Stephanie Garcia Richard

Defining the job: The lieutenant governor has relatively few duties specifically assigned by the state Constitution. Beyond presiding over the Senate and serving in the governor’s absence, what do you believe the lieutenant governor should actually do, and what specific responsibilities would you seek in the administration?

I would treat the lieutenant governor’s office as an active bridge between the governor’s administration, the Legislature, and communities across New Mexico. As the ombudsman, I would seek responsibility for rural outreach to help bring local concerns to state leaders, tracking whether commitments have been fulfilled and connecting residents with relevant state agencies. 

Independence from the governor: The governor and lieutenant governor run as a team, but they are separately elected officials. On what issues would you be willing to disagree publicly with the governor, and what responsibility does a lieutenant governor have to provide an independent voice within an administration?

I believe in the plans Deb Haaland has outlined as the best path forward for New Mexico. We will work closely to address affordability, healthcare, public safety and education. To the extent that there are disagreements, Deb and I will work together to ensure that the government works for the people of New Mexico. 

The Legislature: As president of the New Mexico Senate, what role should the lieutenant governor play in moving legislation through a politically divided Legislature, and what issue or legislation would be your highest priority when working with lawmakers?

As Senate president, I would aim to make the Senate a place where people with different views can do the work of governing: ensuring a fair process, listening carefully, and building agreement where possible. I will work closely with the Governor and Senate leadership to ensure the work is done efficiently and effectively.

Because of my 19 years in the classroom, my highest priority will be education, supporting Deb’s plan to ensure effective literacy instruction and career readiness. But I’m ready to work with lawmakers to address healthcare, public safety, affordability, and other issues that impact our communities. 

Serving communities outside Santa Fe: Many New Mexicans, particularly in rural communities, say state government can seem distant or difficult to navigate. How would you use the lieutenant governor’s office to help communities and individuals resolve problems with state government, and what would you do to ensure Southern New Mexico has a meaningful voice in the administration?

State government should be easier to reach and easier to navigate. I would make rural outreach a regular part of the lieutenant governor’s office: meeting communities where they are, hearing concerns, connecting people with the right agencies, and following up so problems do not disappear into a bureaucracy. Southern New Mexico should have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect its communities.

The Bulletin asked each Dona Ana County candidate four questions to allow voters to assess where the candidates stands on important issues heading into the election. The questions vary for each office, but are the same for every candidate running for the same office.