Submit Your Events & Graphics
All Democrats are invited to submit event info and high resolution graphics to us by 8:00 PM Sunday each week. Please email your materials directly to info@westsidedems.org.
Watch for our West Side Democrats of Bernalillo County July Newsletter coming out the third week of July.
Our exclusive monthly WSD Newsletter only goes to paid members.
If you haven’t paid your 2026 dues, go here to join or renew your membership online.
The next WSD Monthly Newsletter will be a combined July-August “summer” edition, published early August. If you’re not a member yet, sign up now to receive it.
AUGUST ANNUAL PICNIC – Save the Date!
August 15, 11-2 at Mariposa Park
Bring the kids, family, and friends.
Meet local Democratic candidates.
Learn about DPNM Caucuses & allied groups.
WSD pops for meat & veg burgers & dogs.
RSVP what dish you will bring: info@westsidedems.org by Aug. 12.
Our elected officials and candidates are being formally invited this week. Allied organizations, such as DPNM caucuses, Indivisible groups, BLUECD2NM, immigrant advocacy groups, and others have been invited to table and share their message with West Siders. We are trying to line up Voter Registration too.
Our state Democratic Party of New Mexico (DPNM) will be represented by our West Side 2026 Campaign Coordinator, Jay Montoya (jayrainamontoya@nmdemocrats.org).
Only A Few More Volunteers Needed for the Picnic
Many WSD members have already signed up to help at the picnic. Thank you for volunteering! We have enough volunteers for several tasks:
Set up/tear down; folks to haul coolers & tables to and from the curb at start and end of picnic; haul recycling to Community Center across the street; trash detail.
Food! Grilling (thanks to Damian Lara, Sheriff John Allen, Chris Sedillo and Charlotte Little for offering to grill); food & beverage tables – set up & restock as needed, accept food from members, refill ice, pack up leftovers.
We still need your help with the following tasks: Grab a friend and have fun volunteering! Sign up at info@westsidedems.org.
- Kids' Korner (1-2 volunteers): Hand out water toys to the (usually just a few) kids who attend.
- Coolers with ice (2-3 volunteers): We need 2-3 more people to bring 2 large bags of ice in coolers, and someone to run out for more ice as the early batch melts!
- Sign-in table (6 volunteers): Help picnickers sign in or join WSD on the spot, get name tags, & learn about issues WSD is supporting. The more people who sign up, the shorter the shift!
- Welcome officials (1-2 volunteers): Help Dorothy & Sue welcome our elected officials, candidates, and organizations who will be tabling at the picnic; and round them up for the introductions at the meeting in the pavilion at 12:15.
Candidates & Elected Officials
We’re still looking for 1-2 more West Side officials & candidates to serve up the burgers & dogs. Servant Leadership is what we expect.
Contact Dorothy to volunteer
QN: Do You Know Why We Hold Our Picnic in August?
ANS: To Make It Easier for Our Congressional Delegation to Attend.
WSD schedules our summer picnic during the summer recess. This makes it easier for our Washington delegation to participate in our events, such as the upcoming August 15 picnic.
The 2026 summer recess for Congress occurs from late July through early September, with specific dates differing slightly between the House and Senate. The House recessed July 24. The Senate’s main recess starts August 8. Both chambers will return in September. Only legislative votes are affected by the summer recess.
The next WSD Monthly Newsletter will be a combined July-August “summer” edition, published early August. If you’re not a member yet, sign up now to receive it.
Speakers Bureau Summer Training Schedule Announced
The Speakers Bureau team has been meeting for a few months. We are shooting videos of the practice sessions we have already had.
We will continue our training at the Taylor Ranch Library through September 8. The training is now 6:00-7:30 pm on specific Mondays and Tuesdays (when the library is open til 8:00 pm) to better accommodate everyone’s work schedules.
All meetings are from 6pm-7:30pm.
Sessions will be held:
- (Tuesday) August 4
- (Tuesday) August 25
- (Tuesday) September 8.
Lynn Sarkany is organizing the Speakers Bureau. Contact her at info@westsidedems.org.
Only 6 days left to comment on the BLM’s proposal. Comment instructions are here at the BLM Project Home Page.
- The Bureau of Land Management announced last Wednesday that it was opening a two-week window for members of the public to send in their opinions on the proposal.
- Proposal has three options for the spiritually and culturally significant site: remove the 10-mile buffer zone on mining operations; reduce it to five miles; or keep it intact.
- NM Senators, Congresspersons, and Native leaders oppose removing the buffer & the short public comment period. More details here.
Meet our West Side DPNM Coordinated Campaign Field Organizer – Jayraina Montoya
Hello Westside Dems!
My name is Jayraina (or Jay) and I am the field organizer for the West Side with the DPNM coordinated campaign. We have a West Side office that just opened at 6300 Riverside Plaza Ln, Suite 100, Albuquerque, NM 87120. Hours will be 12–6 daily, but contact Jay if you need to drop by at another time.
I met several WSD members when I attended the July TGIF at Neighbors. I’m planning to meet more members when I help with the WSD picnic.
At the moment, we are trying to rally volunteers for some upcoming events, including:
- canvassing,
- phone banks, and
- postcard writing/ letter stuffing.
This is a great way to get involved and support Dems up and down the ballot!
Anyone interested can contact me at 505-382-8652 or at jayrainamontoya@nmdemocrats.org.
Thank you very much,
Jayraina Montoya
NEW THIS WEEK: Campaign websites for statewide Democratic candidates added.
Look for more info from candidates and from organizations focusing on the General Election in weeks to come. Have any questions about this? Email us at info@westsidedems.org.
A Good Read: Washington Post Poll explains why it is so important for all of us to get involved NOW to win the November election.
Now Democrats have a good chance to gain seats in the Senate too! Link here.
Local & NM Election Connections
Democratic Candidate for Lt. Gov. to Be Elected by DPNM State Central Committee (SCC)
It seems like a long time since the winner of the Lt. Gov. Democratic Primary, current NM Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, bowed out of the race on June 26, due to health considerations. There has been much discussion about the process, timeline and transparency of the process to elect a replacement candidate. Well, folks, there’s only one more week until we know who the candidate will be.
- Timeline: The DPNM State Central Committee (SCC) will meet this Saturday to discuss the election of the Democratic candidate for Lt. Gov. Online voting by SCC members starts Saturday and ends next Wednesday at 5 pm. Voting results will be announced next Thursday.
- Candidates: Note that four candidates are being considered by the SCC at this time: Sen. Harold Pope Jr. and Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard, who remain from the original group of candidates; as well as two new candidates, Geoffrey P. Luehring and Toni Pinedo. You can learn about all four candidates in this link from the July 18 Lt. Gov. Candidates forum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=ws35DjTAbPc.
Process: Here is an easy-to-understand description of the process.
West Side Democratic Legislators
(All are Seeking Reelection in November)
(Go to website to learn more about the candidate & to volunteer)
NM Democratic Congressional Candidates with Districts on the West Side
Who are Running for Re-Election
Sign up to volunteer with Representative Melanie Stansbury · Democratic Party of New Mexico (Congressional District 1)
Gabe for Congress -
(Congressional District 2)
Ben Ray Luján for U.S. Senate
(US Senator, statewide)
Support NM Democratic Candidates Who Will Face Opponents in November
Find out about NM Democratic candidates who will face opposition in November. These candidates need your help to win.
Blue Boosters for NM is a new activist/research group providing the information.
Analysis provided by Indivisible ABQ and Santa Fe. Blue In NM — 2026 Candidates (Information from Indivisible ABQ.)
Register Voters with Indivisible ABQ
Registration Teams Start August 1- Sign Up NOW!
Did you know that NM’s population is 2,117,522, per the 2020 Census? And only about half are registered to vote. (See map from USAFacts.) Do you also know that when Democrats vote, Democrats win?
So let’s register more!
Are YOU interested in registering voters? Many of our members are. So gather up your WSD friends and join the Indivisible ABQ Voter registration team. Each team will have 2-3 hour shifts. Sign up at mail@indivabq.org; ask the voter registration organizer to contact you. You don’t have to be a Voters Registration Agent, certified by Bernalillo County, but it helps.
Learn more about VRA training here:
Voter Registration Agents | Bernalillo County Clerk.
Recurring Local Protests
Albuquerque | Corner of Montgomery & Juan Tabo | 11am – 12pm
Rio Rancho | Corner of U.S. 550 & New Mexico 528 | 10am – 11:30am
Info and RSVP here.
(for LGBTQ+ adults and allies)
Albuquerque | Morningside Park | 10am – 11am
Info and RSVP here.
Albuquerque | Corner of 4th & Lomas | 9 to 10 am
Info and RSVP here.
Albuquerque | Corner of Montgomery & Juan Tabo | 11am – 12pm
Info and RSVP here.
Albuquerque | Corner of Paseo & Ventura | 12pm – 1pm
Info and RSVP here.
Santa Fe | Corner of Sandoval & West Alameda | 12pm – 1pm
Info and RSVP here.
National Calls to Action
Local Actions You Can Take Now
Sidewalk Sleeping Bill
Action Requesting Mayor Keller to veto O-25-14, commonly referred to as the “Sidewalk Sleeping Bill” failed. Mayor Keller did not sign or veto the proposed ordinance. The ordinance took effect June 5.
Read Council Bill No. O-26-14SoS Maggie Toulouse Oliver Discusses NM Elections on PBS
Watch this PBS News Hour feature focusing on NM Elections Protections. NM Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver describes how our state's elections are legally protected from interference from ICE, barring armed federal agents at the polls.
Watch on YouTubeAlbuquerque First Socialist Political Salon
Go to learn about Social Democrat Socialism and join their movement if you agree with their beliefs. The link provides structural details and registration. Similar Political Salons are currently being organized in counties all across the state.
Learn More & RegisterNational Actions You Can Take Now
Stop Mass Warrantless Surveillance: Reform Section 702
Tell Congress to vote no on Reforming Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. We must protect constitutional privacy rights from mass warrantless surveillance overreach.
Take Action via ACLUSign Common Cause Petition
Stop Trump from using US Treasury money to pay out to January 6 protestors. Add your name to demand strict accountability and protect public funds from being weaponized.
Sign the PetitionBlock Trump from building a giant arch in our nation's capital!
Congress must authorize funding for memorials built on federal lands. Join the community demand to keep Trump from building his vanity arch on public monuments.
Stop the Memorial FundingBecome a Democracy Defender
Defend Democracy with ACLU People Power! Step up to protect critical voting rights across the nation and join an organized grassroots network dedicated to monitoring and shielding our elections.
Join People PowerNew Sound System Arrives
At last—we have our new sound system.
We’ve been hearing about it for about a year – the limitations of the undersized current system, Executive Committee approval of an initial $1,000 to pay for a new one, the early attempts of small-change fundraising, updated needs analysis and cost, more serious fundraising, and some major donations.
“I’m thrilled we have the new sound system,” said Paul Evans, WSD volunteer A/V coordinator who did the needs analysis for the new system. “It will help WSD to continue our fight for our values on the West Side of town – at venues large and small. For small events, we can use the small speaker we already had. For big events, we can use the new, larger speakers.” He also recommended that WSD buy a cart to haul the system and bags to protect the speakers.
It all adds up to $2392.45 with two large speakers and two beefy microphones that will incorporate some components of our old system. Here’s how we paid for it:
- We budgeted $1,000 from our budget.
- We collected $1,100 from the DPBC and some area legislators, and we have $300 promised from area legislators. We will collect the remainder now that the 2026 Legislative Session has ended.
Audio/Visual Volunteers Needed Now
Paul Evans with the new sound system.
“Now that we have a larger sound system, we need help to run it... We also need someone to help me with the visual side by editing video footage,” Evans explained.
Contact Paul Evans at info@westsidedem.org to apply. Your “pay” is our gratitude and helping elect candidates who reflect our values!
Audio Technician
- Set up, operate, and troubleshoot sound equipment.
- Handle and transport heavy equipment.
- Team player supporting WSD’s mission.
Video Technician
- Edit short-form video for social media.
- Collaborate on footage needs and deadlines.
- Support WSD's digital messaging goals.
Paul Evans — Our A/V Mastermind
How did WSD lure an A/V expert with 40 years of experience?
The answer is simple: Recruit an expert who aligns with your values.
“I feel our democracy is at stake. Each of us needs to step up. We hold the keys. If we don’t do it, nobody will.”
5 Things About Paul Evans
- Roots: Raised in St. Paul, MN. He is deeply concerned about civil rights and believes we must protect our community locally.
- NM Journey: Came to NM in 1984. Amassed ~40 years in professional TV news and government videography.
- History Maker: Covered state government under four governors and visits from the Dalai Lama and various Presidents.
- Producer: Produced "Wild New Mexico" and the popular "Dance! Dance! Dance!" teen program.
- At the Meeting: See him behind the camera at WSD meetings and be sure to thank him for all he does!
Our Mission
To Serve the 88,000 Democrats
Living on the West Side
Democrats Care!
We encourage and support candidates who will work for the good of everyone in our community. We believe in a government that is truly “of the people, by the people, and for the people”…not just for corporations, Wall Street, or the rich.
United By A Common Goal…
Social justice and human rights are more important than corporate profits. We seek to improve the quality of life for all of our residents through grass-roots support of candidates who listen and work to implement liberal programs and legislation.
Get Involved…
Your candidates can’t win without your help. Canvassing, phone banking, word-of-mouth, volunteering, and donating are all ways to work together to achieve our common goals.