News
Upcoming Elections
Deb Dapson is running for the Rio Rancho City Council, District #1. She has been extremely active in the Democratic Party of Sandoval County (DPSC). Deb Dapson has served the DPSC for several years. She created and hosts our web page and has been an incredible...
Did You Know – June 2023
Sandoval County has an interesting and unique history. Here are some interesting facts about our county. Sandoval County has been a government entity since 1903. It was carved out of Bernalillo County. The name “Sandoval” comes from one of the large land holding...
Statement from the Democratic Party of New Mexico on the Shooting in Farmington
“The Democratic Party of New Mexico sends our heartfelt condolences to the Farmington community and the families who lost loved ones in today’s shooting and hope for a full recovery for everyone injured. We commend the brave law enforcement officers who put themselves...
Volunteer of the Month – June 2023 – Delbert Schafer & Karen Schafer
Delbert Schafer Delbert Schafer has served DPSC as the Chair of the Communications Team for the last election cycle. He was instrumental in organizing our website, email lists, digital ads, texting campaigns, post card projects, and all other facets of our party's...
GOVERNOR RENEWS CALLS FOR ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN
On May 17, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, in response to the Farmington mass shooting, said she would again pursue an assault weapon ban and age restrictions for purchasing firearms. Both proposals were introduced during the 2023 NM legislative session and failed to...
First Friday Forum – May 5, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2F_rYJH1_U DPSC May 5th First Friday Luncheon Featured Speaker Vicki Estrada Bustillos
Volunteer of the Month – May 2023 – Nandini Pillai Kuehn
Nandini Pillai Kuehn is an active Sandoval Democrat. She is the Ward D Chair and has worked tirelessly to fill her Precinct Chair positions. (Ward D currently is the 2nd most organized ward in Sandoval County!) Her attention to details has helped us to focus...
Did You Know – May 2023
The demographics of Sandoval County are changing. Here are some interesting comparisons from the 2010 to 2020 census. 2020 Census 2010 Census 149,218 Size of Population 131,561 25% Under Age 18 29% 19% Over Age 65 12% 41% White 48% 3% Black 2% 14%...
Voting System & Voter Protection Bills Passed In 2023 Legislative Sessions
The Governor recently signed three Bills dealing with making voting secure and accessible to more New Mexicans. Many states are actively curtailing ease of access to voting stations for low income neighborhoods and minority groups (who traditionally vote for...
Miss Information – Speaking of Apes
Who knew Republicans were such jokesters, but these days they’re funnier than a barrel of flatulent monkeys. It turns out that January 6 was not an insurrection. It was a laugh riot, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene declaring, “I want to tell you something: If Steve...
Governor’s Actions on Legislation (2023 Legislative Session)
Extracted from Pete Dinelli’s Blog of April 10, 2023 The Governor signed a raft of bills by the deadline date of April 7th, 2023. The governor signed the enacted $9.6 billion budget plan for the fiscal year that begins on June1. The budget will boost state spending...
First Friday Forum – April 7, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfcZiPWmZmc The Democratic Party of Sandoval County April First Friday Meeting featured Speaker Gino Satriana
Election Fraud effort lacks credibility
The following letter was sent to the editor of the Rio Rancho Observer, and the paper has failed to print it. Therefore, the letter is being published here to let Sandoval County Democrats know that the allegations of election fraud are unfounded. Dear Editor, After...
Liberty and Justice
by Flora Lucero, Chair of the Democratic Party of Bernalillo County I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation indivisible with Liberty and Justice for all. Francis Bellamy, The Youth’s Companion, September 8, 1892 In a ward...
Miss Information – REPUBLICAN STATE SENATOR CRAIG BRANDT WOULD DENY CHILDREN EASY ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE
Re-printed from the Rio Rancho Observer with permission. [Note: After this letter was published, the New Mexico Senate and House passed the bill, titled “School-Based Health Centers] on a party-line vote with support from only two Republicans.] Democrats and...
Did You Know – Upcoming School Board Elections
There will be School Board elections within Sandoval County on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. The following school districts will have elections for school board members. All of the districts have 5 member boards. Bernalillo - 2 Seats up for election. Web Page: ...
Roundhouse Roundup – 2023 Legislative Session
The 2023 legislative session has ended with quite a number of bills having been passed and sent to the Governor. The Governor has until April 7 to sign or veto legislation and this article will be published before we know the outcome of every passed bill. A massive...
Volunteer of the Month – April 2023 – Judy Gordon
Maybe you’ve read all the Letters to the Editor in the Albuquerque Journal or the Rio Rancho Observer or surely you have read some of the Miss Information columns in past DPSC Newsletters. Well those poignant letters and columns come from our own Judy Gordon! Judy...
Volunteer of the Month – March 2023 – Steven Dapson.
Maybe you’ve noticed that the DPSC has a fine sound system that we use at all of our events. It was necessary for us to be able to broadcast our meetings, and really, for people to just be able to hear what speakers are saying. But have you noticed that there is one...
Sandoval County Update
While there are many issues facing Sandoval County, here are a few of the major ones. 1. Roads. The County maintains cover 1,100 miles of roadways stretching from the East Mountains to beyond Cuba. At a cost of approximately $1 million per mile to construct a road,...
DPSC – County Party Elections
Sandoval County Democrats, it is time for our County party elections! This is a great opportunity for all of us to get more involved with our local Party. The Precinct and Ward elections are open to all Democrats who have registered to vote at least 30 day prior to...
Miss Information – Democrats are fighting to keep us safe from gun violence
Once again, our own Miss Information (Judy Gordon) had the following Letter to the Editor published in the Albuquerque Journal recently. You go, Miss! With no help from Republicans, Democrats are fighting to keep us safe from gun violence If actions speak louder than...
First Friday Forum – February 3, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPMLO7PAqZc DPSC February 3rd First Friday Meeting Featuring Commissioners Bruch and Jones
Second Saturday Forum – January 14, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd-PXzEd0T4 Democratic Party of Sandoval County January 14th Second Saturday Meeting. Meeting Featured Speaker Senator Brenda McKenna.
First Friday Forum – January 7, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8hs5t700ak DPSC January 6th First Friday Meeting Featured Speaker Representative Kathleen M. Cates
Miss Information – GOP calls governor a grinch
By Judy Gordon, DPSC Secretary Re-printed from the Rio Rancho Observer with permission. On Dec. 13, the Observer posted an article to its website about the surge of patients pushing hospitals beyond their licensed capacity. The cause? A “triple-demic” of flu, COVID...
Gimme Some Truth – Democrats are voting our values and our humanity
By Barbara Jordan, President-elect, Sandoval County Federation of Democratic Women, as told to June Anglin, Chair, Precinct 146, DPSC Barbara Jordan lives in Rio Rancho, where she made a run for the mayor’s seat in 2022. As the founder of People Requiring Equality...
Gimme Some Truth – By getting involved in Democratic politics, young people can join a community to create positive change
By Hailey Fortin, Sandoval County Field Organizer for the 2022 Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign as told to June Anglin, Chair, Precinct 146, DPSC Some of us first met Hailey Fortin at the beginning of Kathleen Cates’ campaign for the State House of...
People Are Smart Enough to Govern Themselves
But we must guard against the anti- democratic behavior of the Republican PartyBy Senator Fred Harris In the Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln spoke not only about our government of the people and for the people, but also by the people, reiterating the fundamental...
Second Saturday Forum – November 12, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqN12_WrrIs Democratic Party of Sandoval County November 12th Second Saturday Meeting.
First Friday Forum – November 4, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xebFfGYIjss DPSC November 4th First Friday Featured Speaker Democratic Candidate for NM Treasurer Laura Montoya
Albuquerque Journal Endorses Mark Ronchetti – What the …?
The Albuquerque Journal’s endorsement of Mr. Ronchetti for Governor would be funny if the consequences weren't so dire. "A Republican political neophyte with zero management experience." ".....has not served on a county commission, in a state cabinet post, in...
Democratic Party of Sandoval County Get Out the Vote Rally Town of Bernalillo October 8th, 2022
https://youtu.be/oQzdcEU-tLE The Democratic Party of Sandoval County held a Get Out the Vote Rally in Bernalillo on Oct. 8. The Democrats were treated to headline appearance from statewide, congressional, and local candidates. Event photos are available here:...
Re-Elect Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
By Judy Gordon, DPSC Secretary
Gimme Some Truth – Assessor serves Sandoval County with exemplary smarts, skills, and integrity
By Sandoval County Assessor Linda Gallegos as told to June Anglin, Chair, Precinct 146, DPSC Linda Davide Gallegos is an incumbent running for re-election as Sandoval County Assessor. She is a dedicated public servant who has brought transparency and accountability to...
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Rally in Rio Rancho – September 9, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaXUipYII2M The New Mexico Governor, Michelle Lujan Grishamm visited Rio Rancho on Sept. 9, 2022,as she campaigns for re-election. More than 100 Democratic activists attended the Rally held at the Democratic Party of Sandoval...
DPSC Update Video – Helping Elect Democrats – September 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpdlWxFPL5w The Democratic Party of Sandoval County reports on its activities to help elect Democrats in Sandoval County and throughout New Mexico in the November 2022 election. The county chair and the county coordinated...
Second Saturday Forum – August 10, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_DMQOmKNG4 Democratic Party of Sandoval County September 10th Second Saturday Meeting.
This is a BFD (But Not in a Good Way)
By Judy Gordon, DPSC Secretary Republicans didn’t have a party platform in 2020 because electing Donald Trump was their platform. If Republicans revealed what they really stand for, it would be a recipe for defeat, so don't look for one in 2024, either. But Sen. Rick...
Who Serves New Mexicans?
Joe Biden delivers while Yvette Herrell says “NO!” By Nandini Pillai Kuehn, Ph.D., MHA, Retired Health Care Consultant, DPSC Ward D Chair On August 14, two letters appeared in the Journal. One was from Democratic Senator Ben Ray Lujan touting the CHIPS Act—spelling...
Gimme Some Truth – Michelle Sandoval Will Be a Voice for Young Voters
By Michelle Sandoval, Candidate for New Mexico House District 57, as told to June Anglin Chair, Precinct 146, DPSC Michelle Sandoval is the Democratic Party candidate for New Mexico House District 57. A native New Mexican, she has a BS from the University of New...
NM Rep. Matthew McQueen Addressed Placitas Democrats and Friends
https://youtu.be/MWYJhOQRzXE NM Rep. Matthew McQueen in summer 2022 addressed Placitas Democrats and Friends. Rep. McQueen represents Placitas due to 2020 reapportionment. The meeting was lively and he was well received.
Resilience: Surviving Political Stress and Making a Difference
A failed insurrection to prevent the peaceful transfer of presidential power. Decisions from the Supreme Court undermining abortion rights, the EPA, and our ability to control gun violence. The impending climate crisis. A global pandemic. And more. Are you feeling...
Gimme Some Truth – State House Candidate Will Advocate for Infrastructure, Public Safety, and Education
By Ramon Montaño, Candidate for New Mexico House District 23, as told to June Anglin, Chair, Precinct 146, DPSC A native New Mexican born and educated in Las Vegas, the Democratic candidate for House District 23 has a long history of public service with an emphasis on...
Second Saturday Forum – July 9, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5HdtZ_Kn78 DPSC July 9, 2nd Saturday Meeting Featured Speaker Josette Arvizu, Deputy Director of ProgressNow NM
Gimme Some Truth – County Commission Candidate Will Promote Family Businesses, Water Conservation, and Sustainable Growth
By Gregory Bennett, Candidate for County Commission District 3, as told to June Anglin, Chair, Precinct 146.1, DPSC Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Greg graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from California State University, East Bay. He moved...
First Friday Forum – July 1, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WAS40LxNLg Democratic Party of Sandoval County July 1st, First Friday Meeting
Unpacking John Adams and Independence Day
A version of this letter appeared in the June 12, 2022 edition of the Rio Rancho Observer. The author, an active Democrat and teacher, gave permission to the Democratic Party of Sandoval Count to use his letter. Editor: On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote his wife,...
Second Saturday Forum – June 11, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6si_2kCproU DPSC Second Saturday Meeting Featured Speaker Sally Davis, Messaging Chair Blue CD2 NM
Sheriff Works to Make Our Community a Safe, Caring Place to Live
By Jessie James Casaus, Sandoval County Sheriff As Sandoval County grows, it’s essential that public safety enforcement agencies and community stakeholders work together to build positive interaction experiences. We continue to follow a positive team approach, which...
Gun Violence Not Fault of Gun Control Advocates
A version of this letter appeared in the June 12, 2022 edition of the Rio Rancho Observer. The author, an advocate for common sense gun laws, gave permission to the Democratic Party of Sandoval Count to use her letter. Editor: Your editorial headline on May 29, 2022,...
Gimme Some Truth – Advocate for Women, Children, Veterans, Wildlife, and Individuals with Disabilities Runs for State House
Kathleen M. Cates, Candidate for House District 44, as told to June Anglin, DPSC Kathleen M. Cates is a first-time candidate running for the NM House of Representatives District 44. A longtime resident of the area, she has been a business owner, homeowner, nonprofit...
Abortion Rights Are on the Ballot – Keep New Mexico Blue
By Judy Gordon, DPSC Secretary Re-printed from the Rio Rancho Observer with permission. The leak of the draft Supreme Court decision is a wakeup call that a handful of right- wing Christian theocrats are about to pull the plug on abortion rights. Denying women...
First Friday Forum – June 3, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGESjlmdjFs Democratic Party of Sandoval County First Friday Meeting June 3 Speaker Jessica Velasquez Chair DPNM
Condemnation of Treasurer, Tim Eichenberg’s Actions
From: Alexandria PILAND <alexpiland@msn.com>Sent: Monday, May 23, 2022 6:15 PMSubject: Condemnation of Treasurer, Tim Eichenberg's Actions For Immediate Release: Letter to the Editor Contact: Alex Piland, Call or Text: 505.350-6590 Email: alexpiland@msn.com...
Second Saturday Forum – May 14, 2022
https://youtu.be/o1z-SbsAt-w Democratic Party of Sandoval County 2nd Saturday NM Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver
Privatized Medicare is Closer Than You Think
By Judy Gordon, DPSC Secretary Medicare Advantage—private insurance with much looser rules than Traditional Medicare—can be enticing. Compared to Traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage offers lower costs and extra benefits such as vision, hearing, and dental...
Gimme Some Truth Part II – More Wisdom for Democrats from Sen. Fred Harris
By Sen. Fred Harris as told to June Anglin, DPSC How Can Democrats Best Counter Smears from the Right and Best Tell Their Story? Currently, the Republican Governors Association is buying frequent television time to tell New Mexicans that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is...
First Friday Forum – May 6, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GL33mIQTHI Democratic Party of Sandoval County First Friday May 6th Anne Brady Romero Sandoval County Clerk
Governor’s Leadership and a (State) House Full of Women Create Progress for New Mexico
By Daymon Ely, NM State House Representative House District 23 I have served in the legislature for the past six years.In that time, I saw two major changes: 1 - a change from a Republican administration (Gov. Martinez) to a Democratic administration (Gov....
Gimme Some Truth Part I – Wisdom for Democrats from Sen. Fred Harris
By Sen. Fred Harris as told to June E. Anglin, DPSC Fred Roy Harris was born in 1930 in Walters, Oklahoma. After graduating from University of Oklahoma Law School with distinction, Harris was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate in 1956. At age 25, Harris was the...
Second Saturday Forum – April 9, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xfeu70WpXb0 Stephanie Garcia Richard, New Mexico's Land Commissioner, reported the success that her office creates with increased revenue, better environmental protections, and acknowledgment of native land rights.
U.S. Cable Subscribers Fund Russian Propaganda
By Judy Gordon, DPSC Secretary Russia has silenced independent media, and journalists are fleeing the country. The Russian people have virtually no access to fact-based, objective reporting. But lest you fear that Russians aren’t hearing Western voices, rest assured...
Looking to Our Party’s Future
Young leader offers pride and hope to Democrats By Jaden Chavez, Freshman, Political Science Major, UNM The world is used to telling people like me that our passions, priorities, and proposals don’t matter—or what’s almost worse, that they can simply wait. After all,...
First Friday Forum – April 1, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIGUReL56A8 Four Democratic candidates, Derrick Lente, Kathleen Cates, Michelle Sandoval, and Ramon Montana, for the New Mexico House 2022 election for seats based in Sandoval County updated attendees on their campaign issues and...
New Mexico Indivisible United 2022 Conference
READ CAREFULLY - Registration is first come, first served and places are limited! Greetings, Sandoval County Indivisibles! We are excited to invite you to the New Mexico Indivisible United 2022 Conference to be held April 29 and 30, 2022. This will be a chance to meet...
Early Childhood Education Constitutional Amendment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izt2IPHeu3g Sandoval County Democratic and Progressive Organizations present a video of a Webinar about the Early Childhood Education Constitutional Amendment that will be voted on the November ballot in New Mexico.
Take the Quiz: Whatever It Is I’m Against It
By Judy Gordon, DPSC Secretary Test your knowledge of New Mexico politicians.Match the quote with the speaker and be reminded once again why it’s critical to vote Democratic up and down the ballot. Download the document to test your skills.
Second Saturday Forum – March 12, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwsaD-2PQQo State Sen. Brenda McKenna provided the head line presentation at a lively Second Saturday meeting. Take a look and listen for yourself on this video.
First Friday Forum – March 4, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMVZWm6YUdA The First Friday Meeting in Bernalillo featured presentations by Democratic candidates who will run in County wide races in the June primary and November General Election. Watch this video to acquaint yourself with the...
Jerry Saxton, Placitas Democratic Leader Dies
Jerry Saxton was born in Dallas on July 18, 1941. Sadly, he lost a fast, vicious battle with malignant melanoma at the UT Southwestern University hospital in Dallas on February 23, 2022. He leaves behind his wife, Janice, his brother Ben, his daughters Jana and...
Second Saturday Forum – February 12, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cJ7nOg_FrY Democratic Party of Sandoval County Second Saturday February 12th Meet the Candidates
Support Establishment of a School of Public Health
From the Santa Fe New Mexican - February 11, 2022
The Insurrectionist Next Door
By Judy Gordon, DPSC Secretary In the past, far-right-wing extremists were viewed as a fringe element that could be contained. But Robert A. Pape, political science professor at the University of Chicago and director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats,...
First Friday Forum – February 4, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU_CuOARmkw Democratic candidates for municipal elections in the town of Bernalillo discuss their vision for the town in a First Friday meeting hosted by the Democratic Party of Sandoval County.
Making A Difference in Sandoval County
Secretary of State safeguards New Mexicans’ voting rights and our democracy By Maggie Toulouse Oliver, New Mexico Secretary of State I entered public service as County Clerk of Bernalillo County in 2007. Since then, motivated by my passion for democracy, my time as...
The Health Security Plan for New Mexicans
All New Mexicans deserve quality healthcare By Ann E. Kepley, Precinct 132 Chair, DPSC All New Mexicans deserve a home- grown health care system that reflects our unique healthcare needs. New Mexicans deserve an affordable plan that provides coordinated preventive...
Making A Difference in Sandoval County
Courts not only stayed open during Covid, they evolved to better serve New Mexico’s residents By Julie Vargas and Briana Zamora, Justices of the New Mexico Supreme Court We’re proud— and honored—to be the newest members of your New Mexico Supreme Court. Appointed by...
Last Week’s Columns are Just Mansplaining
This letter to the editor appeared in the Dec. 26, 2021, issue of the Rio Rancho Observer Dear Editor, On last week’s editorial page of the Rio Rancho Observer, one of the newspaper’s reporters explained what the Democratic Party of Sandoval County needs to do to win...
Republican Commissioners Vote for Gerrymandered Map
Democratic Party of Sandoval CountyContact: Alexandria Piland, Chair 505-350-6590 chair@sandovaldemocrats.org For Immediate Release Dec. 10, 2021 Rio Rancho --The Sandoval County Commission's Republicans showed their true colors at last...
No to Republican Gerrymandering
Last week’s editorial condemned the Democrats’ principled opposition to Rod Adair’s radically gerrymandered redistricting maps, declaring it to be a “fiction” based on “inaccurate narratives.” The Observer claims it is illogical to object to packing Native Americans...
County Commissioner Advances the Safety and Well-Being of County Residents . . . and Our Pets
By Katherine Bruch, Sandoval County Commissioner, District 1 I took office on January 1, 2019, and hit the ground running by sponsoring a resolution in support of state legislation to fund spay and neuter programs. Since that time, I have worked hard for the residents...
Proposed Plans for County Disrespects Native Americans
Democratic Party of Sandoval CountyContact: Alexandria Piland, Chair505-350-6590chair@sandovaldemocrats.orgFor Immediate Release Nov. 25, 2021 By Isaac Chavez, Vice-Chair, Democratic Party of Sandoval County At the Sandoval County Commission Meeting of November 18,...
Sneaky Shenanigans in Sandoval County Redistricting
County Commissioners engage in political shenanigans Bert Coxe of Corrales on Nov. 19 wrote a comment piece published in The Paper about the moves by Sandoval County Commissioners to set up pro-Republican gerrymandered commission districts. Original artical appears in...
Republican’s Redistricting Consultant Insults Public Commenters
Media ReleaseDemocratic Party of Sandoval CountyFor Immediate Release Nov. 19, 2021 On November 18, the Sandoval County Commission meeting presented a shameful performance by the Republicans. Their redistricting “expert” presented four different plans, all of which...
Letter Smearing Democrats Was Misleading
Published on November 14, 2021 in the Rio Rancho Observer The letter of Charles Sullivan of Albuquerque in the Rio Rancho Observer of Nov. 7, 2021, disappoints. Some of the presented “facts” have some basis; some have some basis but are used misleadingly; some are...
The Governor’s Many Accomplishments
Published on November 14, 2021 in the Rio Rancho Observer For a variety of historic and geographic reasons, New Mexico struggles to overcome a legacy of poverty, lagging educational achievement and sluggish economic growth. Last week’s letter to the editor by Charles...