The cards run from where they differ most to where they agree most, and compare how each would do it. The Ledger emailed both campaigns questions on Oct. 15; neither had answered by publication. Both answered the League of Women Voters’ VOTE411 guide, which the water, projects and health care cards draw on.
Charlotte Little
Democrat
State representative since 2022; background in health care administration and tribal governance. Hadn't answered our questions.
David Adkins
Republican
Pastor and business owner; a former legislator. Hadn't answered our questions.
Where they differ
Water
Same goal, different approach
What they said
Little: “We must prioritize sustainable conservation, improve data-driven mapping of our water resources, and foster collaboration between state, local, and tribal governments.” Adkins: “New Mexico’s underground water is around 90% brackish (saline), so it requires treatment before consumption or irrigation.” He would increase investment in reusing produced water from oil and gas production, nuclear technology to power desalination plants and wastewater treatment.
Large economic development projects
Same goal, different approach
What they said
Little: “Resource sustainability is the most critical factor in our climate.” She says existing residents should not subsidize private growth. Adkins: “There are five questions I will always ask when considering economic development projects.” The Ledger did not find either naming a specific project.
Crime and public safety
Same goal, different approach
What they said
Little’s site lists HB 8 (2025), which “Improves how New Mexico handles defendants found incompetent to stand trial by prioritizing treatment and public safety”, and HB 340 (2025), which “Strengthens law enforcement’s ability to solve crimes and prevent repeat offenses”. Adkins’s site promises “Ensuring safe neighborhoods through community-focused policing, improved emergency response times, and addressing the root causes of crime in New Mexico”.
Where they agree
Doctor shortage
Agree
What they said
Little: “We need to expand state-funded loan repayment programs and specialized incentives for medical students who commit to practicing in high-need areas.” Adkins: “we must look at ways to keep our medical students in New Mexico to alleviate the healthcare shortage among primary care and mental health.”
Only one has said
Abortion and reproductive care
Only Little
Little
Her site lists HB 7, on access to reproductive and gender-affirming care without political interference
Adkins
Hasn’t said
What they said
Little’s site lists HB 7 (2023), which “Ensures Westside families can access reproductive and gender-affirming care without political interference”. Adkins’s site names no position on abortion.
Schools
Only Adkins
Little
Hasn’t said
Adkins
Goal only, no plan
Would empower teachers, modernize classrooms and give every student the resources to succeed
What they said
Adkins promises “Investing in the next generation by empowering teachers, modernizing classrooms, and ensuring every student has the resources to succeed regardless of zip code”, without naming a specific change. Little’s site mentions schools only as part of the state budget she helped pass.
Issue photos: Abortion and reproductive care, stock photo by RDNE Stock project · Pexels License.
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