New Mexico has the talent, research strength, and location to build a stronger, more stable economy. For too long, however, we have relied on a narrow set of industries, limiting opportunity and leaving communities vulnerable during economic downturns. A stronger future requires diversifying our economy, creating high-paying jobs, and giving people a reason to stay, work, and raise families here.
My approach focuses on industries where New Mexico already has a competitive advantage and room to grow. That includes research and development, where our national labs, universities, and research institutions generate world-class innovation that too often fails to turn into local businesses or jobs. I support policies that help move ideas from the lab to the marketplace by strengthening incubators, accelerators, and manufacturing hubs so innovation creates opportunity here at home.
Advanced manufacturing is another key driver. New Mexico has already seen growth in manufacturing jobs and wages, showing what is possible when the right conditions are in place. I will build on that progress by supporting targeted incentives for aerospace, defense, bioscience, energy technology, and precision manufacturing – industries that offer stable, high-skill careers in both urban and rural communities.
A growing economy also requires a workforce ready to step into real jobs. My plan focuses on clear, practical pathways from education into careers. That includes expanding high-quality career and technical education in high schools so students can graduate with industry-recognized certifications and move directly into the workforce, apprenticeships, or further training. These programs should prioritize hands-on, AI-resistant careers such as electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, mechanics, and other skilled trades that cannot be outsourced or replaced by artificial intelligence.
It also means aligning education and training with real employer needs through stronger coordination between high schools, community colleges, universities, employers, and workforce agencies. Students and working adults should be able to see a clear path into careers that offer good pay and long-term growth, whether that path runs through a classroom, a shop floor, or an apprenticeship.
At the same time, New Mexico must remove unnecessary barriers that keep skilled workers from getting to work. Overly complex occupational licensing rules slow hiring, discourage relocation, and make it harder to start or expand a small business. In health care, the trades, and service industries, qualified professionals often face months-long delays that push them to work in other states.
Licensing should protect public health and safety, not trap people in paperwork. I support full license reciprocity for professionals licensed in good standing in another state unless there is a clear public safety concern. I also support firm timelines for licensing decisions, stronger accountability for boards, reviewing or consolidating inactive boards, and eliminating licensing requirements that do not meaningfully protect health or safety, especially for entry-level jobs.
This strategy is about expanding opportunity, not taking anything away. A broader mix of industries, strong career pathways starting in high school, and fewer barriers to work will create a more resilient economy, steadier growth, and stronger communities. My goal is a New Mexico where innovation leads to local jobs, workers can step into high-paying careers, and businesses see the state as a place to invest for the long term.
