New Mexico Forward Party

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Run for Office in New Mexico

In 2025, the New Mexico Legislature passed an open primaries bill to allow Independent (e.g., unaffiliated, Decline to State; DTS) voters who are registered in New Mexico to vote in a major party's primary election, beginning in June 2026.

Our party Chairman, Bob Perls, founded and led the main advocacy group that helped pass that bill. As a party, open primaries are a core concept in our belief that all candidates must reach out to all voters so that they represent all voices throughout the State of New Mexico.

33 incumbent state representatives voted against the open primaries bill (SB16) in April 2025. Half of those candidates will have no competition in the upcoming November 2026 general election, and--if you support open primaries, instant runoff voting, and other democracy reform measures critical to incentivizing politicians to participate in coalition-building and solving problems--we want YOU to run against one of those unopposed incumbents who does not support these foundational principles of democracy.

We are also looking for county-wide and county commission candidates to run on the Forward Party line.

QUICK FACTS

  • Voter Affiliation
    • ~25% of registered New Mexico voters are Independents (e.g., unaffiliated; Decline to State; DTS).
  • Primary Elections
    • Semi-open primaries now allow Independent (DTS) New Mexicans to vote in either a Democratic or Republican Party primary.
  • Unopposed Candidates
    • ~50% percent of the 33 incumbent state representatives who voted against the 2025 open primaries bill will run unopposed in 2026.

Most elected positions in New Mexico are unopposed. Give voters in your community a choice!

 

RUN FOR OFFICE IN 2026

 

 

The New Mexico Forward Party supports independent-minded leaders who want to make a real difference locally by governing with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to practical problem-solving. We don’t require candidates to adopt a rigid policy platform—what matters is how you lead: putting community ahead of ideology, seeking common ground, and being accountable to the people you serve. A Forward Party candidate in the Farmington area will be different from a candidate in the UNM area. What binds our supporters, our members, and our candidates is the ability to bridge party divides, listen to constituents, and commit to the following:

Lead as public service: treat elected office as service to your community, not a partisan career ladder.

Govern by Forward values: commit to Forward principles and values (e.g., transparency, accountability, respect for the rule of law).

Put community over ideology: prioritize outcomes and evidence over party platform or political tribes.

Work across divides: seek out opposing views, collaborate in good faith, and aim for durable solutions.

Commit to democracy reforms: support reforms that increase choice and accountability (e.g., open primaries, instant runoff voting, independent redistricting commissions).

Stay publicly accountable: be transparent about affiliations and conflicts of interest, and maintain regular, structured constituent engagement.

If these principles and values describe your political beliefs, we want to talk with you about running for an elected office in 2026:

[email protected]

 

FORWARD PARTY-ENDORSED CANDIDATES

* DEMOCRATIC * REPUBLICAN * LIBERTARIAN * GREEN * UNAFFILIATED *

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The New Mexico Forward Party will also endorse candidates from major and minor parties, and those with no party affiliation, who are Forward-aligned and pledge to uphold our core values while working across the aisle to enact sensible policy approaches.

Contact us for more information on how to obtain an endorsement from the New Mexico Forward Party: [email protected]

JOIN US IN MOVING NEW MEXICO FORWARD

While reforms like instant runoff voting and independent redistricting commissions are important, we also need credible candidates who can appeal to and identify with a broad cross section of New Mexicans. Let's start now.

We hold meetups and events all across the state for New Mexicans to connect, and we have lots of opportunities for volunteers. Join the community to learn more, and follow us on social media!

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Diverse voters

NOT LEFT. NOT RIGHT. FORWARD.

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