Endorsements
Former Land Commissioner Ray Powell
Three-Term New Mexico Land Commissioner (1993-2003 and 2011-2015), Veterinarian, former Regional Director of the Jane Goodall Insititue and Executive Director of the Valles Caldera National Preserve, President of the 22 state Western States Land Commissioner Association, and Special Assistant To Governor Bruce King overseeing environment, natural resources, health, and recreation.
Former Land Commissioner Jim Baca
Two-Term New Mexico Land Commissioner (1983-1987 and 1991-1993), Bureau of Land Management Director (appointed by President Bill Clinton) & Former Mayor of Albuquerque.
Santa Fe New Mexican
Having watched the career of state Rep. Matthew McQueen, D-Galisteo, the choice is clear. He understands the complex path ahead for the Land Office, with the need to maximize dollars raised — some $2 billion is brought in annually for schools, hospitals and other public institutions — while diversifying income streams. He would improve access for outdoor recreation, expand renewable energy and understands that state lands can be part of building affordable housing.
This is a substantive record of accomplishment. What’s more, McQueen is refusing oil and gas industry contributions. In the Democratic primary for commissioner of public lands, The New Mexican endorses Matthew McQueen.
PLanned Parenthood Votes New Mexico
Planned Parenthood Votes New Mexico is proud to endorse leaders who will fight to protect our bodily autonomy, defend abortion access, safeguard gender-affirming care, and stand up for transgender rights, especially as these freedoms face attacks at the federal level. This election isn’t just important, it’s pivotal. We need you to show up, vote, and stand with champions who will protect the values New Mexicans believe in: access, dignity, and compassionate health care for everybody.
Green Vote 2026 - Conservation Voters New Mexico
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Conservation Voters New mexico
“Representative Matthew McQueen has dedicated his career as a conservation attorney and state legislator to sustainable land management and wildlife protection,” stated Demis Foster, CVNM Chief Executive Officer. “He has fought for years to pass laws to protect our public lands and waters, and led efforts to reform the NM Game Commission into a modern wildlife management agency. He also led efforts to increase outdated oil and gas royalty rates to make sure oil and gas companies are paying their fair share. As Chair of the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee in the legislature, he served with integrity and transparency to ensure policies followed the rule of law, while balancing the needs of all communities. His work ethic has culminated in a 97% lifetime score on CVNM’s Conservation Scorecard. We are proud to stand with McQueen as a proven leader and public servant who will fight to keep our state lands in public hands.”
Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter
The Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club is a volunteer-led organization representing more than 10,000 members in New Mexico and West Texas. Their mission to is to explore, enjoy and protect the planet, and they prioritize protecting our climate, air, water, wildlife and public lands in New Mexico and West Texas.
The Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter endorsement was given after an extensive questionnaire and interview process.
NM Native vote
NM Native Vote endorsed candidates exemplify their commitment to Native working families in New Mexico and are dedicated to protecting our land, air, and water for future generations. We’re confident they will prioritize Tribal sovereignty, culturally relevant education, and foster partnership/collaborate with Tribal communities to ensure their voices are heard.
AFSCME AFL-CIO Council 18
AFSCME (Association of Federal, State, County, Municipal Employees) endorses candidates who fight for working people. AFSCME members and leaders interview candidates and carefully review their positions and records on issues that matter to public service workers and working families. AFSCME doesn’t just hand out endorsements – they are earned with a commitment to making life affordable for working people, protecting public services and our freedom to be in a union.
Equality New Mexico
Representative McQueen has been a constant, unwavering voice for LGBTQ communities in the Legislature, and he has a solid plan for how to include us in the State Land Office. We show up for the people who show up for us. Chairman McQueen has been showing up for us his entire time in public service. The State Land Office is more than hunting and fishing. It's revenue for New Mexican Schools and Hospitals, it makes decisions about how we steward resources, and it’s an office that can have immense influence on policies that determine who can access the land and what businesses pay to rent their spot. We need trusted, committed, and proven leadership in this office for what's to come.
Matthew McQueen has shown he is that leader.
Democratic Party of New Mexico Environmental Justice Caucus
The mission of the Environmental Justice Caucus of the DPNM is to elevate the voices of all people regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, class, immigration status, disability, and sexuality so that environmental laws, regulations and policies respect all communities.
The caucus aims to mitigate the disproportionate harm of climate change and pollution on disenfranchised communities through reducing emissions, securing clean air and water, protecting natural lands and wildlife, and opposing colonization. Actions undertaken by the caucus will include educating the public, initiating policies, promoting legislation, and supporting candidates in New Mexico that promote green values and the principles of environmental justice.
350SantaFe.org
The mission of 350SantaFe.org is to promote rapid and just reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through education and advocacy in Santa Fe and New Mexico, as we work to secure a healthy planet.
American FEderation of Teachers - New Mexico
I'm honored to receive the endorsement from American Federation of Teachers New Mexico.
Public education is a cornerstone of our democracy, and the core mission of the State Land Office is to earn money for public schools while protecting the public lands that we all hold dear.
Individuals
- Mike Anaya, Moriarty
- Juliana Lucero, Santa Fe - Retired Public Employee (Public Health, Legislative) & Community Volunteer
- Sally Rodgers, Santa Fe - Environmentalist & Human Rights Activist
- Jim Baca, Albuquerque - Former NM Land Commissioner, Former Bureau of Land Management Director & Mayor of Albuquerque
- Ray Powell, Albuquerque - Former NM Land Commissioner
- Joanna Prukop, Santa Fe - State Land Trusts Advisory Board; former Secretary of the state Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department; former chair of the New Mexico Game Commission; former three-term appointee by President Barack Obama to the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council
- Marcia Smith, Edgewood
- Michael G. Sauber, Grant County
- Alston Lundgren
- Danis Kelly
- Denise Fort
- Ed Epping
- Elaine M. Sullivan
- Evalyn Bemis
- Frank Chambers
- Jim Rubin
- Leslie Lakind
- Teri S. Hackler
- Teresa Seamster
