ABQ – No Kings Day – 3/28/2026
We Thank You for Attending the No Kings Protests!
By Sue Wolinsky
At the ABQ No Kings Protest, we were inspired by Stacey Abrams, as she outlined the 10 steps we need to take so we can take back our democracy Bing Videos; as well as many local and state speakers. The emcee was engaging. The music was fun. The posters and the costumes were stimulating. But for me, the solidarity and kindness of each protestor gave me the grounding I needed to go forward.
A big thank you to all the West Side Dems members who were part of the 50,000 strong protestors at the ABQ No Kings Protest on Saturday.
- Thanks to members Patty and Bob Kuning, who prepared the excellent traffic/parking video on the Indivisible ABQ website.
- Thanks to members Dorothy Wilkinson, Laurie Gould, and Sue Wolinsky for staffing the WSD table at the protest.
- Thanks to member Mark Finley for volunteering at the Third Act water station during the march.
- Thanks to the many who spread the word, volunteered, took photos and all the other ways our community of advocates made this such a huge success.
We made history with the other 8,000,000 protestors across the US. New Mexico towns and cities hosted almost 30 protests Saturday. Many were in very red areas of the state.
Here are a few photos of members at the ABQ No Kings Protest. If you have more photos, send them to Info@WestSideDems.org. We’ll publish them in our April newsletter later this month.
Lots to Do
Democracy is a team sport. Join us in doing the work...
Curious to Know Candidates for Judge?
This will be the first time NM voters will be voting in a semi-open primary. Here’s a short description of what this means. Educate yourself and others.
Want to know why we elect our state and local judges? Come to the West Side Democrats April 18 meeting and learn why. Democratic candidates for district, municipal and probate judgeships will be available to answer questions and talk about issues that shape criminal justice in Bernalillo County.
Local judges settle custody issues, moderate housing disputes, handle criminal cases and more – real life issues that effect all of us. Yet, the section of the ballot concerning judges is often left blank. West Side Dems wants to help you do your homework and make your vote count.
You wouldn’t buy a car without checking reviews or hire a babysitter without an interview. April 18 is your chance to learn more about our judges’ education, background and reputation for fairness.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS: if you have any questions for our judges panel, submit them to info@westsidedems.org
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Help WSD Keep the West Side Blue!
Pay Your 2026 Dues Now!
Click here to join or renew your membership.
West Side Candidate News
Rep. Cynthia Borrego holds re-election campaign kick off on April 16.
Click here to read Damian’s Op Ed in the ABQ Journal.
Rep. Melanie Stansbury endorses Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen on his re-election bid.
Rep. Yanira Gurrola receives two endorsements.
Keep Up the Momentum
After No Kings Day – Actions you can take (join local advocacy groups, run for office, join the Economic Boycott, become a voter registrar or poll watcher, contribute to Mutual Aid in ABQ. Also listen to Stacey Abrams’ inspiring 10-step plan of action to retake our democracy (from her speech at the ABQ No Kings Protest III).
Upcoming Events
NEW! NM Semi-Open Primaries are Making History
Learn why and how this affects all voters
The June 2 NM Primary will be the first time NM voters will be voting in a semi-open primary. This opens the primary election process to previously disenfranchised voters. Here’s a short description of what this means.
Educate yourself and others. Click 2026 Primary Election Contest/Candidate List to see who is running for which office.
IRAN WAR LIVE UPDATES
TAKE ACTION
Tell Congress: No illegal war with Iran.
News from Candidates / Calls to Action
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.
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.