APV Endorses Animal Friendly Candidates in June 2026 Primary Election

The 2026 Primary election is fast approaching with early voting beginning May 5^th, and Primary election day is June 2^nd.

As voters prepare to head to the polls (or mail their ballots), Animal Protection Voters (APV) is excited to follow our earlier endorsement of Deb Haaland for Governor, and Matthew McQueen for Land Commissioner , with endorsements of the following animal friendly candidates:

You likely recognize the importance of electing a humane Governor, members of Congress, and State Representatives in order to pass state and federal laws to protect animals. But other offices can actually impact animal protection in our state, too. Here’s how:

• The Lieutenant Governor presides over the New Mexico Senate while the legislature is in session, helping maintain order and ensuring legislative processes run smoothly. Beyond this formal role, the office also facilitates communication between the Governor’s office and constituents.
• The New Mexico State Land Office manages approximately 9 million acres of state trust land—including a vast array of fragile ecosystems where wildlife dwell. The Land Commissioner must balance generating revenue for schools, colleges and other public institutions on state trust land with protecting animals and habitats situated on that land.
• The Secretary of State is tasked with ensuring free and fair elections that accurately reflect the will of voters. The office also oversees the veto referendum process, which has come into play in the past when laws protecting animals from cruelty were challenged with a veto referendum petition.
• You’ll also note we’ve endorsed candidates running for County Sheriff in eight out of New Mexico’s thirty-three counties. These candidates distinguished themselves by recognizing the vital role law enforcement plays in ensuring the safety of animals, people, and their communities.

Best of luck to all APV endorsed candidates…we’ll be rooting for you!

Important Dates for Voters

The 2026 New Mexico Primary is a semi-open primary. This means that voters who “decline to state” a party affiliation (aka “independent” voters) can select which party ballot they would like to receive. Make your plan to vote, and take note of the following important dates:

• Tuesday, May 5, 2026: First day that absentee ballots are mailed AND first day of early voting at County Clerk’s offices
• Saturday, May 16, 2026: First day of expanded early voting at multiple locations
• Tuesday, May 19, 2026: Last day to request an absentee ballot
• Saturday, May 30, 2026: Last day for early voting
• Tuesday, June 2, 2026: Primary day! Polls open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Visit NMVote.org if you need to:

• Register to vote OR update your registration
• View your voter registration info, including voting locations and sample ballot
• Request an absentee ballot in the mail
• And more!

At APV, we believe voters and elected officials are key to making a positive difference for animals, and we work hard to ensure constituents are informed about which candidates—running for office at all levels of government—are best positioned to champion animal protection policies. APV issues endorsements to candidates based on their experience, voting records and/or positions on animal protection issues revealed in questionnaire responses. Endorsements are not based on party affiliation.

Thank you for voting your humane values. We will see you at the polls!