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Senate District 15: Heather Berghmans Candidate Q&A
Senate District 15: Heather Berghmans
Political Party: Democrat
Age: 36
Family: Husband, David Parkinson; 1 Child
Education: Masters Public Administration, B.A. Political Science
Occupation: Consultant
City of Residence: Albuquerque
Relevant Experience
I am a policy analyst, a finance consultant, and a new mom. I have also worked in business and international e-commerce. For the past five years, I worked with our state’s Democratic lawmakers to help pass legislation that has contributed to significant victories for working families and our environment.
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.
No
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 must continue to invest in and grow high-value industries like film, renewable energy, technology, biosciences, and healthcare while supporting our small businesses. New Mexico has the potential to become a leader in these areas, but we must also continue to develop our education systems, apprenticeships and trainings, and infrastructure.
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?
I support a well-designed paid family and medical leave program. New Mexico families deserve such protections, but we must listen to our small businesses to find a lasting solution.
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?
The Legislature must swiftly fund statewide education, prioritizing teacher investment. Accessible professional development is essential for every teacher. Expanded classroom time should be enacted, and community school coordinators fully supported. These steps ensure equitable, high-quality education for all students.
What changes, if any, should New Mexico make to its gross receipts tax code?
New Mexico needs to seriously examine how to change our GRT system to be more efficient, fair, and streamlined. The overly complex pyramiding structure and system of exemptions only erode the whole design and put more burdens on businesses. I am eager to work on reviewing and implementing such changes.
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?
Unaffiliated voters now have the option to take part in primary elections by updating their registration status either before the election or on the day of the election, and this process is effective.
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?
I support raising royalty rates to be market value and competitive with states surrounding us, especially Texas, which charges significantly higher amounts.
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.
We need to ensure that science supports this water reuse. This process is costly, so the state must be fiscally responsible when exploring these options, especially as the private sector also works in this area. Protecting our water’s future is crucial, and with ongoing oil extraction, we must address how to manage produced water effectively.
What steps should the Legislature take to address crime and improve public safety?
We must reduce violent, retail, and property crime and the growing fentanyl crisis. We must continue to arrest those with felony warrants and ensure violent offenders are held accountable with swift and certain punishment. We must fund our court systems, police, and first responders, and we must address the root causes of crime.
Would you support or oppose a ban on automatic weapons?
I support common-sense gun safety legislation that many of our neighbors agree with — assault weapon bans, waiting periods, stronger red flag laws, and more.
What steps do you believe should be taken to improve New Mexico's economic competitiveness?
New Mexico must revamp our GRT system, improve and streamline our permitting and regulatory process, and invest in our education system. We must further support early childhood development and care options to ensure every New Mexican can reach their full potential.
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?
Yes. Lawmakers need to be able to commit the time necessary to researching and understanding complex policy decisions. NM has the last unpaid legislature in the country, and I believe that the “volunteer” nature of our legislative branch is one reason our state is at the bottom of so many lists.
Anything else you would like to add?
I am running for what I believe are the right reasons—to improve the lives of all New Mexicans. I have strong values, and I’m a person of my word. I will stand up for the people of District 15, listen to their needs, and deliver for them.
