Local 49 Shares Updated Candidate List

Early voting has begun in New Mexico for the November 3 general election. SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 49 is sharing its updated candidate list.

Local 49’s endorsements reflect the issues that matter to our members: strong wages, safe jobs, fair labor standards, apprenticeship training, infrastructure investment, and respect for the union trades.

Local 49 represents sheet metal workers across New Mexico and West Texas. The people elected to state and federal office make decisions that directly affect our work, our families, and the future of our industry.

Early Voting Information

Beginning October 6, New Mexico voters can now vote early at their county clerk’s office. Additional early voting locations open October 17, and early voting ends October 31. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Visit NMVote.org to check your voter registration, view your sample ballot, and find voting locations and hours.

2026 Endorsed Candidates

Statewide Races

• Deb Haaland, Governor
• Amanda Lopez-Askin, Secretary of State
• Juan De Jesus Sanchez, Commissioner of Public Lands

House of Representatives

• Patricia Roybal Caballero, State Representative, District 13
• Eleanor Chavez, State Representative, District 26
• Nathan Small, State Representative, District 36
• Andres Romero, State Representative, District 10
• Pamelya Herndon, State Representative, District 28
• Joy I. Garratt, State Representative, District 29
• Kathleen Cates, State Representative, District 44
• Anita Gonzales, State Representative, District 70
• Miguel Garcia, State Representative, District 14
• Cynthia Borrego, State Representative, District 17
• Angelica Rubio, State Representative, District 35
• Christine Chandler, State Representative, District 43
• Reena Szczepanski, State Representative, District 47
• Javier Martínez, State Representative, District 11
• Dayan Hochman-Vigil, State Representative, District 15
• Marianna Anaya, State Representative, District 18
• Micaela Cadena, State Representative, District 33
• Charlotte Little, State Representative, District 68
• Janelle Anyanonu, State Representative, District 19
• Raymundo Lara, State Representative, District 34
• Yanira Gurrola, State Representative, District 16
• Meredith Dixon, State Representative, District 20
• Elizabeth Torres-Velasquez, State Representative, District 30
• Tara Lujan, State Representative, District 48
• Sarah Silva, State Representative, District 53
• Yolanda Jaramillo, State Representative, District 41
• Sarah Boses, State Representative, District 50
• Elise Falanga Taylor, State Representative, District 23
• Raul Turrieta, State Representative, District 39
• Chriselle Martinez, State Representative, District 57
• Katherine Gauer, State Representative, District 8
• Rickie Gonzales, State Representative, District 7
• Abby Foster, State Representative, District 27

Federal Races

• Teresa Leger Fernandez, U.S. Representative, New Mexico District 3
• Melanie Stansbury, U.S. Representative, New Mexico District 1
• Gabriel Vasquez, U.S. Representative, New Mexico District 2
• Ben Ray Luján, U.S. Senator

Supporting Working Families

Local 49 supports candidates who understand working people and the importance of union labor. Our members build the systems, facilities, and infrastructure that keep communities moving. We need elected officials who recognize that work and stand with the men and women doing it.

“We support leaders who understand that strong communities are built by skilled workers,” said Local 49 leadership. “Our members show up every day to build the future of New Mexico and West Texas. We need elected officials who will stand with working families, support apprenticeship training, and protect the value of union labor.”

These endorsements reflect Local 49’s commitment to protecting good jobs, strengthening apprenticeship training, and supporting policies that help union members build solid careers.

Members are encouraged to review the endorsed candidates, stay informed, and make their voices heard in the 2026 election. Strong turnout matters. Strong labor representation matters. The future of our work depends on both.