New Mexico State Council of Machinists Meet in Albuquerque, Issue 2024 Political Endorsements

The New Mexico State Council of Machinists (NMSC) met on Friday, June 28 to hear briefings from members of New Mexico’s federal delegation and issue political endorsements for the 2024 election cycle.

Delegates were visited by New Mexico’s senior U.S. Senator, Martin Heinrich, and were briefed via Zoom by New Mexico’s three U.S. house of representative members, Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01), Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02), and Teresa Leger Fernandez (N.M.-03).

During his remarks, Sen. Heinrich reiterated his commitment to organized labor, federal contracts in New Mexico, and his desire to continue to grow renewable resources and the accompanying union jobs they bring.

“From Sandia Labs to White Sands Missile Range, Los Alamos to NASA, New Mexico’s bases and labs are leading the way and pushing the boundaries of technological innovation to protect our country,” said Heinrich. “I [was honored] to talk to the heart and soul of these facilities: the union workers of New Mexico State Council of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.”

After hearing from federal elected officials, council delegates heard reports from the Political Action Committee (PAC), which has members from each participating lodge, on various recommended candidates running for office at the federal and state level in New Mexico.

“I am floored by the work the New Mexico State Council of Machinists continues to produce,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “The standards and accountability they continue to hold our elected officials to is making a significant impact in the community and will light a path to a brighter tomorrow for my home state of New Mexico.”

Those recommended for endorsement are Heinrich, Stansbury, Vasquez, Leger Fernandez, and 47 candidates for the New Mexico state legislature. Delegates also declined to endorse eight candidates, based on the recommendation of the PAC. This is due to their opposition to core IAM policy goals like Paid Family Medical Leave, opposing so-called “right-to-work” schemes, and efforts to ban captive audience meetings.

This marks the first time that the NMSC has used a formalized questionnaire and review process to evaluate and endorse candidates.

“I am extremely proud of the work of the PAC members and Council delegates on our 2024 political endorsements,” said NMSC President John Dyrcz. “We had tough conversations and ultimately made endorsement decisions based on Machinist values like supporting working New Mexicans, strengthening our labor rights, and preserving our voices in the workplace. This process has been transparent, uniform, and equitable for both candidates and Council delegates alike.”

The New Mexico State Council will meet next in October 2024 in Ruidoso, N.M.

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