We need to hold violent and repeat criminals accountable for their actions

BY NICOLE CHAVEZ

CANDIDATE, NM HOUSE DISTRICT 31

If you like pressing a button and waiting for help to purchase basic necessities because it’s locked up; or emptying everything out of your car when you park in your driveway — even your child’s empty backpack to prevent a break-in; or double checking each night that your patio furniture doesn’t have a homeless individual sleeping there, then by all means, continue to vote for the elected officials who got us to this place. Or worse, don’t show up to vote at all and we will continue with more of the same. This new “normal” that we have sadly become accustomed to won’t change and our state will continue to decline. New Mexico is at the top of the list for crime, and the bottom of the lists for education and access to health care. I, for one, am tired of this and it is time for the average citizen to stand up and be a voice for change.

My name is Nicole Chavez, and I am running for state representative District 31.

For the last eight and a half years, I have been fighting in Santa Fe for stronger public safety legislation and accountability for criminals.

I have collaborated tirelessly with legislators, including Rep. Bill Rehm, who has sponsored common-sense public safety legislation for two decades. Rep. Rehm is retiring and has endorsed me to replace him because I share the same desire for safer communities. His are big shoes to fill, but I know that I am ready for this job.

Addressing criminal activity and holding violent and repeat offenders accountable are my top priorities. I pledge to sponsor and support legislation to stop the revolving door for criminals, fight to strengthen penalties for violent offenders and ensure to protect our 2nd Amendment rights.

These are not just talking points for me. I have experienced our broken judicial system and failed policies after the murder of my son, Jaydon. He was only 17 when his life was taken by violent adult and juvenile repeat offenders. One juvenile offender only served one year at YDC then was released with a clean adult record. Another received a 12-year sentence but was released early, last October, after only six years. The last, who killed another individual in cold blood just six months after killing my son, received a life sentence, which in New Mexico is only 30 years.

In 2022, progressive legislators passed the Second Chance bill which abolished life sentences for juvenile offenders and changed their eligibility for parole to only 15 to 20 years. This means my son’s murderer is eligible to receive 10 years off his “life sentence.” This is not justice, and I will not sit quietly and continue to watch our state go backward when it comes to holding criminals accountable for their actions.

I have knocked on thousands of doors in District 31. The overwhelming concern I have heard from voters is the importance of feeling safe and secure in their homes, in this city and in this state. This must change and I need your help.

I vow to be the voice of the people in District 31 in saying “no more.” I will always push for stronger penalties for violent offenders, repeat offenders, and for the right to protect myself and my family.

I have worked my entire adult life and I know what it is like to manage a household, raise a family all while working in a career in health care. I am ready to change the narrative.

I am asking for your support not only in my race, but also for many races across the state in the upcoming election. Pay attention to what your legislator or candidate has stood for, and most importantly, what they voted for.

Let’s make Albuquerque safe again and create a state where our kids don’t have to leave to succeed.

Please visit my website: Nicolechavezfornm.com or call me at 505-235-7836.

Nicole Chavez, of Albuquerque, is a candidate for District 31 in the New Mexico House of Representatives. She faces Sarah Jane Allen and Patrick Huested in the June 4 Republican primary. Incumbent Republican Bill Rehm is not seeking reelection.