By Tierna Unruh-Enos / The Paper.
In Senate District 9, four candidates are looking to replace the current-sitting Democratic state Senator Brenda McKenna. Democrats Heather Balas and Cindy Nava filed to run, as did Republicans Frida “Susana” Vasquez and Audrey Trujillo.
District 9 encompasses two counties and part of the Sandia Pueblo. The district spans Albuquerque’s westside, Corrales, Placitas, Bernalillo, Algodones, Sandia Pueblo, and eastern Rio Rancho.
Heather Balas
Heather Balas announced her candidacy following the announcement that McKenna would not seek re-election.
Balas is best known for serving for over a decade as President and Executive Director of New Mexico First. This statewide public policy organization advances positive change in New Mexico, co-founded by former US Senators Jeff Bingaman and Pete Domenici.
Cindy Nava
Just a day after McKenna’s announcement, Bernalillo resident Cindy Nava announced that she was seeking the seat. Nava, a formerly undocumented resident of New Mexico and DACA recipient, is no stranger to the state legislature. As a young organizer, she worked on the staff of Democratic leaders in the state house before joining the office of U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan, and eventually being appointed by President Joe Biden to serve as a policy advisor with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — all while working towards her U.S. citizenship.
Audrey Trujillo
Audrey Trujillo, the former Republican candidate for New Mexico secretary of state is a Corrales resident throwing her hat in the ring for the senate seat. She has campaigned heavily for gun rights and while running for the SOS seat, for election transparency issues.
Frida “Susana” Vasquez
Frida “Susana” Vasquez, a small business owner from Rio Rancho is also running for the Republican nod for District 9.