Be a part of the change you want to see on the West Side.

Go here to become a member.

Go here to make a donation.

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.

Saturday, AUGUST 15 – ANNUAL PICNIC
Save the Date!

August 15, 11-2 at Mariposa Park
(6701 Taylor Ranch Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120)

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) and state party chair Sara Attleson.

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.

We still need your help with these 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.
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.

Contact Dorothy to volunteer

info@westsidedems.org

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 10. Both chambers will return in September. Only legislative votes are affected by the summer recess.

Watch for our West Side Democrats of Bernalillo County August Newsletter coming out the third week of August.

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 HERE to receive it.

Welcome to Our DPNM West Side Field Office!

We've just opened our West Side Office at 6300 Riverside Plaza Ln., Suite 100. It's pretty small but it's in a nice building and there is a receptionist in the building who can show visitors the way to our office. Here is a quick tour:

Entrance

Jay Montoya, Field Organizer

Our office

Join Me at Thursday Evening Phone Banking to call around our communities. After the first training meeting, you will have access to the link and will be able to make calls whenever you want! Whether you make 100 calls or 10, your time is beyond appreciated by me and the entire Democratic Party! This is the link to register for the Thursday phone banking: https://mobilize.us/s/bLhKs3.

Anyone interested can contact me at 505-382-8652 or at jayrainamontoya@nmdemocrats.org. I look forward to seeing you at the office and meeting you at the WSD picnic.

—Jayraina Montoya, Field Organizer

This section of our weekly Calls to Action identifies websites of West Side candidates, so you can help keep the West Side blue, keep New Mexico blue, and then turn Congress tidal wave blue in November.

Local & NM Election Connections

Stephanie Garcia Richard is the new Democratic Candidate for Lt. Governor

In case you haven’t heard the news! The DPNM State Central Committee (SCC) voted electronically to elect Stephanie Garcia Richard as the Democratic candidate for Lt. Gov. in the November election. The results were announced last Thursday. Garcia Richard and Harold J. Pope Jr. were the main contenders in the field of four. Garcia Richard netted 255 votes and Pope netted 218 votes. It’s not too early to support the Haaland-Garcia Richard ticket now! If you can volunteer for door knocking or phone banking NOW, contact our DPNM West Side Field Organizer at 505-382-8652 or at Email Jayraina.

West Side Democratic Legislators Running for Reelection in November

Sign-up now to volunteer!

(Go to website to learn more about the candidate and to volunteer)

Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero, Dist. 13
Website link Here

Rep. Yanira Gurrola, Dist. 16
Website link Here

Rep. Cynthia Borrego, Dist. 17
Website link Here

Rep. Eleanor Chavez, Dist. 26
Website link Here

Rep. Joy Garratt, Dist. 29
Website link Here

Rep. Charlotte Little, Dist. 68
Website link Here

NM Democratic Congressional Candidates with Districts on the West Side
Who are Running for Re-Election

Gabe for Congress -
(Congressional District 2)

Ben Ray Luján for U.S. Senate
(US Senator, statewide)

Democratic Candidates for NM Statewide Offices

Governor Candidate

Deb Haaland

Website link Here

Lt. Governor Candidate

Stephanie Garcia Richard

Website link Here

Secretary of State Candidate

Amanda Lopez Askin

Website link Here

Treasury Secretary Candidate

Laura M. Montoya*

Website link Here

Attorney General Candidate

Raul Torrez*

Website link Here

State Auditor Candidate

Joseph Maestas*

Website link Here

Land Commissioner Candidate

Juan de Jesus Sanchez

Website link Here

*running for re-election

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 25
(Tuesday) September 8.

Lynn Sarkany is organizing the Speakers Bureau. Contact her at info@westsidedems.org.

Click here to donate and RSVP for the campaign fundraising reception for Joy Garratt.

Voter Protection Kickoff Event · Democratic Party of New Mexico.

Online kickoff here this Saturday, August 8 from 1-2 pm. Virtual event.
You can join from anywhere.

Save our Elections in NM

Join Common Cause NM and the Election Protection coalition to protect NM elections from federal government overreach. Volunteers are nonpartisan. 2026 EP Field Volunteer Training Sign Up.

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.)

Recurring Local Protests

Saturdays | RESIST TYRANNY SATURDAY
Albuquerque | Corner of Montgomery & Juan Tabo | 11am – 12pm

Saturdays | RESIST TYRANNY SATURDAY
Rio Rancho | Corner of U.S. 550 & New Mexico 528 | 10am – 11:30am
Info and RSVP here.

Saturdays | FREE MARTIAL ARTS SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING
(for LGBTQ+ adults and allies)
Albuquerque | Morningside Park | 10am – 11am
Info and RSVP here.

Sundays | SOLIDARITY SUNDAY
Tijeras | East Mountain Public Library | 10:00 am
Info and RSVP here.

Tuesdays | RESIST TYRANNY TUESDAY
Albuquerque | Corner of 4th & Lomas | 9 to 10 am
Info and RSVP here.

Tuesdays | RESIST TYRANNY TUESDAY (NE Heights)
Albuquerque | Corner of Montgomery & Juan Tabo | 11am – 12pm
Info and RSVP here.

Thursdays | OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICES!
Albuquerque | Corner of Paseo & Ventura | 12pm – 1pm
Info and RSVP here.

Fridays | NO NUKES VIGIL
Santa Fe | Corner of Sandoval & West Alameda | 12pm – 1pm
Info and RSVP here.

Nationwide Election Connections

Tell the Administration for Children and Families to STOP their mass surveillance proposal.
Tell our US Senators to REJECT Todd Blanche for Attorney General
Fund Public Media NOW. Tell Congress to restore funding to PBS.

Tell Congress to stop funding Trump’s War on Iran. It’s escalating – again. Stop the National Defense Authorization Act in Congress.
ADD YOUR NAME: DEMAND THE SENATE VOTE DOWN THIS NDAA | VoteVets

No Illegal Partisan Attacks on Essential Programs
American Civil Liberties Union

Tell the CDC to Restore tracking of cyclospora and other foodborne illnesses! | MoveOn

New 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.

Volunteer Spotlight

Paul Evans — Our A/V Mastermind

By Sue Wolinsky

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.

Submit Your Events & Graphics

Only A Few More Volunteers Needed for the Picnic

QN: Do You Know Why We Hold our Picnic in August?

Welcome to Our DPNM West Side Field Office!

Stephanie Garcia Richard is the new Democratic Candidate for Lt. Governor

West Side Democratic Legislators Running for Reelection in November

NM Democratic Congressional Candidates with Districts on the West SideWho are Running for Re-Election

Democratic Candidates for NM Statewide Offices

Save our Elections in NM

Recurring Local Protests

Nationwide Election Connections

New Sound System Arrives

Audio/Visual Volunteers Needed Now

Audio Technician

Video Technician

Paul Evans — Our A/V Mastermind

5 Things About Paul Evans

NM Democratic Congressional Candidates with Districts on the West Side
Who are Running for Re-Election