Just about everything in 2020 is different and this election cycle is no exception. While we might not know our national election results right now — and that's OK, too — there are major victories in our state to celebrate.
We are incredibly proud of how New Mexicans continue to demonstrate their deeply held respect for an individual's right to make their own personal decisions about abortion with their health care providers, without interference from politicians. Voters overcame numerous barriers in unprecedented times to show up and turn out for reproductive and sexual health care, and elect champions who will fight to ensure New Mexico respects everyone and that abortion care remains safe and legal.
Because of you, 85 percent of PPVNM-endorsed candidates won their races. About half are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, 34 are women, and six identify as LGBTQ+. Also, you helped usher in a few firsts for our champions. In the state House, Kristina Ortez became the first woman elected to represent HD 42! Brittney Barreras, in HD 12, was elected as the first queer woman of color in our state legislature! And Harold Pope Jr. was elected as the first Black state Senator for SD 23!
Such victories and firsts would not have been possible without you and the dedicated support of our volunteers. Even during a pandemic, over 200 volunteers from across the state came together. To get out the vote, we made about 35,000 calls, sent over 13,000 texts, wrote over 10,000 letters, sent 270,000 mail pieces, and distributed 1,000 safe-at-the-polls kits. Wow!
But this is not where our work ends— the 2021 legislative session is only a few short months away. Just as we decided our state election, we now decide our futures. We must repeal our state's old abortion ban that threatens abortion access for New Mexico women and families. For now, let's rest and then, we'll finish what we started to build a new, better future together.
Tags: 2020 Election