Paulene Michelle Abeyta is the incumbent HD-69 representative and an Indigenous rights advocate defending her seat against a 2026 rematch challenge. Support Paulene directly — donations to the candidate are the most effective way to make your opinion count!
Donate » Volunteer » Campaign website »Paulene Michelle Abeyta holds a Juris Doctor degree with a certificate in Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. Her public service includes the National Native American Bar Association Board. In 2024, she defeated primary challenger Harry Garcia 56.8% to 34.9%.
Emily's List nominated Paulene for their Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award. PolitiScore notes she "is using her seat to drive practical, often bipartisan fixes for the specific problems her communities face…. Her main goal is to make life more stable and healthier for families in some of the poorest, most rural parts of New Mexico." She has backed laws that ban surprise facility fees on routine medical visits, make it easier for out-of-state providers to serve New Mexicans, and expand student loan help for providers who work in rural areas. She also pushed early reading and math reforms for kids in small schools.
The Race
HD-69 covers Bernalillo, McKinley, Valencia, San Juan, Socorro, and Cibola Counties. Harry Garcia is attempting a rematch after losing to Paulene 56.8% to 34.9% in 2024. Voters may recall his residency issues from after that cycle, when he argued he qualified to fill an unexpired term in a different district after losing to Paulene.