Harry Garcia, an incumbent turned challenger, is seeking a rematch in the June 2 Democratic primary for House District 69, after he was unseated in 2024 by the incumbent, freshman Rep. Michelle Pauline Abeyta.
Nestled in the state’s northwestern corner, House District 69 encompasses six counties: Bernalillo, McKinley, Valencia, San Juan, Socorro and Cibola; the pueblos of Acoma and Laguna; and portions of the Navajo Nation. Over an expanse of nearly 3.5 million acres, the mostly rural district includes industries such as oil and gas, and remnants of the state’s former uranium mining industry.
Abeyta defeated Garcia – a four-term state lawmaker first elected in 2016 – in the 2024 three-way primary, carrying 57% of the vote, while Garcia garnered 35%, while the third candidate, miner Stanley Michael, received 8% of the vote.
Last year, Garcia also attempted to represent neighboring District 6 through appointment, but was found ineligible following an investigation by the New Mexico Department of Justice into his residency.
“My intentions never were to run for that seat. I was asked to get Cibola County’s nomination for that seat and then it just didn’t happen,” Garcia said. “So that’s fine, but my heart and soul is in my district where I’ve been for all my life.”
Abeyta said she won’t back down from the challenge.
“I think that we’ve done very well and we can do more for the district,” she said.
The winner of the Democratic primary as of now does not face a Nov. 3 general election opponent (deadlines to register as an Independent, minor party or write-in candidate follow the primary election).
Source NM posed several questions to both candidates about their races. Their answers have been edited for clarity and concision.
Incumbent Rep. Michelle Pauline Abeyta, 42, and a member of the Navajo Nation, also works as a lawyer who practices in Navajo Nation courts. She originally worked as an environmental lawyer for the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, then moved into solo practice, mostly in family and civil law.
The mother of four, Abeyta said she brings a unique set of skills and perspectives to the position.
“You have to be open-minded and learn about different issues in this work,” she said. “I’m not a one-issue candidate, I can run legislation on environment, child welfare, affordable housing.”
What is the most important issue facing the district?
Public safety. Constituents have told me, or you see it in the news, there is a need for increased law enforcement. Especially in rural districts like mine, there are limited resources and law enforcement is covering large tracts of land. Then there’s jurisdictions: six county sheriffs, tribal law enforcement agencies from the pueblos and the Navajo Nation, then state police and federal law enforcement. Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the community is just a little more complex.
What is the most important issue facing New Mexico?
Access to healthcare. People I talk to are constantly asking for more services, more resources and also asking for ways to recruit (workers), even in the urban areas like Grants. It’s everything from mental health services to primary care – all of it.
What is the first piece of legislation you would introduce if elected?
My legislation is a little bit of my heart and soul. It would most likely address law enforcement and public safety agreements across the jurisdictions to make sure we’re protecting all New Mexicans. I’ve been visualizing this for months, and working on bringing partners to the table. We need to ensure that things like liability concerns, insurance coverage, training components are addressed.
What committee is your top choice for service, and why?
I’d like to continue on the House Energy Environment and Natural Resources, as well as the Judiciary committee. House District 69 has an abundance of resources in water, uranium and energy extraction. On the judiciary side, a majority of our bills run through that committee. I’m very honored to look at how this impacts a district like mine with diverse cultures, governments, and jurisdictions in it and seeing at how legislation will impact all of us.
What is your strongest skill that makes you the best candidate for voters?
I’m not afraid to handle the tough issues that can sometimes be overwhelming because they’re so complex. I bring people to the table, I work across the aisle and I work with legislators in urban and rural settings.
Do you support paying lawmakers?
As one of the co-sponsors on the legislation, absolutely. I think it’s important because you have so many individuals with diverse backgrounds who can contribute in great ways to our legislative body. As a first-generation college grad and mom of four and a poster parent – those experiences mean we don’t come from the type of monetary wealth that can support this type of service.
Harry Garcia, who held the seat for four terms, also owns and has operated an automotive mechanic and towing business for the last four decades. Garcia, 76, lives in Grants.
“I care about the people of New Mexico, I’ve been a representative before for nine years,” he said about seeking reelection.
What is the most important issue facing the district?
My district has a lot of Native Americans. If you go out there and look at these people, the way they’re living, having to haul water and not having electricity in the rural part of the state, issues have not been addressed, and they need to be. There should be no reason why people don’t have any water or electricity in their houses.
What is the most important issue facing New Mexico?
Healthcare, mental health and the prices of that (care) are big issues. Education is a real big issue. And jobs, we just need more jobs.
What is the first piece of legislation you would introduce if elected?
There’s not a particular one. Education’s really important, the cost of healthcare has completely gone out of control, as people can’t afford to buy insurance anymore.
What committee is your top choice for service, and why?
I’m a Vietnam veteran as well, so Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs and Transportation, (Public Works and Capital Improvements) where I was vice chair before.
What is your strongest skill that makes you the best candidate for voters?
My common sense. I’m a business person and common sense goes a long way to help out the people who stay in New Mexico.
Do you support paying lawmakers?
If it happens, fine, if it doesn’t, I’m fine. I’m not back for the pay, I’ve never been in it for the pay. My goal and doing what we’re doing is to help people in New Mexico.
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