2026 Endorsements for Members

SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 49 has announced its endorsed candidates for the 2026 election cycle.

These endorsements are about protecting 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.

2026 Endorsed Candidates

Statewide Races

Deb Haaland, Governor
Maggie Toulouse Oliver, Lieutenant Governor
Katharine Clark, Secretary of State
Juan De Jesus Sanchez, Commissioner of Public Lands

State House Incumbents

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

Open Seats

Matilda “Tilli” Villalobos, State Representative, District 37
Yolanda Jaramillo, State Representative, District 41
Sarah Boses, State Representative, District 50

Challengers

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

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

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.

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

“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.”

As major projects continue across the region, the demand for trained sheet metal workers will keep growing. Local 49 is focused on making sure that work is done by skilled union professionals who are trained, prepared, and proud of the trade.

Members are encouraged to review the endorsed candidates, stay informed, and make their voices heard in the 2026 election cycle. Strong turnout matters. Strong labor representation matters. The future of our work depends on both.New Mexico is days away from the start of the absentee and early voting in the primary election. To check your voter registration and/or to find a voting site, visit NMVote.org.