Manuel Lardizabal

Provide a short bio of yourself and tell us how you got into public service?

I come from a background in criminal justice, community service, and ministry, where I’ve worked face-to-face with people dealing with the consequences of broken systems. I’ve helped families in crisis, supported seniors and veterans, and seen firsthand where government fails to deliver.

I didn’t get into public service to sit on the sidelines — I stepped up because too many leaders talk while communities struggle. I’m here to bring action, accountability, and real solutions.

You’ll preside over a Senate with a strong Democratic majority—how do you get anything done without becoming irrelevant?

If you think you become irrelevant in a divided government, you’ve already lost. I don’t approach leadership that way. I’ll be active, engaged, and at the table—pushing forward policies that matter.

That means building coalitions where possible, but it also means making a strong case to the public when needed. You don’t get results by backing down — you get results by showing up prepared, standing firm, and negotiating from strength.

What is one issue you would take ownership of that a Republican governor might not have time to focus on?

One issue I would take ownership of is fixing the disconnect between state government and the people it’s supposed to serve — especially in behavioral health and public safety. We have agencies that don’t communicate, programs that don’t deliver, and communities left picking up the pieces. I would make it my mission to bring coordination, accountability, and measurable results to those systems.

If the Republican governor proposes something you believe won’t pass a Democratic legislature, would you push back publicly or privately—and why?

I believe in handling disagreements the right way first — privately and directly. But let me be clear: if something is wrong for New Mexico, I won’t stay quiet. I won’t play political games behind closed doors while bad policy moves forward. I’ll speak up, make the case, and let the public see exactly what’s at stake.

I’m willing to make smart compromises — but not weak ones. 

What is one compromise with Democrats you would be willing to make to move a Republican priority forward?

If Democrats are serious about investing in education or workforce development with real accountability, I’m willing to work with them. But that cooperation has to move priorities forward like tax relief, economic growth, and cutting unnecessary regulation. Compromise should produce results, not excuses.

Why should voters trust you to step in as governor if needed?

Voters can trust me to step in as governor because I don’t need on-the-job training. I’ve led in high-pressure environments, made tough decisions, and delivered for people who couldn’t afford failure. I’m not interested in titles — I’m focused on outcomes. If I have to step in, New Mexico will have a governor who is ready on day one, not figuring it out as they go.