Runoff Election Update
by Dorothy Wilkinson
Chair, West Side Dems
Let’s show we deliver here on the west side.
Sign up to canvass or call for Tim Keller during these next two weeks. Early voting starts on December 1 and election day is December 9.
The time between December 1 and December 9 is critical to the election of Tim Keller. It is a time to visit those people who have not voted and urge them to vote. Any time you can spare during that time would be helpful to Keller’s campaign.
Calendar between now and election day
The most significant day is Sunday December 7th. West Side Dems and the Keller campaign have set up a schedule for us to volunteer on that date.
We can door knock from 10:00 until 1:00. We will gather at West Bluffs Park, 2408 Alamogordo Street, NW.
If phone banking is your thing you can join other West Side Dems. You can find the address of the phone bank by emailing info@ westsidedems.org or you can sign in at info@mayortimkeller.com. Also, if you wish to call independently, sign in at Info@mayortimkeller.com.
But wait. The mayoral race is not the only one that is contested here on the west side. In city council District 1 Stephanie Tellez is running against Republican Joshua Taylor Neal. Stephanie’s election will guarantee that the city council is friendly to the average voter.
Stephanie’s team is canvassing from 1:00 to 4:00 every Saturday and Sunday until December 6. They launch from Mariposa Park. Please join them if you want to lend a hand during those weekends.
We also have one more contested race on the west side. In City Council District 3, counselor Klarissa Pena is battling it out with Teresa Garcia. Vote for your choice, but vote.
Let Us Hear From You
You and your fellow members are the engine that powers our organization. Please give some thought about ways you can add your unique talents to help supercharge our mission of keeping the west side blue and also defeating Trumpism. Then, let us know! Contact us by sending your thoughts to ideas@westsidedems.org or by joining the conversation at our monthly meetings beginning in January.
Thanks to those of you filled out a survey at our meeting on November 8 when you told us how you could contribute to our organization. You replied that you could help with social media, plan programs and social events, notify members of events through texting, setting up for events, and many other things. But the surveys were anonymous. We need to know who you are and what you would like to do, so please take a moment and communicate your ideas, questions and comments to ideas@westsidedems.org.
But wait. Did I mention that we’re having a big membership drive with a goal of having 200 paid members by February 16, Presidents’ Day? We love all of our newsletter subscribers but quite a few of you have not paid your $10 annual dues. We’re offering you amnesty. If you click here and renew your membership now, you are good to go for the remainder of 2025 and ALL of 2026. Plus you will continue to receive our newsletters and other benefits. Now, that’s a deal. We need your support. Thank you.
Help a new member of WSD
New member Andrea Gunderson needs our help. She is a judge in metro court appointed in February by Governor Lujan-Grisham. She is running in 2026 to retain her office and needs to obtain over 1,000 signatures before she can be placed on the ballot.
Please help her out by going to her website, KeepJudgeGunderson.com and signing her petition.
How to align Economic and Environmental Justice
Join Representative Roybal Caballero for her fall Plática (conversation) on Thursday, December 11 from 5:30–7:30 at the RFK Charter School, 4300 Blake Rd., SW to learn how New Mexico can align economic and environmental justice through unified, people-centered policy. Drawing from Secretary Deb Haaland’s experience leading the U.S. Department of the Interior, this discussion will explore legislative and executive strategies that uplift communities while protecting land, water, and workers.
It’s Your Turn
“It’s My Turn” is the title of a new column in our monthly newsletter. Each month we will feature an article from a WSD member. If you would like to contribute, send your article to info@westsidedems.org. Your article can be informational, about something in city, county or state government that you like or dislike, ideas you would like to see WSD implement, or criticisms.
It’s My Turn
by Eric Valdez
Vice Chair, West Side Dems
I have been reflecting deeply on what I believe the future of the Democratic Party should embody. I envision a party that goes above and beyond in championing the working class and addressing the struggles they endure each and every day. We stand at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history—one in which countless Americans are suffering as a direct consequence of the inequalities and injustices that have afflicted our society for far too long.
The Democratic Party must rise to meet this moment. We must protect our immigrant communities, confront racial injustice, protect the LGBTQ+ community, ensure access to universal healthcare, raise the minimum wage, strengthen workers’ rights, expand access to affordable housing, and safeguard our environment for generations to come.
I foresee a bold and progressive future for the United States of America—a future that will only become reality if we stand united, get involved, seek public office, and make certain that our voices are never silenced. The future of this nation rests in our hands.
Rio Grande Food Project Donations
West Side Food Pantry Fills Ever-growing Big Need
by Sue Wolinsky
A Challenge to West Side Dems: Want to help our hungry neighbors? Find other members and friends who want to help too. Gather donations. Or sign up to volunteer at one of the activities where RGFP needs help. If interested in forming a group to help RGFP, send your ideas in an email to info@westside.dems.org
“Thank you, West Side Dems members, some of whom have already given generously to the Rio Grande Food Project,” said Dorothy Wilkiinson, WSD Chair. “Many of you donated at our thankfulness luncheon on November 8 and some of you are volunteering or plan to volunteer. This is the community spirit of WSD in action, helping our neighbors. But they need more help to continue serving our hungry neighbors.”
The Rio Grande Food Project (RGFP) is the largest food pantry on the West Side of Albuquerque and the second largest in the Albuquerque area. It is located at 600 Coors Blvd. NW, in an area known as a food desert. “Your WSD Executive Committee identified RGFP as a West Side program that plays a critical role in feeding the most vulnerable in our community. They need our financial support, and they need our hands-on support through volunteering,” Dorothy said.
Get Some WSD SWAG!
Some WSD members showed up at our luncheon in our new WSD T-shirts and hats. We now have a variety of WSD SWAG that you can purchase yourself. Go to the WSD link below (at VistaPrint) and start shopping—shirts, hats, bumper stickers, square and round stickers, and water bottles are available. Prices will vary depending on the quantity you purchase. You must directly order and pay for the item(s), and get products delivered to you. WSD is not involved with orders; we just provided our logo.
Here are the steps to get started. Several people have tried the link, and it worked fine!
- Got to here to create your account
- After registering, you will see the pre-designed items to choose from
- Click on whichever you like and order as needed
- If you need to login at a later date – bookmark https://westsidedems.
ourproshop.com - If you need help or have questions about the products, go to the support page or visit https://westsidedems.
ourproshop.com/support
When you get your swag, take a photo and send it to info@westsidedem.org.
I Want to Do Something –
But What?
I’ve heard that comment many times recently. So here is your answer:
We need volunteers to set up and take down our meetings.
We need members willing to text and call other members, reminding them of meetings and events.
We need people who have special talents and would like form groups around those talents or establish book clubs featuring a particular theme.
There are many other things volunteers can do. Just make a suggestion!
A member-centric club is one in which we all are involved, not just a few people.
To volunteer or to suggest an activity, send your contact information to chair@westsidedems.org.
We Are Off in December
Westside Dems are taking a holiday in December. There will be no meeting or newsletter. We are taking time to be with family and friends. Happy Holidays and Happy Thanksgiving and we’ll see you in 2026 when we launch our new member-centric WSD.
Join us in 2026
Members of West Side Dems are welcome to come to our executive committee meetings. We meet on the first Saturday of the month.
For more information about when and where we meet, contact info@westsidedems.org.
West Side Dems Immigration Info Hub
“If the rights of one person are denied, the rights of all of us are denied. This concept of mass deportation is very frightening. So West Side Dems will develop a hub of information about immigration and mass deportation.”
— Dorothy Wilkinson
Read Dorothy’s editorial on why immigration is so important.
Click here to see our new IMMIGRATION PAGE, with ways to get involved.
“If the rights of one person are denied, the rights of all of us are denied. This concept of mass deportation is very frightening. So West Side Dems will develop a hub of information about immigration and mass deportation.”
— Dorothy Wilkinson
Read Dorothy’s editorial on why immigration is so important.
Click here to see our new IMMIGRATION PAGE, with ways to get involved.
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.