Heather Balas

I've dedicated my career to advancing effective public policy, working with leading institutions and organizations to learn from voters what they need – on education, healthcare, the economy, natural resources, and a government they can trust. I served over a decade as Executive Director of New Mexico First, a statewide public policy organization, was tapped by the Thornburg Foundation to manage investments in good government, and today work in Democracy reform to advance trusted elections.

As a 5th generation New Mexico and 20-year resident of my district, I am committed to strengthening my state and community.

• Top-notch, equitable education is my highest priority: early childhood through college. I favor strong investments in early childhood and NM Pre-K. In K-12, we must support and invest in teachers and principals, making education the career they want to stay in. We also need to expand career/technical education, especially in middle and high schools, so more of our youth graduate with a plan for their futures. I'm proud to have been endorsed by the American Federation of Teacher-NM.
• More New Mexicans have health insurance than ever before, but most counties in our state (including both of the counties in my legislative district) are Designated Health Professional Shortage Areas. We must make NM a place where healthcare providers at all levels want to work. This includes good working conditions, competitive wages, affordable liability insurance and, for rural or tribal communities where it is particularly urgent to recruit providers, tax incentives or loan forgiveness. These reforms can support our other issue: quality patient care. Multiple NM hospitals have D and F safety rankings. This is unacceptable and must be a top priority. I'm honored to be supported by the United Healthcare Professionals of NM.
• I have deep commitments to New Mexico's environment and natural resources. Recent Supreme Court decisions reduced Clean Water Act protections, especially for dry climates. Our state needs primacy in regulating pollution in our waterways, rather than waiting for federal approvals. Most states have this authority. We must also: expand funds for watershed restoration and forest lands affected by fire; invest in long-term water planning especially for industries most reliant on water including ag; & repair aging infrastructure. I’m honored to by supported by the Conservation Voters of New Mexico

In addition to the three priorities above, I care deeply about American democracy. I make my living in democracy reform, advancing solutions across the nation to ensure our elections are administered impartially and that our nation never experiences another January 6th.

I aim to extend this experience into my work with the legislature to ensure our state has the best legal foundations to preserve voting rights and trusted elections. This includes passage of a bill to prohibit fake electors in the presidential election process -- a reform that was introduced in 2024 but did not pass.

Crisis Point: Why We Must – and How We Can – Overcome Our Broken Politics in Washington and Across America. Authors: U.S. Senators Tom Daschle and Trent Lott.

Honesty, integrity and strong work ethic are key requirements for elected officials. I also believe we need to be intellectually curious people, willing to hear and consider positions different from our own, before making final decisions. With this willingness can come a natural improvement in civility among elected officials. I believe that the rising degree of political polarization in our state and nation is terrible for our future; it also undermines effective governance.

My friend and mentor Ed Chavez, former Chief Justice of the NM Supreme Court, says in his endorsement of me, “In Heather Balas, I witness an intelligent, well-spoken, objective, and trustworthy person whose ideas are inspired by her devotion to a democracy that is truly ‘we the people.’ She will work everyday against polarization and for lasting solutions.”

I'm kind, principled, research-driven, and a good listener. I have convened public deliberations and town halls for literally thousands of voters in my professional career.

Put the needs and interests of others before yourself. We are there to serve.

In 3rd grade, President Jimmy Carter was elected. It was the first election that I followed closely. I recall that I liked him because he seemed smart and -- yes -- because he raised peanuts.

My first job was for my grandparent's peanut farm. I worked for the family's small business all through high school and college.

Hermione Granger. Smart and magic.

Collaborative when possible, recognizing and honoring the separations of duties and power between the entities.

Establishing an equitable, top-notch education system for our children and youth. The national Kids Count rankings for 2023 place New Mexico dead last (50th in the nation) on education achievement and child well-being.

Yes, it is beneficial to have experience in politiTICS. It is just as important to have experience in poliCY. We need our lawmakers to have a deep understanding of the issues on which they are voting.

Yes. Policy-making is a team sport. We need to learn from each other and collaborate as much as we can.

Former New Mexico Lt. Governor Diane Denish is a long-time role model to me.

The people of District 9 need someone focused on them, not using this seat to get somewhere else. I aim to win this seat and do the job for multiple terms.

Many people in my area are concerned about fire safety in the Bosque Preserve. I aim to support fire prevention and suppression activities in this area, as a result of the many voters who describe their personal love of our riverside areas.

Yes, in limited circumstances.

One to ensure the 911 services for Sandoval County are maintained, given an immediate need to provide for communities outside of Rio Rancho.

Environment, education, health, government affairs

I have successfully advocated for improved campaign finance disclosure in New Mexico, and I believe that still more can be done to close loop holes in state law regarding disclosure of donors to Political Action Committees. Additionally, I am recognized by American Promise as a candidate who opposes out-of-control election spending.

I believe NM should have a rigorous conversation about the pros and cons of establishing a citizen-driven state ballot initiative process. Currently, two of our neighboring states have such processes, giving greater power to voters.