Julia Ruiz, a working-class New Mexican and proud mother who became a U.S. citizen in 2018, has announced her campaign for State Representative in New Mexico House District 36, aiming to unseat Democratic incumbent Nathan Small, whom critics increasingly view as out of touch with the values of southern New Mexico. Small is the chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee.
Ruiz, who has lived in Doña Ana County for more than 30 years, is launching a grassroots campaign focused on restoring practical leadership and local voice to a district long dominated by progressive politics. She says her decision to run stems from frustration with the status quo in Santa Fe, where she believes everyday New Mexicans are being sidelined by elites pushing a one-size-fits-all agenda.
“I’m not a politician—I’m a mother, a worker, and a citizen who’s had enough of the broken promises and power plays by officials who believe they know better than the people they serve,” Ruiz said. “Our schools are failing, crime is on the rise, and families are struggling to stay afloat. These problems didn’t just happen—they’re the direct result of failed leadership and misplaced priorities.”
Ruiz’s campaign is expected to strike a stark contrast with that of Nathan Small, who has represented District 36 since 2017 and is widely seen as a loyal foot soldier for far-left causes in the Legislature. Small has voted in favor of sweeping progressive policies, including legislation that blocks parental notification in schools on issues related to gender identity. He has also supported tax hikes, anti-gun legislation, and expanded government regulation on small businesses.
As a former Sierra Club operative before running for office, Small’s environmental activism has often taken precedence over economic development in a region in need of jobs and infrastructure. Critics argue that his alliance with progressive special interests has left rural and working-class families behind.
Ruiz, by contrast, promises to put working families first. “Las Cruces deserves better,” she said. “I’m stepping forward because our community needs someone who understands struggle, values hard work, and won’t back down. I’m ready to be that advocate.”
Her platform includes strong support for parental rights in education, pushing back against government overreach, defending small businesses from excessive regulation, and ensuring that taxpayers see real results from their contributions—not more bureaucracy.
Born in Delicias, Chihuahua, Ruiz was raised on a ranch in Lybrook, NM and settled in Artesia before moving to Las Cruces in 1993 as a young mother. She worked full-time while raising two daughters, giving her firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing New Mexico’s working families. Becoming a U.S. citizen in 2018, she now seeks to give back through public service built on grit, accountability, and community values.
More information about her campaign is available at juliafornm.com.
Would be great to get her in that seat.
This is the husband of Socialist Torres Small, I mean Xochitl Torres Small who was the Representative for NM2 and said she had no connection with any politics.
We need to have people who were born in the USA as representatives.
many of those born in other countries have more American values than people born here. I support this candidate 100 percent.
I’m with you, Ralph.
Support Republican candidates by volunteering in their campaigns, donations and registering voters at your church, groups and neighbors. Get engaged and involved.
No. We need citizens who love the country and the promises and opportunities it provides. That recognize freedom and quality of life comes with hard work, sacrifice and commitment. We ALL have immigrants in our past. Ruiz’s perspective can give hope and clarity to the VAST majority in her district.
Julia, go big. Beat Small.
Julia’s got a good shot. Thanks to Trump, socialism is so yesterday.
I suppose Mr Small would speak about himself as representing “our Values in NM”. dems say this every day. Mr Small does not represent my values or anyone else i know that is rational. just another no one trying to score his state of NM pension. politics is so toxic and disgusting normal good people seldom run for office any more. what a mess we have made of our nation.
the adult vs the child. what say you NM ? the child ? not surprised.
I personally want to see her beat down this socialist Small. He has done nothing for the people of District 36, my District. It will be great to see someone in office who appreciates what it is to be a hard working American and New Mexican. I am behind Ms. Ruiz all the way.
I wish this lady God’s favor and blessings! I hope she wins. Not in her district. Ralph is right! We have a naturalized citizen running for the 1st congressional district. I have no problem with naturalized citizens as long as they aren’t communist hacks, but even then, you can’t blame them for winning. It’s the clueless voters that vote for these communists like Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tliab!
will hispanics in NM support her ? they didnt support Sheriff Manny and he was a democrat !! they picked Harvard Tim Keller. how sad. why support a liberal like Mr Smalls that wants to take away your freedoms and raise your taxes ? you will live in his image of what is proper NM. He is for the democrat party, not you. isnt it obvious by now ? is there anything in your heads New Mexicans ?
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