IN THE NEWS
March 19, 2026, Santa Fe New Mexican, Rep. Herrera endorses newcomer to succeed her in House, says Rodella 'owned' by lenders
“Susan’s endorsement says that I’m on the right path toward improving, moving forward, for District 41 and the entire state,” said Jaramillo, who describes herself as a progressive Democrat. “With the issues that she’s represented and fought so hard for, I’m there.”
March 11, 2026, Albuquerque Journal, Former legislators seek return to Roundhouse, as state House races take shape
At least four ex-lawmakers filed paperwork Tuesday to run for office, including former state Rep. Debbie Rodella of Española, who served for 26 years in the state House before being ousted in the 2018 primary election.
March 10, 2026, Santa Few New Mexican, Democratic primary fights shaping up for county government, House seats
In District 41, which covers much of Rio Arriba County, Yolanda “Pancha” Jaramillo, an acequia leader and a former teacher, will face longtime former House member Debbie Rodella. The winner will succeed retiring Rep. Susan Herrera, D-Embudo, who as a progressive newcomer beat the more conservative Rodella in the 2018 primary.
March 10, 2026, Source New Mexico, 19 NM House seats draw primary challenges
Debbie Rodella is seeking a return to the Roundhouse. Rodella, who was a state representative for 25 years, is seeking the District 41 seat vacated by Rep. Susan Herrera (D-Embudo), who announced during the session she would not seek reelection. Rodella faces Yolanda “Pancha” Jaramillo, a board member for the New Mexico Acequia Association, who recently announced her Democratic campaign for the seat.
Jaramillo, her opponent, is pictured next to an acequia on her campaign website. She told Source that she wants to advocate for the historic irrigation districts at the Roundhouse, and, as a former educator, says she has ideas related to education and behavioral health.
Feb 23, 2026, Santa Fe New Mexican, Acequia leader declares run for Northern New Mexico House seat
A Democratic candidate has filed to run for the state House seat Rep. Susan Herrera is vacating.
“At my core, I am an advocate for others,” Yolanda “Pancha” Jaramillo said in a statement Saturday. “What drives me is expanding opportunity for New Mexico’s children and families — especially in our rural communities and small towns across Northern New Mexico, where the need is often greatest.”
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