Not very many voters have heard about the radical Republican, but here’s what they should know ahead of Oct 17th’s debate

New Mexicans who tune in to tonight’s First Congressional District debate on KOB may ask themselves, “There’s are Republican running for CD1?” That’s because voters haven’t heard much from Steve Jones, the 78 year old MAGA Republican and former energy executive challenging Representative Melanie Stansbury to represent New Mexico’s First District.

But ahead of tonight’s CD1 debate on KOB, here’s what New Mexicans should know to get acquainted with Steve Jones:

- Would help national Republicans attack reproductive rights. Steve Jones replied “No” when asked by the Albuquerque Journal if Congress should pass federal protections for abortion access. 

- Replied “No position” in the same Albuquerque Journal questionnaire when asked if he supports access to IVF medical care. 

- As a former executive in the oil and gas industry, Jones can’t be trusted to help fight climate change and support New Mexico’s clean energy economy.

- Told the Santa Fe New Mexican that he plans on voting for Donald Trump for President.

- In 2020, Jones changed his registration to be an Independent voter just to run for New Mexico’s Second District as a “stocking horse candidate with the aim of helping to defeat U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small” in order to help radical Republican Yvette Herrell. 

“Steve Jones is exactly the type of candidate the New Mexico GOP can be expected to run, one who can’t be counted on to protect abortion rights and access to IVF, supports Donald Trump, and is entirely unqualified,” said Democratic Party of New Mexico Spokesperson Daniel Garcia. “Even though no one has heard of Steve Jones, voters should know that he is too extreme to represent New Mexico’s First District.” 

In contrast to Jones’ inexperience and far-right positions on the issues, Representative Melanie Stansbury has a proven track record of delivering for New Mexicans in Congress and can always be counted on to fight for reproductive rights and bodily autonomy. 

Tune in at 6pm to KOB or visit kob.com/live/ to watch Oct 17th’s debate.