Unlike other political parties, the New Mexico Forward Party (NM Forward) doesn’t seek to produce a platform with detailed policy positions on every issue of the day. Rather, our platform sets forth the principles and values we seek to advance. Individual candidates, regardless of party affiliation, will naturally take specific positions on specific issues. But, as long as they’re consistent with our principles and values, NM Forward may endorse them.

OUR MISSION

We seek to create civility, policy innovation, and pragmatism in government by reforming how we district constituencies, elect candidates, and finance their campaigns.

OUR GOALS

1. Attain status as a recognized political party in New Mexico and establish NM Forward as a viable and constructive alternative to the two-party status quo.
2. Recruit party members from across the political spectrum who’re committed to collaboration over partisanship.
3. Endorse and elect solutions-focused candidates who’ll lead with integrity, work collegially, and represent the interests of all voters—not just party loyalists.
4. Champion electoral reforms such as nonpartisan primaries and systems of proportional representation to ensure diverse viewpoints have a fair shot at representation.
5. End partisan gerrymandering by advocating for an independent redistricting commission that puts fairness and community representation ahead of political self-interest.
6. Support the adoption of public financing campaigns to reduce the influence of money in politics and ensure a level playing field for candidates of all backgrounds.
7. Promise to talk less, listen more, and seek innovative, non-ideological solutions to pressing problems.
8. Recognize our problems require governments to refocus on service delivery to meet the needs of the diverse populations that make up the communities served by their representatives.

OUR CORE PRINCIPLES AND POLICY PROPOSALS

While our overarching principles (indicated below in blue) are determined by the national Forward Party, the New Mexico Forward Party's policy proposals (indicated below in red) expand on the national-level party principles to form NM Forward's state platform.

Our Values

We believe everyday Americans should be able to decide what’s best for them and their communities. That’s why we’re building a party that puts the power back in the hands of the American voter.

• • We believe voting should be easy, secure, and engaging.
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  • We support innovations like secure, encrypted voting apps, online party conventions, and electronic town halls to expand participation and make democracy more accessible.
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  • We believe decisions should be guided by what makes the most sense for our local communities rather than one-size-fits-all policies from the national-level. That’s why we support tools like citizen ballot initiatives, referendums, and recalls that empower communities to shape their own future based on their unique needs at a state-wide level.

Rule of Law, Respect for the Constitution

Members of the Forward Party uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and respect the outcomes of our free and fair elections.

• • We are committed to upholding the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law, recognizing them as the foundation of a free and just society.
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  • We must protect the integrity of our elections by fully funding the Secretary of State and County Clerks who work to ensure transparency, accuracy, and security in New Mexico’s electoral process.
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  • As a growing political movement, we strongly support fair and neutral election rules, including equitable ballot access for minor parties and independent candidates.
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  • Free and fair elections require structural reform. We must address low voter turnout, closed primaries, partisan gerrymandering, and the outsized influence of dark money in order to ensure election outcomes reflect the will of the people.
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  • We will strive to uphold the strict separation of church and state.

Support and Strengthen Democracy to Restore the Voter's Voice

Forward believes that our democracy works only when voters can make informed decisions and our systems are set up to empower and elevate the will of the voters. Elected officials must be accountable to their constituents.

• • We believe giving voters choice is essential to maintaining a functioning democracy.
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  • We believe New Mexico’s elections suffer from a lack of competition due to partisan gerrymandering and entrenched two-party control. Safe seats discourage responsiveness and stifle new ideas.
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  • We support electoral reforms like open primaries and instant runoff voting to increase competition, elevate voter choice, and reward coalition-building over partisan extremism.
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  • We call for an independent redistricting commission to draw fair legislative maps that prioritize communities and respect existing local boundaries—not political interests.
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  • Our goal is simple: restore the voters’ voice and rebuild trust in our democratic institutions.

American Leadership

It is necessary for America to serve as an example of democracy and individual freedoms. Building alliances and stabilizing democracy across the globe is key to maintaining a safe world for ourselves and our children.

• • To restore credibility on the world stage, we must first strengthen our democratic institutions and ensure that our electoral systems reflect the will of the people.
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  • American leadership should be defined by diplomacy, coalition-building, and moral example—not by defaulting to military solutions.
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  • A safer, more stable world begins with strong alliances and a renewed commitment to democratic values at home and abroad.

Build from the Bottom Up, Not the Top Down

Forward is building an organization designed to empower voters and local leaders. Forward won’t dictate a rigid, top-down policy platform and expect it to work for every community across the country.

• • Elected officials should answer to the people they serve—not to political parties or rigid national platforms.
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  • Challenges like homelessness, access to healthcare in New Mexico, and other challenges unique to our state demand local, community-driven solutions tailored to the realities of the individual communities.
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  • Effective policy should be practical, evidence-based, and non-ideological, reflecting what works—not what fits a partisan narrative.
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  • We support annual outreach using modern tools and technology to ensure our platform reflects the voices and priorities of New Mexicans in every corner of the state—regardless of national political ideology.

Use Data to Drive Collaborative and Effective Solutions, Regardless of their Ideological Source

Forward cares more about solving problems than being right. Good ideas come from the left, right, and center—or from completely new directions. Data, research, and a commitment to development should drive our discussions, and policy should be enacted with measurable outcomes.

• • Complex issues like homelessness and rising crime must be addressed by identifying and tackling their root causes through pragmatic, evidence-based strategies.
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  • Effective policymaking starts with objective, nonpartisan research that prioritizes outcomes over ideology.
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  • Too often, innovative solutions are dismissed by both major parties for not conforming to rigid partisan frameworks. We believe in embracing new ideas—regardless of where they come from—to meet today’s challenges head-on.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship are Central to American Culture and Our Future

America has long won the global competition for talent and innovation. Our culture of entrepreneurship has constantly improved  living conditions both at home and abroad. The Forward Party is dedicated to ensuring that good new ideas are allowed to thrive.

• • America thrives under an economic model that pairs free-market innovation with smart, transparent regulation—encouraging competition, protecting consumers, and fueling broad-based prosperity.
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  • We support policies that expand access to capital, including micro-loans and community banking, to afford more opportunities for a broader spectrum of individuals to start a business and build wealth.
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  • We believe that innovation must be inclusive, ensuring opportunities for entrepreneurs from every background and region to participate in and benefit from the next wave of economic growth.
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  • Since innovation comes from every corner of the globe, we support increasing legal immigration for the top students from throughout the world and for entrepreneurs who want to help build our economic engine.

Individual Liberty, Personal Responsibility, and Civic Engagement

At the Forward Party, we believe that personal responsibility includes duties to care for our families however we define them, uplift our communities, and contribute to the greater good. It is through balancing our liberty with our duty to others in which the true American spirit thrives.

• • We support electoral reforms that empower voters to choose solutions—not sides—so communities can focus on results instead of rigid partisan agendas.
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  • We believe local problems are best addressed through local leadership with policies tailored to the needs, values, and voices of each community.
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  • Personal responsibility includes uplifting one another; a strong society ensures that no one is left behind in their pursuit of dignity, opportunity, and a fulfilling life.
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  • We stand for personal freedoms and privacy coupled with personal responsibility for oneself and one’s children.

Treat Everyone with Respect and Dignity

Forward believes in approaching one another with respect for the dignity that lives in each of us. Our policies and campaigns will seek to elevate and empower people to seek their unique version of the American Dream.

• • We embrace the state’s rich cultural heritage and honor the dignity of every individual, regardless of background. Diversity is our strength, and mutual respect is our tradition.
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  • We are committed to civil, constructive political discourse. Personal attacks, bullying, and shouting may dominate headlines—but they have no place in a movement grounded in ideas, dialogue, and mutual respect.
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  • We favor defining a clear age of majority as 18 years old, which will serve as a bright-line for assessing behavior by law enforcement and the judiciary.

Act with Ethics, Integrity, and Compassion

Forward leaders, members, and candidates are expected to act ethically and with integrity. That said, we are all fallible and make mistakes. At Forward, we are expected to admit them and work to rectify any harm we have caused.

• • We are committed to supporting candidates who meet the highest ethical standards.
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  • NM Forward and our candidates will fully disclose all funding and comply with all campaign state and federal election laws. We must rebuild trust in our political process by being as transparent as possible.
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  • We will publicly disclose all donations and refuse to accept anonymous contributions.