Michelle Eleanor Sandoval
Democrat | New Mexico
Candidate Profile*
Leans Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Michelle Eleanor Sandoval
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2024
Election
General
Race
State Rep., Dist. 57
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, Bachelors, 2018
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Watermelon Ranch, Volunteer, Special Olympics
Volunteer, Balloon Fiesta, Navigator/Volunteer
Eco-Warriors, Owner/volunteer, Feed Rio Rancho Kids
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
House of Representatives District 57, 2022
ENDORSEMENTS*
LIBERAL (3)
Every Town For Gun Safety
Planned Parenthood Votes New Mexico
*Moms Demand Action
OTHER (2)
The New Mexico Children’s Action Fund (NMCAF) or (NMVC)
AFT New Mexico
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (7)
Planned Parenthood
NMVC Action Fund
American Federation of Teachers
NEA-New Mexico
New Mexico State Machinists
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
I believe elective abortion should be allowed based on the principles of a woman's right to choose, access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, opposition to restrictive laws, and respect for individual autonomy and privacy.
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
Supporting these providers ensures access to comprehensive healthcare, promotes public health, and upholds social equity and economic stability for all women.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Agree
Ensuring that individuals have the right to choose a peaceful and painless death, under strict safeguards and in consultation with medical professionals, respects personal freedom and relieves unnecessary suffering.
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Agree
These principles encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth, which are crucial for a dynamic and prosperous society.
What is your position on the minimum wage?
I support raising the minimum wage to ensure that all workers earn a living wage that reflects the cost of living and provides for their basic needs.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
Yes
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
. Situations such as pandemics, natural disasters, or imminent threats of violence may necessitate temporary closures to protect the community.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Agree
I believe that while it is important to respect individuals' and businesses' moral and religious beliefs, this respect must be balanced with the need to prevent discrimination and ensure equal access to services for all.
HEALTHCARE
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Mandates should be based on scientific evidence and public health guidance. They should also include reasonable exemptions for medical reasons and, where possible, accommodate sincerely held religious beliefs and personal circumstances.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Yes, the United States' relationship with Israel is important, particularly due to the strategic partnership and defense cooperation between the two nations. However, it is equally important to emphasize that this partnership must be grounded in a commitment to human rights and the protection of innocent lives. The United States should leverage its relationship with Israel to promote peace.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
I believe the U.S. should secure the southern border in a humane and effective way. This means using physical security measures as part of a broader strategy that includes advanced technology, better infrastructure, and more personnel. We should also address the root causes of migration and ensure our immigration policies respect human rights and provide pathways for asylum seekers.
EDUCATION
The state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child through programs which protect parents' freedom to choose their child's school – public, private, or homeschool.
Strongly Agree
Yes. I believe the state should fund education in a way that allows dollars to follow the child, empowering parents to choose the best educational option for their child, whether it's public, private, or homeschool. This approach respects parents' freedom to decide what's best for their child's unique needs and circumstances, and promotes a more personalized and effective educational experience.
VALUES
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Agree
It's crucial to ensure their safety and well-being by safeguarding them from grooming, exploitation, and any practices that can cause physical or psychological harm. Our focus should always be on providing a supportive, nurturing environment that respects their development and individuality, while preventing any forms of abuse or exploitation.
Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children.
Agree
Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children, as they are typically the best equipped to understand their child's needs and well-being.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Agree
Access to comprehensive healthcare, including gender-affirming care, is a matter of health equity and human rights.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Strongly Disagree
I believe that marriage is a legal union that should be available to all couples, regardless of gender. The government has the authority to define and recognize marriage in a way that ensures equality and non-discrimination.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe in the importance of compassion, empathy, and respect for all individuals. My values center on promoting equality, justice, and the well-being of others. I respect diverse spiritual beliefs and emphasize the significance of understanding and cooperation among people of different backgrounds. These values guide my commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Agree
People should be able to vote without photo identification to ensure that everyone has equal access to the voting process. Requiring photo ID can create barriers for many eligible voters, including those who may not have easy access to obtaining an ID, such as the elderly, low-income individuals, and minorities. There can be alternative verification processes such as address verification, DOB etc.
States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.
Choose not to answer
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes, racism is a threat to domestic security in the United States. Racism can lead to social divisions, distrust, and violence, undermining the fabric of society. It can manifest in hate crimes, discriminatory practices, and systemic inequalities that affect minority communities.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Agree
CRT provides a framework for understanding how historical and ongoing inequalities and biases have shaped our legal, educational, and social systems. Acknowledging these issues is the first step toward addressing and dismantling structural racism, promoting equity, and ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities and rights.
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Agree
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Which comes closest to your view? (Select all that apply) A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. C) Stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter development of reliable electricity sources. D) Climate change is real and requires urgent policy action.
B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. D) Climate change is real and requires urgent policy action. As a Democrat, I believe that stricter environmental laws are necessary and worth the cost to protect our environment and public health. Climate change is a critical issue that requires immediate action. By addressing it now and transitioning to sustainable energy, we can create new jobs and ensure a healthier future for everyone.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
I believe that hydrogen is the most reliable energy source to meet the growing demand for electricity. Hydrogen has immense potential due to its abundance and ability to produce clean energy with water as its only byproduct.
ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
I believe the purpose of government is to serve and protect its people. This means keeping us safe, providing essential services like healthcare and education, and making sure everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The government should also work to create a fair and just society by protecting our rights and promoting equality. At its core, the government exists to improve our quality of life and help us build a better future together.
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Lean Liberal
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Disagree
No. I believe in enhancing community programs like mental health services, education, housing, and job training using other funds rather than redirecting funds from police departments. Strengthening these community resources while also ensuring that police departments are well-funded can create safer and healthier communities without compromising public safety.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I think universal background checks, mandatory training and licensing and safe storage laws are crucial to protect public safety.
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Choose not to answer
