Matt Channon

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Matt Channon completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Channon's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-442305-2026-05-04\" id=\"heading-bio-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-442305-2026-05-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-442305-2026-05-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am Matt Channon, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in New Mexico. I am an engineer, inventor, software developer, founder, rideshare driver, and father based in Albuquerque. My background is in building and repairing systems, and that is how I approach government. New Mexicans are facing high costs, weak institutions, public-safety problems, border dysfunction, and a federal government that too often feels unaccountable. I am running because I believe New Mexico needs a senator focused on fixing broken systems, restoring trust, and applying one standard of accountability to everyone.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-442305-2026-05-04\" id=\"heading-key-message-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-442305-2026-05-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-442305-2026-05-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Fix what is broken.\r\nI am running as a systems engineer and problem-solver, not as a career politician. New Mexico’s problems are not mysterious: high costs, weak services, border dysfunction, addiction, crime, housing pressure, rural neglect, and federal incompetence. Washington keeps managing decline instead of repairing the systems that are failing ordinary people.</li><li>No one is above the law, and no one is beneath it.\r\nAccountability has to apply to everyone: Democrats, Republicans, presidents, prosecutors, judges, agencies, and candidates. I support law and order, but law and order must begin with a government that obeys the law itself. Due process is not a loophole. It is the Constitution.</li><li>New Mexico needs a responsible Republican voice.\r\nI believe in limited government, border security, energy realism, public safety, work, family, and competence. But I also believe Republicans must recover moral seriousness and public trust. I am not running to excuse one political machine and condemn another. I am running to hold broken institutions accountable and represent New Mexicans who feel ignored by both parties.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-442305-2026-05-04\" id=\"heading1-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-442305-2026-05-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-442305-2026-05-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am passionate about government accountability, due process, solving cost of living issues by bringing paychecks up, border competence, rural economic repair, public safety, and energy policy. New Mexico needs secure borders and serious action against fentanyl, but also restrained, accountable government power. I support realistic energy policy that respects New Mexico workers and revenue while building long-term resilience. I also care deeply about federal accountability when Washington harms New Mexicans, including disaster recovery failures, court dysfunction, agency overreach, and communities left behind by both parties.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-442305-2026-05-04\" id=\"heading2-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-442305-2026-05-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-442305-2026-05-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI look up to leaders who combined strength with moral seriousness. Abraham Lincoln preserved the Union while keeping his focus on law, responsibility, and human dignity. Theodore Roosevelt challenged concentrated power and believed government should serve the public interest, not just insiders. Dwight Eisenhower showed calm competence and warned against systems becoming too powerful and unaccountable. I also admire ordinary builders, engineers, parents, veterans, workers, and small-business owners who solve problems without demanding applause.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-442305-2026-05-04\" id=\"heading3-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-442305-2026-05-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-442305-2026-05-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHonesty, courage, humility, competence, and accountability. An elected official should tell voters the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. They should be willing to hold their own side accountable, not just the other party. They should understand that public office is not ownership of power; it is temporary stewardship. The law must apply equally to everyone, and government must be competent enough to serve ordinary people rather than protect itself.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-442305-2026-05-04\" id=\"heading4-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-442305-2026-05-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-442305-2026-05-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tA U.S. senator should represent the people of the state, defend the Constitution, provide serious oversight of federal agencies, help shape national policy, and make sure Washington does not ignore local communities. For New Mexico, that means fighting for working families, border communities, rural counties, energy workers, veterans, tribes, small businesses, and people harmed by federal failure. A senator should also be a check on presidents, courts, prosecutors, and bureaucracies when they exceed their proper role.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-442305-2026-05-04\" id=\"heading5-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-442305-2026-05-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-442305-2026-05-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI would like to help rebuild trust in government by proving that a Republican can be responsible, accountable, and serious about fixing broken systems. I want to leave behind a politics where no one is above the law and no one is beneath it. If I can help New Mexico get better representation, restore due process, improve federal accountability, and make government work better for ordinary people, that would be a legacy worth having.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-442305-2026-05-04\" id=\"heading6-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-442305-2026-05-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-442305-2026-05-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI sold Macs at ComputerOne, back when computer dealerships were it for Apple products and the first Apple Store was 20 years away. The commissioned sales structure taught me that people work together best when their incentives align. It was only for a summer, and then I went on to become a high school intern at Sandia National Labs.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-442305-2026-05-04\" id=\"heading7-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-442305-2026-05-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-442305-2026-05-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tOne struggle in my life has been seeing how difficult it can be for ordinary people to make large institutions answer for their mistakes. Whether the institution is a court, agency, employer, or political machine, people can feel powerless when the system protects itself. That experience has shaped my view of public service. I believe government must be accountable, transparent, and subject to the same standards it imposes on everyone else.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-442305-2026-05-04\" id=\"heading8-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-442305-2026-05-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-442305-2026-05-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tOur greatest challenge is institutional failure: people no longer trust that government, courts, media, political parties, or even their own employers are telling the truth or acting fairly. That loss of trust touches everything else: wages that don't cover everything anymore, inflation, housing, border security, crime, addiction, energy prices, war, debt, education, and public health. We need to rebuild competence and accountability. A country cannot stay strong if citizens believe the system is rigged, indifferent, or incapable of self-correction.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-442305-2026-05-04\" id=\"heading9-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-442305-2026-05-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-442305-2026-05-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe Senate is designed to slow things down, force broader deliberation, and give every state a serious voice in national decisions. That matters for New Mexico because small and rural states can be ignored when politics is driven only by population centers and national media. The Senate also has a special role in oversight, confirmations, treaties, war powers, and checking executive overreach. It should not be a rubber stamp for any president or party.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-442305-2026-05-04\" id=\"heading10-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-442305-2026-05-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-442305-2026-05-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes, but compromise should not mean abandoning principles or cutting deals that protect insiders. Good compromise happens when officials honestly define the problem, respect constitutional limits, and find practical steps that improve people’s lives. New Mexicans do not need more theatrical gridlock. They need border competence, lower costs, safer communities, energy realism, accountable courts and agencies, and federal systems that actually work. I will compromise on methods, but not on basic accountability, due process, or equal treatment under the law.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-442305-2026-05-04\" id=\"heading11-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-442305-2026-05-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-442305-2026-05-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNo formal endorsements have been announced at this time.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-442305-2026-05-04\" id=\"heading12-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-442305-2026-05-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-442305-2026-05-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-442305-2026-05-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tOne of the first major historical events I remember was the Challenger disaster, rolled into my 3rd grade classroom on a TV media cart in 1986. Like many Americans, I saw it as a shocking moment when a national symbol of achievement and confidence failed in public. It left an impression on me because it showed that complex systems can fail when warnings are ignored, incentives become distorted, or institutions become too confident in themselves. That lesson has stayed with me as an engineer and as a citizen.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nMatt Channon completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Channon's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I am Matt Channon, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in New Mexico. I am an engineer, inventor, software developer, founder, rideshare driver, and father based in Albuquerque. My background is in building and repairing systems, and that is how I approach government. New Mexicans are facing high costs, weak institutions, public-safety problems, border dysfunction, and a federal government that too often feels unaccountable. I am running because I believe New Mexico needs a senator focused on fixing broken systems, restoring trust, and applying one standard of accountability to everyone. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Fix what is broken.\r\nI am running as a systems engineer and problem-solver, not as a career politician. New Mexico’s problems are not mysterious: high costs, weak services, border dysfunction, addiction, crime, housing pressure, rural neglect, and federal incompetence. Washington keeps managing decline instead of repairing the systems that are failing ordinary people. No one is above the law, and no one is beneath it.\r\nAccountability has to apply to everyone: Democrats, Republicans, presidents, prosecutors, judges, agencies, and candidates. I support law and order, but law and order must begin with a government that obeys the law itself. Due process is not a loophole. It is the Constitution. New Mexico needs a responsible Republican voice.\r\nI believe in limited government, border security, energy realism, public safety, work, family, and competence. But I also believe Republicans must recover moral seriousness and public trust. I am not running to excuse one political machine and condemn another. I am running to hold broken institutions accountable and represent New Mexicans who feel ignored by both parties. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I am passionate about government accountability, due process, solving cost of living issues by bringing paychecks up, border competence, rural economic repair, public safety, and energy policy. New Mexico needs secure borders and serious action against fentanyl, but also restrained, accountable government power. I support realistic energy policy that respects New Mexico workers and revenue while building long-term resilience. I also care deeply about federal accountability when Washington harms New Mexicans, including disaster recovery failures, court dysfunction, agency overreach, and communities left behind by both parties. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I look up to leaders who combined strength with moral seriousness. Abraham Lincoln preserved the Union while keeping his focus on law, responsibility, and human dignity. Theodore Roosevelt challenged concentrated power and believed government should serve the public interest, not just insiders. Dwight Eisenhower showed calm competence and warned against systems becoming too powerful and unaccountable. I also admire ordinary builders, engineers, parents, veterans, workers, and small-business owners who solve problems without demanding applause. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Honesty, courage, humility, competence, and accountability. An elected official should tell voters the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. They should be willing to hold their own side accountable, not just the other party. They should understand that public office is not ownership of power; it is temporary stewardship. The law must apply equally to everyone, and government must be competent enough to serve ordinary people rather than protect itself. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? A U.S. senator should represent the people of the state, defend the Constitution, provide serious oversight of federal agencies, help shape national policy, and make sure Washington does not ignore local communities. For New Mexico, that means fighting for working families, border communities, rural counties, energy workers, veterans, tribes, small businesses, and people harmed by federal failure. A senator should also be a check on presidents, courts, prosecutors, and bureaucracies when they exceed their proper role. What legacy would you like to leave? I would like to help rebuild trust in government by proving that a Republican can be responsible, accountable, and serious about fixing broken systems. I want to leave behind a politics where no one is above the law and no one is beneath it. If I can help New Mexico get better representation, restore due process, improve federal accountability, and make government work better for ordinary people, that would be a legacy worth having. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I sold Macs at ComputerOne, back when computer dealerships were it for Apple products and the first Apple Store was 20 years away. The commissioned sales structure taught me that people work together best when their incentives align. It was only for a summer, and then I went on to become a high school intern at Sandia National Labs. What is something that has been a struggle in your life? One struggle in my life has been seeing how difficult it can be for ordinary people to make large institutions answer for their mistakes. Whether the institution is a court, agency, employer, or political machine, people can feel powerless when the system protects itself. That experience has shaped my view of public service. I believe government must be accountable, transparent, and subject to the same standards it imposes on everyone else. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Our greatest challenge is institutional failure: people no longer trust that government, courts, media, political parties, or even their own employers are telling the truth or acting fairly. That loss of trust touches everything else: wages that don't cover everything anymore, inflation, housing, border security, crime, addiction, energy prices, war, debt, education, and public health. We need to rebuild competence and accountability. A country cannot stay strong if citizens believe the system is rigged, indifferent, or incapable of self-correction. What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution? The Senate is designed to slow things down, force broader deliberation, and give every state a serious voice in national decisions. That matters for New Mexico because small and rural states can be ignored when politics is driven only by population centers and national media. The Senate also has a special role in oversight, confirmations, treaties, war powers, and checking executive overreach. It should not be a rubber stamp for any president or party. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Yes, but compromise should not mean abandoning principles or cutting deals that protect insiders. Good compromise happens when officials honestly define the problem, respect constitutional limits, and find practical steps that improve people’s lives. New Mexicans do not need more theatrical gridlock. They need border competence, lower costs, safer communities, energy realism, accountable courts and agencies, and federal systems that actually work. I will compromise on methods, but not on basic accountability, due process, or equal treatment under the law. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? No formal endorsements have been announced at this time. What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? One of the first major historical events I remember was the Challenger disaster, rolled into my 3rd grade classroom on a TV media cart in 1986. Like many Americans, I saw it as a shocking moment when a national symbol of achievement and confidence failed in public. It left an impression on me because it showed that complex systems can fail when warnings are ignored, incentives become distorted, or institutions become too confident in themselves. That lesson has stayed with me as an engineer and as a citizen.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]