Yolanda Jaramillo is an educator and acequia water advocate who won the June 2, 2026 primary 55–45% over Debbie Rodella and is effectively elected to succeed Rep. Susan Herrera in HD-41. With no Republican opponent in the general election, congratulations, Rep.-elect Jaramillo!
Campaign website »Outgoing Rep. Susan Herrera is not running again and is actively campaigning for Yolanda Jaramillo, an educator in public schools and colleges and a committed water advocate for New Mexico's acequia communities. The Sierra Club has endorsed Yolanda's candidacy.
Rep. Herrera's legacy includes sponsoring the 2022 legislation (signed by the Governor) that capped payday lending at an annualized rate of 36%, down from 175% that had been defended by the seat's previous long-term incumbent, Debbie Rodella — who now works as a payday lending lobbyist and is Yolanda's opponent in this race.
On May 3, Yolanda published a My View opinion piece in the Santa Fe New Mexican about uranium mining threats to Chaco Canyon.
The Race
HD-41 spans Rio Arriba, Sandoval, Santa Fe, and Taos Counties. In 2018, Susan Herrera defeated Rodella in the Democratic Primary 56% to 44%, ending Rodella's 25-year tenure. Now, with Herrera stepping aside, Rodella is attempting to reclaim the seat she lost.
The Opponent
Debbie Rodella held this seat from 1993 through 2018, gaining a reputation as an ally of corporate lobbyists. After losing to Rep. Herrera, she went to work as a lobbyist for the payday lending industry. She is now challenging Yolanda to regain her former seat.
Latest Updates
- Yolanda won the June 2 primary 55% to 45% over former incumbent Debbie Rodella — the payday lending lobbyist attempting to reclaim her old seat. With no Republican opponent in the general election, Yolanda is effectively elected to succeed Rep. Susan Herrera in HD-41. Congratulations! (D primary: Jaramillo 55%, 3,012 — Rodella 45%, 2,448)
Endorsements & Support
- Campaign website
- Rep. Susan Herrera (outgoing HD-41)
- Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez — endorsement
- Sierra Club endorsement
- Animal Protection Voters
- Santa Fe New Mexican — editorial endorsement (May 7)
- Don't miss a comparison showing both candidates — Debbie Rodella's record as a Representative is eye-opening.
- Campaign manager Carlos Trujillo on winning HD-41 and a schedule of volunteer opportunities and events.