NAME: Andrea Romero
POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic
OCCUPATION: Law student, entrepreneur
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Santa Fe
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Elected to serve HD46 in 2018, I have a record of accomplishments such as sponsoring the landmark cannabis bill in 2020, which automatically reverses harms of the War on Drugs targeting cannabis use in the past and legalizes adult-use cannabis. I have pushed for modernizing our housing, water management and working across rural and urban communities to ensure HD46 receives its deserved amount of attention. I have a record of international and local public, private and community service.
EDUCATION: Law Student, University of New Mexico (graduation May 2022); Stanford University, Bachelor of Arts in political science, 2009; Santa Fe High School graduate, 2005
CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: andrearomero.com
1. New Mexico is highly reliant on the oil and natural gas industries to generate revenue to fund state programs, as evidenced by recent oil boom and bust cycles. What steps should the Legislature take to diversify the state’s economy and revenue base?
We need to make way for industries that are environmentally, culturally and socially appropriate, helping us to grow our opportunity with high-paying jobs that allow families to thrive here. Along with supporting industries and holding them accountable like cannabis, we should do more with renewable energy, fintech, local food production, and film.
2. During the last regular legislative session, there was an unsuccessful push to make it easier to keep certain defendants behind bars until trial. Should New Mexico law be changed to make it easier to hold individuals charged with violent offenses such as murder and first-degree child abuse behind bars until trial?
Our country is still based on the premise that one is innocent until proven guilty. I trust our current system, where judges maintain discretion to assess each defendant on their merits and relevant history.
3. What steps should the Legislature take to address crime and public safety as New Mexico faces one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation?
Law enforcement and first responders must be fully trained and funded to respond to our community’s needs. The shortage of mental and behavioral health services, and alternative response units, is inextricably linked to the rise in crime. We must focus on hiring social workers and mental health professionals who can respond to the root causes of crime.
4. Given the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, do you support or oppose codifying abortion protections in state law? And do you support or oppose enacting any restrictions on abortion in New Mexico?
I support codifying abortion protections in state law and strongly oppose any restrictions on abortion in New Mexico, both for women from here and for women traveling here from other states for health care.
5. New Mexico has already implemented several gun control laws in recent years. Would you support or oppose legislation that banned or restricted the sale of AR-15-style semi-automatic weapons, such as raising the age limit for purchasing such weapons? And what about legislation making it a crime to fail to safely secure firearms around children?
I am a strong supporter of a ban on assault weapons and I support making it a crime not to safely secure firearms around children. I also support sensible measures like red flag laws, a ban on ghost guns, and preventing domestic abusers from owning a gun.
6. The state agency tasked with keeping New Mexico children safe has faced recent scrutiny over transparency issues and its handling of high-profile child abuse cases. What changes would you support to improve the operations of the Children, Youth and Families Department?
Most state departments, which were dramatically cut during the Martinez era, need increased staffing. This shortage is especially dire for agencies like CYFD that address such grave matters as child abuse that involve child welfare, family dynamics, complex legal rules, and myriad social service agencies.
7. What changes, if any, should New Mexico make to its gross receipts tax code?
In the coming year, our tax system must be overhauled to ensure the highest earners, including corporations, are also paying the highest taxes in the state. Today, that system remains regressive and taxes the poorest among us the harshest. We must get rid of loopholes and replace revenue with progressive taxation.
8. New Mexico is currently the only state that does not pay its legislators a salary, though lawmakers do get per diem payments and can qualify for a legislative pension. Do you support or oppose a salaried Legislature and, if so, how much should lawmakers be paid?
Strongly support. This current legislative system, derived in the 1930s, makes it very difficult, if not impossible, for those who need to work for a living to run for legislative office. This shuts out important diverse voices, who truly represent the fabric of New Mexico, from running for office.
9. What more, if anything, should the Legislature do to address a court ruling that found New Mexico is failing to provide a sufficient education to all students, especially Native Americans and those who don’t speak English as a first language?
We have made great strides in addressing the legislative shortcomings uncovered by the Yazzie-Martinez case and we must do more. We’ve increased educator salaries, focused on and funded early childhood education, and are providing free college to all. Equitable and culturally relevant access to each of these endeavors will be the true test.
10. In recent years, New Mexico has steadily increased spending on early childhood programs, such as home visiting, prekindergarten and child care assistance, and created a new early childhood trust fund. Do you support or oppose the proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would withdraw more money from the state’s permanent school fund to increase funding for early childhood services and K-12 education?
Strongly support. Investing in our children’s future is the best investment we can make. It follows neuroscience data and proof in the economic returns. It’s a win-win for all.
11. In order to address climate change and air quality issues, do you support or oppose legislation limiting greenhouse gas emissions and requiring the state achieve net-zero emissions by 2050?
Strongly support. We can do much to accelerate our way to this goal by continuing to invest in our renewable energy future as a state, such as promoting programs like community solar, and continuing to support the exportation of clean energy to surrounding states.
12. Do you believe changes should be made to the emergency powers held by a governor during a pandemic or other time of crisis. If so, do you believe such powers should be expanded or reduced and in what specific ways?
The current system is working well and has worked well to keep New Mexicans safe.
13. Would you support a merit-based evaluation system to determine how the state spends its capital outlay funding?
I strongly support capital outlay being fully transparent. Anything we can do to ensure the funds distributed are meeting the needs of our local communities, I am on board.
14. Do you believe former President Donald Trump’s claim that he was the legitimate winner of the 2020 presidential election? (Yes or No answer only, please)
No.
15. What changes, if any, would you support to New Mexico’s election laws?
New Mexico has some of the strongest election laws in the country, and there’s more we can do. I’m for anything we can do to promote our democracy through convenient, safe and undoubtedly secure elections.
Personal background
1. Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
No.
2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
No.
3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain.
No.
