garcia Richard is a proven leader who has transformed the role of New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands and delivered real results for the people of New Mexico. Elected in 2018 as the first woman and first Latina to hold the office, she has raised over $15 billion for public schools, increased renewable energy production on state trust lands by over 600%, and launched affordable housing projects to help address the state’s housing crisis. Stephanie’s leadership has been defined by her unwavering commitment to public service, transparency, and protecting New Mexico’s lands for future generations. Under her watch, the State Land Office has won two national awards for Top Workplace, a testament to her efforts to reform and modernize state government. A fearless advocate for New Mexico values, Stephanie has consistently stood up to federal overreach—most notably pushing back against Trump-era efforts to fast-track oil and gas drilling near culturally and environmentally sensitive areas like Chaco Canyon. She has demanded accountability from industry and ensured that development on state lands aligns with community needs, climate goals, and long-term sustainability. Before serving as Land Commissioner, Stephanie represented her community for three terms in the New Mexico House of Representatives, where she chaired the House Education Committee and championed investments in public education. She was born in Tucumcari, raised in Silver City, earned her degree from Barnard College, and received her teaching license from California State University.

Toni Pinedo, RN, is a Registered Nurse, healthcare advocate, and community leader from Gallup, New Mexico. A graduate of the University of New Mexico with an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing, Toni has been a licensed Registered Nurse since 1993. During her nursing career, she served as a military nurse contractor at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, providing trauma, emergency room, and cardiac care to Fort Bliss soldiers, military families, and civilians. Her decades of healthcare experience shaped her commitment to service, leadership, and advocating for New Mexico families. Toni is running for Lieutenant Governor to strengthen healthcare access, support rural and tribal communities, and ensure every New Mexican has a voice in state government.