Elisa Martinez announces candidacy for NM House District 27

On Friday, pro-life leader and conservative activist Elisa Martinez announced her candidacy for New Mexico State House of Representatives in District 27, based in Albuquerque.

In her announcement, Martinez wrote,  “As you know, I have fought tirelessly for the past decade to try to get our laws changed in Santa Fe, and I have often been discouraged by how tone-deaf our legislature can be. Many are simply unwilling to listen to the voices of the people. And the results are clear: sadly, we are last in everything good and first in everything bad. This is why I am excited to share this news with you. I have decided to take on the Santa Fe establishment – it’s time to put New Mexico’s voices first – not last.” 

“If the Santa Fe politicians won’t listen to our serious concerns with rising crime, failing education, lack of jobs, and ever-rising prices, then I’m running to MAKE them listen to us. It’s way past time for accountability and new representation. to move New Mexico forward – not backward,” she wrote.

Martinez has lived in Albuquerque for over 25 years and worked as a small business owner as well as a family and community advocate. 

According to her website, “Elisa has vast experience working with every level of government including the White House, Congress, as well as state, city, and county governments across the state for over 10 years for a safer. She is a nationally recognized speaker on economic and social policy issues, and has been featured in national media from Fox News to the New York Times. Elisa has worked on policy issues for over 10 years and is passionate about youth, Hispanic and Native American engagement in politics.” 

Martinez is challenging incumbent Rep. Marian Matthews (D-Bernalillo), who was first appointed to the Legislature in 2020 after the sudden passing of Rep. Bill Pratt (D-Bernalillo). She is a party-line Democrat who has been a rubber stamp for Gov. Lujan Grisham’s leftist agenda. In the GOP primary, Martinez faces former candidate for District 27, Robert Godshall.