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House District 36: Nathan Small Candidate Q&A
House District 36: Nathan Small
Political Party: Democrat
Education: B.A., English and Philosophy, College of Wooster
Occupation: Conservationist
City of Residence: Las Cruces
Relevant Experience
State Representative since 2016; Chair, House Appropriations and Finance; Member, House Energy and Natural Resources. Vice-Chair, Legislative Finance Committee. Recipient, Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Start to Finish Award, NM Chamber of Commerce Legislative Leadership Award; NM Foundation for Open Government Dixon First Amendment Award; two-term Las Cruces City Councilor
Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
No
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.
In 2011 during a traffic stop, I was taken into custody because of a bench warrant for forgetting to pay a traffic ticket. Embarrassed, I paid the traffic ticket at the station and the issue was resolved.
Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
No
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 state take to diversify its economy and revenue base?
We are using record revenues for generational investments and long term savings. Supporting infrastructure improvement, workforce and apprenticeship expansion, we are growing and diversifying our economy. Supporting and improving education and healthcare we are strengthening New Mexico families. Leveraging federal opportunities and securing our water future are also vital.
Would you support or oppose a paid family and medical leave program that would require most employees and employers to pay into a state-run fund?
Support.
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?
I supported substantial raises for all educators that prioritized Spanish and Native language bilingual educators. I support working with sovereign tribal nations, parents, educators, and principals to identify replicable best practices for New Mexico students. Career technical education, internships, and hands-on learning opportunities alongside higher education preparation opportunities are essential.
What changes, if any, should New Mexico make to its gross receipts tax code?
I support eliminating loopholes and was proud to reduce the Gross Receipts Tax as New Mexicans weathered tough times. I think we can go further and reduce the gross receipts tax even more, while ensuring New Mexico can afford sufficient support for education, healthcare, public safety, natural resources and infrastructure.
What changes, if any, should New Mexico make to its election laws and primary system? Do you support or oppose opening the state's primary elections to voters who aren't affiliated with either major political party?
I supported efforts to make it easier to vote, including same-day voter registration. We must ensure the security and safety of election workers, who face growing threats. I support the right of all New Mexicans, including those who aren’t affiliated with either major political party, to participate in primary elections.
The State Land Office isn't leasing any new land until the Legislature raises oil and gas royalty rates. Would you support or oppose raising oil and gas royalty rates?
Support.
Do you support or oppose the state treating brackish and produced water? The New Mexico Environment Department has proposed reuse for certain projects not related to drinking water, like generating green hydrogen or running hemp farms using produced water.
I strongly support cleaning brackish/produced water, which has saved billions of gallons of fresh water with the Produced Water Act that I passed in 2019. More support will yield new water used for economic growth and diversification through green hydrogen, closed loop manufacturing, and other fit for purpose uses.
What steps should the Legislature take to address crime and improve public safety?
We need more law enforcement officers, technology and strategic infrastructure to deter and arrest criminals. We need a well resourced and stronger judicial system to stop the revolving door of repeat dangerous offenders and swiftly administer justice. Expanding drug treatment, transitional housing, and healthcare are also critical.
Would you support or oppose a ban on automatic weapons?
I am a lifelong gun owner and hunter. I know how important gun safety is. That’s why I supported universal background checks and creating a commonsense Red Flag law. Fully automatic weapons are already illegal. Keeping the most dangerous weapons off the street and out of the hands of people who seek to do harm is critical.
What steps do you believe should be taken to improve New Mexico's economic competitiveness?
Cradle to career investments, from early childhood education to our largest ever workforce training and apprenticeship funds. Any New Mexican who wants a well paying job in high demand fields from healthcare to clean energy, healthcare, education construction, advanced manufacturing, film, advanced agriculture and more now has a pathway.
New Mexico is the only state that does not pay its legislators a salary, though lawmakers do receive per diem payments and can qualify for a legislative pension. Should lawmakers be paid a salary?
In 2024, I ensured there was funding to support paid staff in order to better serve all New Mexicans. I support a paid legislature so that New Mexicans of all backgrounds can afford to serve. I support proposals to develop an independent commission to determine an appropriate salary for legislators.
Anything else you would like to add?
As Chair of the House Budget Committee, I have worked to increase transparency and on making our state budget work for New Mexico. We’ve provided over $100 million to hire police and sheriff's officers and added $500 million for public schools. There’s still more we can do.
