NMMS

Senator Liz Stefanics (D-District 39) is serving her third term in New Mexico’s State Senate. She originally held the position from 1993-96. Voters returned her to the State Senate in 2016 and 2020.

Liz was raised in a working-class family who impressed upon her the value of hard work, education, and service to others. Her father was a WWII veteran, a blue-collar worker who made his living as an airplane mechanic. Her mother was a homemaker, raising Liz and her brothers. The kids went to Catholic school because Liz’s parents believed a strong education guaranteed opportunity.

Liz moved to New Mexico over 35 years ago to teach at UNM. She fell in love with the Land of Enchantment and made it her home. In addition to being an educator, Liz has run a non-profit organization to improve the lives of the elderly and disabled; championed opportunities for children and families and better health care; and served as a Santa Fe County Commissioner. Liz has her PH.D. from the University of Minnesota, her MS from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and her BS from Eastern Kentucky University.

A lover of the outdoors, Liz is an avid hiker and kayaker who takes advantage of New Mexico’s vast natural wonders every chance she gets.

Dayan “Day” M. Hochman-Vigil serves as a New Mexico State Representative for District 15, which encompasses Albuquerque’s beautiful North Valley and NE Heights.

She was elected to the position in 2018 and immediately became a leader in criminal justice reform and transparency in government. She has dedicated her time in the NM State Legislature to work on court reform, protections of the confidentiality of crime victims, and increased funding for sexual assault survivor services.

Day has fought for legislation to increase transparency in political lobbying and to fund more career-technical programs in New Mexico public schools.

Craig W. Brandt, originally from Quincy, California, has served as a Republican member of the New Mexico Senate for District 40 since 2013. Prior to his time in the Senate, Brandt earned a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministries from Oklahoma Baptist University and served as vice president of the Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education. Brandt’s professional experience also includes working as a bill analyst for the Republican Party’s Consumer and Public Affairs Committee during the 2011 legislative session. His commitment to public service is further demonstrated by his seven-year service as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. He has also held prominent roles such as Director of Social Services at the Salvation Army, Associate Pastor at Celebration Baptist Church, and Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Westwood.