2018 New Mexico Primary Candidate Questionnaire

New Mexico Backcountry Hunters & Anglers members will vote in several crucial elections in 2018 that will affect hunting, fishing, and the management of wildlife and public lands, including governor, who appoints members of the state game commission and has authority over the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and commissioner of public lands, who manages roughly 13 million acres of state trust land and controls citizen access to some 9 million acres for hunting, camping and other recreational uses. All three members of New Mexico’s delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives and one Senate seat are up for grabs as well.

With more than 30 candidates on six different ballots in the June 5 primaries, the New Mexico BHA wanted to help inform voters about issues not normally discussed in statewide campaigns. We sent each candidate a series of questions on April 16. We followed up numerous times with emails, phone calls and even Facebook messages to ensure they had received the questionnaire. We reminded each campaign as the deadline to respond approached. Additional time was provided if necessary. Most campaigns responded.

Click the following links to read candidate responses:

• Governor
• Commissioner of public lands
• Senate
• House

We urge all hunters, anglers and other public lands users to read through each of the questionnaires and then to vote. It is crucial that every public land owner let candidates and elected officials know where he or she stands on the issues that affect wildlife, habitat and our public land birthright.

We also encourage non-members to join Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, the voice for your public lands, waters and wildlife. Your support will help BHA continue to hold our elected officials accountable. Join now.