Garratt vs. Stith, issue by issue

Garratt’s site lists SB 37, “High-Quality Literacy Instruction,” as a 2026 bill she sponsored, and says education continues to be one of her highest priorities, with a focus on charter school facilities funding and career and technology education. Stith lists education among her priorities in her Vote411 answer without saying what she would change.

Garratt says “transportation—particularly good roads—is a vital key for living and working on the West Side” and supports widening four named roads. Stith’s Vote411 answer calls for west-side infrastructure including roads, schools, police, fire and medical access, and points to development pressure as Albuquerque expands west, but names no road or project.

Garratt says “public safety is a top priority” and supports funding for first responders’ equipment, training and health support. Her site also says she wants to enforce 24/7 ankle monitoring with immediate consequences for people who violate release terms. Stith’s priorities include legislation empowering law enforcement agencies to reduce crime.

Both want to recruit and keep health workers. Garratt cites co-sponsoring House Bill 99 on medical malpractice and passing the first two of ten medical practice interstate compacts, plus higher student loan repayment for health professionals. Stith proposes incentives to keep college graduates in New Mexico and to attract nurses, EMTs, doctors, and fire and law enforcement personnel, and says “first responder response time and access to medical facilities is crucial.”

Garratt told Vote411 she would treat brackish water for industrial use while reserving fresh water for drinking and farming, and lists water reuse, aquifer storage and recovery, and watershed management. Asked the same question, Stith said “this is not my area of expertise.”

Garratt says “economic development and data centers can only advance when we have clear guardrails in place.” In her Vote411 answer she would require developers to disclose project details early, including costs, water and energy use, and jobs. Asked what criteria should apply, Stith did not set any out and wrote about west-side infrastructure instead.

Garratt’s site, in an older 2025 section, says “affordable and accessible reproductive healthcare, including abortion, is available to all those who need it”. The Ledger found nothing from Stith on abortion.

Garratt says “PERA and ERB cost-of-living-adjustments (COLA) must increase” and is holding stakeholder meetings. The Ledger found nothing from Stith on retiree benefits.

Stith’s site says she is committed to protecting religious freedoms and supporting faith-based initiatives and that freedom is fundamental. It names no bill or step. The Ledger found nothing from Garratt on these themes.