Rudy B. Mora
Republican | New Mexico
Candidate Profile*
Leans Conservative
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Rudy B. Mora
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
General
Race
State Senator, Dist. 10
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Lewis University, Albuquerque, B.A, 2022
CNM, Albuquerque, Associates, 2018
Northwestern Police Staff & Command, Chicago, Command Certification, 2017
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
St Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, Member, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 1
Member, International Chiefs of Police, Adjunct Instructor
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology / Border Security, Adjunct Instructor, California Narcotics Canine Association
Certifying Official, National Narcotic Dog Association, Certifying Official
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Bernalillo County Sheriff, 2022
Race
ENDORSEMENTS*
*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
CONSERVATIVE (1)
*National Rifle Association (NRA) PVF
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
Manuel "Manny" Gonzales III (2024)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
I believe abortion is wrong as it destroys the fetus. However, abortion is a very complex issue which truly has no "cookie cutter" answer. With that, there are some circumstances I believe an elective abortion should be allowed. If the mother is at high risk of dying during pregnancy or childbirth, the pregnancy is causing serious medical complications, and/or there is a high risk of the unborn child dying during the pregnancy, and with significant guidance from a trusted medical professional.
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
The failure to properly study the adverse effects of any drug when approving its use is unacceptable.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
Taxpayer funding is at an all-time high and abortion remains a key priority. Meanwhile, visits for actual health care continue to decline. I support funding for women needing healthcare.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
Human life is the basis of all goods, and is the necessary source and condition of every human activity and of all society. I regard life as something sacred and hold that no one may dispose of it at will.
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
Free enterprise is the foundation for economic freedom. Free enterprise is the only proven system to create opportunities for everyone.
What is your position on the minimum wage?
Minimum wage has been a hot topic, especially at the Federal level. As a small business owner for 28 years, I know that pro-growth policies like tax cuts and deregulation creates a higher demand for jobs. This in turn creates higher wages.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
Yes
I support this, however as long as these ratings are not used to promote progressive/liberal goals.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
In some rare cases this maybe necessary such as life and death situations. History has shown us the horrific consequences of giving government the power over churches. If we are not careful, we can give too much power over our religious freedoms to people who actually don't respect it.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Agree
Another complex issue which has multiple factors, everyone has their right to exercise their moral and religious beliefs. However, when it infringes on the civil rights of others it is not acceptable.
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.
C. New Mexicans deserve a health care system that can help everyone gain access to affordable, high-quality health care coverage. Government funded health care undoubtedly improves access for some people, but substantially reduces the quality of care of others, and leads to health care rationing. Government-run health care systems are designed to control and manipulate markets, and limit choices. Most government-run systems fail to meet the mark i.e, our veterans healthcare.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I believe in childhood vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella. Schools should require vaccinations for our children. Especially with our open border our children are at risks of diseases that may be coming from other countries.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
Protecting our nation from those who would do us harm is the first and most important responsibility of our Government. The United States of America is the leader of the free world and should not back down from our responsibility. It is our job to stand up to acts of aggression across the globe and defend democracy when our enemies seek to destroy it.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
This relationship is extremely important because we have to support them to defeat Hamas and deter future aggression. People need to understand that Hamas HATES Americans and have been taught that from a very young age.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
As a retired New Mexico State Police officer, I know and have worked the frontlines of our border. New Mexico's vast highway system and proximity to Mexico makes us a prime target for cartel and criminal activity. Our immigration is broken and putting New Mexicans at risk. The U.S. needs to act swiftly to secure the borders and enforce the rule of law. As it relates to New Mexico, the FBI recently advised that the main cause of crime in New Mexico is our open border.
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
I support educational freedom for parents where funding can help parents with the best fit for their children. Parents know their children and what is best for them. We need to make sure all money goes into the classroom. We need make sure parents have the opportunity and resources to enable their children to thrive.
VALUES
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
The fact that this question even has to be asked tells me how bad our society has become. Children should always be our first priority and investing in them to become productive members of society is a must.
Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children.
Agree
In most cases, parents should make decisions for their children especially when it comes to healthcare. In my experience, we taught our children right from wrong and raised them with strong principles and values based on our Catholic beliefs. Our kids were allowed to make decisions for themselves more and more as they grew older. Positive outcomes were always highlighted and negative outcomes served as lessons. Our children were taught to hold themselves accountable and never blame anyone.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
I do not agree that taxpayer funds should be used to facilitate any services that are not backed by scientific data.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Neutral
This is a very tough issue and the majority of Americans have moved passed this issue and the highest court has ruled on the issue. I am more concerned about treating everyone with dignity and respect. Crime and public safety is a major concern for New Mexicans and that will be one of my focal points.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. My personal mission statement is as follows: “I will be a little better tomorrow than I am today. I believe that we don’t have to be bad to get better. I seek to learn as learning is the key to growth which is the key to being better. I seek to understand as understanding is the key to finding value. Value is the basis for respect, decision-making and action which I utilize daily within my home and with my family. I will continually build professional, personal and civic relationships to make our community a little better tomorrow.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
As a minority, I take offense when people say that producing a photo identification in order to vote is burdensome and targets minorities. This is insulting that some people may think minorities don't have the ability to get an identification card. We take pride in our country and our civic duty. Day to day activities require some form of identification these days and voting should be no different.
States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.
Disagree
The Electoral College is best reflective of New Mexicans in particular because the rural areas of New Mexico are better represented with this process.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism can be a threat to anything when it is acted upon. Racism is alive and well because its kept alive by identity politics. Recently I was purchasing an American flag when a person behind me uttered "he must be racist and a republican" to the person they were with. I replied, "because I'm proud of my country". This is the disillusion and the result of the identity politics that is outraging the common sense person.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
I am extremely open to conversations about history and how we need to learn from it. I believe CRT advocates a sense of victimhood.
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.
Strongly Agree
It is becoming more and more difficult for women to compete in high school and collegiate sports with the intrusion of transgender-identified males. As a father of daughters and granddaughters, I have extreme concerns for them growing up in a world where their female rights are being slowly taken away from them. The safety of everyone, especially women is a real concern for me.
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.
C: I believe we can address climate change without destroying our economy and energy sector.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Research shows that nuclear power is the most reliable source of energy. In addition, a comprehensive approach for our energy is a must for New Mexico's future.
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?
The general purpose of government is a system of order to best serve the people.
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?
Conservative
I consider myself to be a conservative person who loves our country and our state. Being a life-long New Mexican I understand our culture and sub-cultures and I am willing to collaborate with anyone who wants to make New Mexico a better place for the common good.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
This tactic has drastically failed across our country and here in New Mexico. I believe in law & order and firmly believe in holding people accountable for their actions. I fully support diversion programs to help people suffering from mental, behavioral and addiction issues. However, there needs to be consequences if they fail to meet their obligation while in those programs. I believe community programs and faith based programs are critical in our CJS but not at the expense of police.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Stricter penalties for violent repeat offenders who continually victimize people while using a firearm. We need to promote sensible laws that keep weapons out of the hands of these violent people. I am willing to listen to any sensible solution as long as it doesn't infringe on the Second Amendment Right of law-abiding citizens.
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
I believe in responsible gun ownership and agree teachers should be allowed to carry a gun at school if they so choose. If they decide to do so there needs to be an extensive training and ongoing training program for them. With our Second Amendment right, comes responsibility. I believe in common-sense efforts to reduce violent acts in our schools and promote gun safety in our schools.
