Sariñana vs. Mason, issue by issue

Sariñana’s site says she sponsored legislation “improving administration of the disabled veteran property tax exemption,” and says she supported the $11.4 billion General Appropriation Act of 2026 and “major tax and capital outlay packages.” Mason’s site says state spending has grown sharply since 2017 and that “Gross receipts tax is damaging for New Mexico business.”

Sariñana’s site lists funding for “public safety technology and equipment for the Albuquerque Police Department and Bernalillo County.” Mason’s site says “NM has become an attractive place for criminals who know our laws and courts are weak” and that the legislature should address juvenile crime. He told the Ledger “Fentanyl trafficking should be a 1st degree felony” and that bail laws should be reformed. He also told the Ledger the state should “stop sanctuary policies so law enforcement can get rid of criminal illegals.”

Sariñana’s site says she sponsored and passed teacher residency bills that “pair new teachers with master teachers for an entire year.” She also lists school improvements at ten schools in the district. Mason’s site says “NM schools are consistently the worst in the country” and favors school choice, including voucher programs.

Sariñana’s capital outlay page lists funds “to acquire land and property for, and to plan, design, construct and improve, affordable housing in Albuquerque.” Her session page also lists construction support for the Albuquerque Young Adult Shelter. Mason’s site blames rising home and living costs partly on taxes, fees and regulation, and proposes incentives for new home buyers and a tax deduction for mortgage payments.

Sariñana’s site lists bills on renewable energy infrastructure planning, oil and gas reclamation resources, and investments in water infrastructure and clean energy. Mason’s site objects to unelected boards that regulate residents’ lives, “like making you buy an expensive electric car.”

Asked about the proposed sale of PNM, Mason said, “This is a Public Regulation Commission (PRC) issue and should be handled at that level.” He urged people with concerns to contact their PRC commissioners.

Mason said “it’s possible to support public safety while also ensuring individual privacy.” He pointed to Bernalillo County, where the sheriff’s office is replacing its Flock cameras with Axon’s, which he said “will provide better control.” He didn’t say what he would do in the legislature.

Mason said his crime plans “will also address the homeless situation as they are closely related, although homelessness is primarily a municipal issue.” He blamed Albuquerque’s “hands-off policies” for making it worse.

Asked about his largest donors, Mason said, “The majority of my donations are from individuals.” He said his district’s issues and “my own moral compass will determine how I vote.” He didn’t name his largest donors or a decision he’d step aside from.

Asked what most voters don’t know about the job, Mason said legislators work for their district “but state legislators deal with state-wide issues.” He said the legislature “heavily favors a progressive agenda” and should have more balance.