Weekend Recap: On MLK Weekend, Deb Haaland Engages Voters in Democracy, Doubles Down on Fighting for New Mexicans

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Over the weekend, Deb Haaland, who is running to be New Mexico’s next governor, met with New Mexicans to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., fight for our civil rights, and engage voters in the democratic process. 

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed in a dream that we have still not realized, and in fact, President Trump and MAGA Republicans are taking us backwards. A weekend of action was the perfect way to honor Dr. King’s legacy – we activated voters in the democratic process, marched, and gathered in his memory. Our charge is to live up to Dr. King’s dream, and that’s why I’m focused on building a New Mexico where people can afford to raise their families, live healthy lives, access quality public education, and have safe neighborhoods,” said Haaland.

In a commitment to a strong democracy, Deb Haaland, Senator Ben Ray Lujan, Representatives Melanie Stansbury, Teresa Leger Fernandez, and Gabe Vasquez hosted petition drives in Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe. During those events, New Mexicans signed petitions to qualify candidates for the ballot and volunteered to engage their communities in the candidate selection process. 

In light of the current civil rights violations under the Trump Administration, Haaland marched alongside community organizers, activists, and officials to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr on Saturday. Together, hundreds of New Mexicans marched in downtown Albuquerque to reaffirm their commitment to equal rights under the law, due process, and dignity for all people.

At the Women’s March in Albuquerque, Haaland rallied to protect the rights of New Mexicans in the face of threats under the Trump Administration. Haaland shared her personal struggles as a single mom who relied on food stamps, WIC and Medicaid to make ends meet, and promised to stand up to the Trump Administration’s damaging cuts to programs that give New Mexicans a helping hand during trying times. She reaffirmed her commitment to bring prices down, address violent crime, improve public education, and ensure everyone can see a doctor when they are sick.

On Monday, Haaland called for collective action to build a better future for New Mexicans at the MLK Day Commemorative Breakfast in Rio Rancho. Haaland emphasized the power of communities when they stand together, and reaffirmed her commitment to dignity for everyone in the state. Later in the day, she gathered with the faith community at the Grant Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church to celebrate the contributions of the Black community in New Mexico and honor Dr. King’s values of love, generosity, and respect for all people.