ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — State Rep. Nicole Chavez made her closing case to House District 31 voters during an appearance on The Chile Wire, emphasizing health care, public safety, education and economic development as she seeks reelection.
Chavez, who is running against Lisa Curtis, said the race should be decided primarily on issues handled by state government rather than national political debates. She argued that decisions made in Santa Fe have a more direct effect on New Mexicans’ access to doctors, neighborhood safety, schools and the state’s ability to attract businesses.
“This election is so important,” Chavez said. “It has nothing to do with Trump. Has nothing to do nationally. It has to do everything with New Mexico and New Mexicans.”
Health care was a major focus of the interview. Chavez pointed to her work on House Bill 99, legislation passed during the 2026 session addressing New Mexico’s medical malpractice system, as well as efforts involving interstate medical compacts.
Chavez said additional changes are needed, including eliminating the gross receipts tax on medical services, improving incentives for medical professionals and expanding access to care in rural communities.
“We have a lot more to get done,” Chavez said.
She also criticized Curtis’ record on medical malpractice policy, saying Curtis opposed reforms Chavez supported. Chavez said she believes reversing those changes could make it more difficult to retain physicians in New Mexico. Those comments reflect Chavez’s characterization of her opponent’s position during the interview.
Public safety remains a particularly personal issue for Chavez. Her son, Jaydon, was killed at age 17, an experience Chavez said led her to spend years advocating at the Legislature before eventually seeking office herself.
Chavez said she supports stronger accountability for violent offenders while also backing vocational and skills training for people in correctional facilities to reduce the likelihood they will return to crime after release.
“We need real accountability, not a slap on the hand when you’re taking a life,” Chavez said.
Chavez also discussed economic development and the challenge of keeping young New Mexicans in the state. She said her own son, now attending Arizona State University, has questioned whether he will return to New Mexico because of employment opportunities elsewhere.
“We need opportunities for our youth to stay here, to stay in New Mexico to succeed,” Chavez said.
For House District 31 voters, Chavez framed the election as a choice about the direction of state policy and encouraged residents to examine candidates’ records rather than relying solely on party affiliation.
“Look at the individual,” Chavez said. “Look at what my opponent stands for, what her intentions are, and then look at me.”
Chavez said her priorities remain the same as when she first ran for the seat: public safety, health care and education.
“My priorities have remained the same priorities they are today than when I was running two years ago,” she said. “I promise to continue to fight for you every day.”
