Amanda López Askin (D)
Amanda López Askin, appointed in 2018 and elected twice, h
as led one of New Mexico’s most diverse counties through challenging elections. She’s focused on coalition-building, securing funding, and strengthening election infrastructure, including raising poll worker pay and securing $4 million for a new warehouse.
Her priorities are protecting voting access, ensuring consistent election funding, and creating nonpartisan voter guides. She opposes proposals like the SAVE Act that could disenfranchise rural and low-income voters.
Born and raised in southern New Mexico, Amanda believes her background offers a unique perspective. She plans to connect with voters across the state while continuing her role as county clerk.
Katharine Clark (D)
Katharine Clark has served as Santa Fe County Clerk since 2021, quickly earning national recognition for modernizing elections and improving voter experience. Under her leadership, the office has received multiple awards from the federal Election Assistance Commission and the National Association of Counties. She also represents Santa Fe on state and national election policy committees, advocating for innovation and best practices.
With over a decade of leadership experience in business, nonprofit, and academic sectors, Katharine holds an MBA from the University of New Mexico and a dual BA from UC Berkeley. She is committed to equity and inclusion, serving on the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance board and as an alumna of EMERGE NM. Her public service is inspired by a family legacy of military and community advocacy.
Sonya Smith (D)
Sonya Smith, a veteran and former New Mexico cabinet secretary, is running for New Mexico Secretary of State in 2026. Motivated by concerns over recent efforts to restrict voting access, she emphasizes protecting voters’ rights and ensuring election security. Though new to election administration, Sonya brings leadership experience from her time leading the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services and working in state health care.
A combat medic in the U.S. Air Force Reserve during the Gulf War, Sonya holds degrees in health services management and health care compliance. She plans to leverage her statewide experience and relationships to advance stronger election laws and voter protections.