Ann Edenfield

Ann Edenfield (Republican Party) ran for election to the New Mexico House of Representatives to represent District 24. She did not appear on the ballot for the general election on November 5, 2024.

Edenfield completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Elections

2024

General election

General election for New Mexico House of Representatives District 24

Incumbent Elizabeth Thomson defeated David Daffron in the general election for New Mexico House of Representatives District 24 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Elizabeth Thomson (D)	59.5	9,141
	Submit photo	David Daffron (R)	40.5	6,222

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 15,363
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Ann Edenfield (R)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for New Mexico House of Representatives District 24

Incumbent Elizabeth Thomson advanced from the Democratic primary for New Mexico House of Representatives District 24 on June 4, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Elizabeth Thomson	100.0	2,107

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,107
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for New Mexico House of Representatives District 24

Ann Edenfield advanced from the Republican primary for New Mexico House of Representatives District 24 on June 4, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Ann Edenfield	100.0	1,077

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,077
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Edenfield in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Ann Edenfield completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Edenfield's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

For 28+ years I ran a nonprofit whose mission was transforming lives to break the generational cycle of incarceration. We won NM & Nat’l Awards, had a 4% recidivism rate & 100% of our children who attended 10+ meetings in a school year progressed to the next grade. Because of my work with families of prisoners & inmates I have a unique perspective about how to cut crime, the importance of reading by 3rd grade, & how to educate families to become law-abiding, productive members of society.

Author: Family Arrested: How to Survive the Incarceration of a Loved One Author: Strengthening Families from the Inside Out – Leader’s Guidebook #1

I have received the following awards: YWCA Women on the Move, Community Champions Award recipient of the PAYITFORWARD Award by KOB-TV, recipient of the Child Welfare & Juvenile Justice Award, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Keep the Dream Alive Award, Albuquerque Business First Woman of Influence Award, & a New Mexico Magazine True Hero recipient.

I am the proud mother of four sons, seven grandchildren & married to the Rev. Doug Sweet.

I have been involved in many local, state, regional, national, & international organizations & I'm currently involved with:

Escuela del Sol Montessori/Harwood Art Center - Board New Mexico Ramp Project - Board ABQ Celebrates Recovery Albuquerque Assistance League Children’s Promise Center WHEELS Museum Connecting 4 Justice Liberia, W. Africa

Choir

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Cutting Crime - My life mission has been transforming lives to break the generational cycle of incarceration. Education is the key to cutting crime & it starts with our children. We MUST teach children to read by 3rd grade where are taught to read. After that they must read to learn. If they can’t read, they can’t learn. Correctional officials use 3rd grade reading scores to determine how many prison beds they will need in 10 years. Our money is far better spent on prevention than rehabilitation. 1 in 3 adults have a criminal record & 1 in 2 families will have a close family member incarcerated. Our top priority for all of us should be working with all children to nurture, educate & teach them to read for fulfilled lives.
Crime & education go hand in hand. In a program I ran for 18+ years with a 4% recidivism rate, we have proof that educating parents, caregivers, family members, & returning citizens about jobs, finances, parenting, & issues related to the criminal justice system cuts crime & changes lives. I have years of curriculum & programming that can be given to any school district, nonprofit, or organization that wants to make positive change.
I have worked with & done programming for the NM Corrections Dept for years. I would like to see every inmate given the chance to learn typing & receive incentives given after typing 50 words a minute. Big incentives should be given to inmates receiving a GED or continuing their education in specific fields. I am advocating for more job training classes in electricity/solar, plumbing, welding, construction, etc. Recidivism rates are greatly reduced when inmates leave prison with an education & job skills. It is far cheaper to invest in education & training while they are incarcerated than deal with the costs of recidivism & possible future crime.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about cutting crime, strengthening families, & teaching all ages how to live productive, hope-filled, lives. This also means we need safe & affordable housing for families as well as individuals with behavioral, addictive, or other issues. “Affordable Housing” should require upkeeping & maintaining the property & involvement in educational classes & support services. We also need people trained to get career jobs they enjoy & can grow in, schools that are welcoming & safe, & a state where we have clean & adequate water. We need incentives like scholarships to keep college & medical graduates in NM after graduation.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I had two key mentors in my life who were instrumental in shaping my career and life. Dr. Dale Milligan was the founder of the LOGOS Ministry, a youth program for children and youth in thousands of churches and over 46 denominations around the world. I first attended a training led by Dale in California, then became Youth Director in a church in Albuquerque, and later went on National Staff as the Director of Special Projects and Assistant to the Executive Director. I worked directly under Dale, ended up leading 10 mission trips to Russia where we took American youth literally across 8 time zones in Russia. I used the LOGOS model to start the prison ministry program I still do today which is fun, welcomes everyone, gives hope to all participants including inmates, family members, volunteers, and prison staff, and changes lives and families.

Dale taught me how to see everyone as a child of God and how to lead successful, life-changing programs.

Dr. David Poling was my second key mentor. He was the pastor who had the courage to hire me as Youth Director. He remained my friend, pastor, and mentor until he died in 2022. He encouraged me to write my book, create the educational programs that I did weekly for 18+ years to strengthen individuals and families, and always believed in me. He was a pastor to me for decades and inspired me to help others.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

No. (Unless it is the Bible.)

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe an elected official should be a leader who can be trusted who can bring all sides together to make tough decisions that benefit everyone & make their communities & state a better place to live & work.

An elected official must be honest, have integrity & high ethical standards. We must be accountable to our constituents & transparent in our actions.

I believe in collaboration & listening to everyone to come up with actions that benefits everyone, not just special interest groups.

We must have empathy & try to understand the needs and concerns of different groups in our area, but also work to collaborate with others to find common ground. We must be willing to adapt & be open-minded.

We must uphold the Constitution & respect the rule of law.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I created and ran a very successful nonprofit for 28+ years. I know how to work with and collaborate with people in all walks of life that results in positive change in individuals and systems.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities for someone elected to office are to representing our constituents & advocating for policies & legislation that benefit them. We must engage with the community through meetings & public forums to gather feedback to learn of their concerns, all the while upholding high ethical standards. We must avoid conflicts of interest & always act in the best interest of the public.

We must be educated on all issues so laws & policies are created that address the needs of our constituents & promote justice, equality & overall welfare. We need to provide oversight of government agencies to make sure the operate efficiently & follow laws & regulations. We must provide budget & fiscal oversight, promote quality of life for everyone, & provide vision, direction, & leadership to make our state a better place to live, grow up in, and work in.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like my grandchildren to live in a kinder, more forgiving, and more supportive world. I want to leave the world a safer place where children are brought up in loving homes and taught to be nurturing, caring parents who contribute and give back to society.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The death of JFK. Junior High.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Waitress. I did that job my first summer after high school graduation. I worked at that restaurant part-time as I continued into college as I learned I earned far more earning tips than I would have as a salaried worker.

What is your favorite book? Why?

"Imagine Heaven." We distribute this book in all the prison family days we host. It's a book about near-death experiences that hundreds of people have had. It gives us a glimpse of heaven.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Wonder Woman.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

I sing in a church choir so every song we sing on Sundays sticks in my head. I love it.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

My first husband was a 747 airline captain who went to prison. Being the wife of a prisoner was the biggest struggle I have had to face in life along with a $3.5 million IRS that lasted 15 1/2 years but ultimately was totally erased. I learned how to survive and I try to teach people all the skills I have learned.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The ideal relationship between the governor & state legislature is one of collaboration, mutual respect, & effective communication. We all have a common goal & that is to make our state a better place for all of us.

I have spent my life working together with people of different backgrounds, educational levels, and diverse perspectives. I have learned to listen, create arenas where open dialogue takes place, where we can discuss and negotiate differences which results in compromise & creating common ground which benefits us all.

A healthy relationship between the governor & state legislature should involve cooperation, trust, & a shared commitment to serving the common good.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

New Mexico faces many challenges. Some include:

Crime & Public Safety: Crime must be addressed to ensure the safety & security of residents. The border issue & legal immigration must be addressed. We must enact programs that reduce violent crime, combat drug trafficking & improve community-police relations.
Economic Diversification: NM needs to diversify its economy & use its oil and gas revenues wisely.
Education: We must make sure our 3rd grade graduates can read & provide quality education for all students across the state.
Water: NM must manage our water resources effectively while balancing agricultural, industrial, & municipal needs.
Healthcare: Many areas of NM, especially rural regions, face challenges in accessing quality healthcare services. Addressing healthcare disparities & improving access to affordable care will be essential for public health outcomes. We MUST find ways to retain our current health professionals & find incentives so we can hire others to fill all the vacancies across the state.
Infrastructure Development: Upgrading & maintaining infrastructure, including roads, bridges, & broadband networks, is essential for supporting economic growth & improving quality of life for residents.
Poverty and Inequality: NM has some of the highest poverty rates in the nation, particularly among Native American & Hispanic populations. Addressing poverty &income inequality through targeted policies and investments will be crucial for improving social mobility & well-being.

Climate Change: NM is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including increased temperatures, droughts & wildfires. Developing strategies to mitigate & adapt to these changes will be critical for protecting the state's environment, economy, & communities.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe it is important to have state legislators who have had previous experience in government or politics, as well as candidates like me with no experience. Those with experience have a deeper understanding of how the government functions, knowledge of the legislative process, & familiarity with the intricacies of policymaking.

However, candidates like me bring a lifetime of real-world experience, fresh ideas & new perspectives. Often "Career Politicians" have lost touch with the real needs of their constituents.

We need an independent, diversified group of individuals from a variety of backgrounds to provide insight & expertise on the many issues facing our state.

I believe it is healthy to have a mix of seasoned legislators as well as those of us who are new to the political arena. Ideally the combination should make a team that can & will get something done that benefits everyone.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely. I believe when people who truly care about those they represent get together, honestly listen to one another & the various issues, that compromise can be reached that benefits the whole.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I admire our founding fathers & many of our past U.S. Presidents including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abe Lincoln. I want to be known as a woman of my word who treats everyone with respect & dignity.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I have been blessed to hear thousands of stories over the years from families of prisoners in 20 states, Kenya, Russia, India, & Liberia, W. Africa. On a weekly basis I heard stories of transformation, hope, & change from our many recipients in our educational programs. I have written many stories about them. Just this week a woman recognized me on the street & reminded me that she had been at a prison family day 12 years ago where she got to see her son after not seeing him for 10 years & now they are very close. I get calls, emails, & personal encounters on a regular basis with people who have impacted my life & they say I have impacted theirs.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I don't have one.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

This is a very complicated issues that I would need a lot more information about. I believe there must be checks & balances put in place to prevent potential abuses of power by the executive branch.

Legislatures often consist of a diverse group of individuals with varying expertise & perspectives. Involving them in the decision-making process can lead to more informed & deliberative discussions about the necessity & scope of emergency measures.

During emergencies, quick decision-making & implementation of measures may be crucial to effectively address the situation. Granting temporary emergency powers provides the flexibility needed to adapt to rapidly evolving circumstances but I believe there should be a requirement for legislative approval within a certain timeframe.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

The first bill I would introduce if elected would be for educational assistance for all 3rd graders to learn to read before progressing to the next grade. Third grade reading scores are used by correctional officials to start budgeting money for prison cells for they know that a vast majority of 3rd graders who can't read at a certain level will end up in prison. I believe in PREVENTION, not dealing with a crisis after the fact. It is FAR cheaper to educate children than to have them be involved in a life of crime & incarceration. Children with reading issues could be given trained educators & mentors to work with them until they master reading.

Children are taught to read through 3rd grade. After 3rd grade they must read to learn. That is why it is SO important that children learn to read.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Many friends and people I have known in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the U.S., and the world have expressed support.

What committees interest you?

Education

Judiciary

Health & Human Services

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency & government accountability are essential for a healthy & functioning democracy. Transparency ensures that the public has access to information about how taxpayer money is being used, which is essential for holding government officials accountable for their actions & decisions.

Financial transparency & a transparent government creates trust between citizens & elected representatives. It allows for better oversight of public spending, reduces the risk of corruption, & enables citizens to make more informed decisions about their government & its policies.

Accountability goes hand in hand with transparency. Elected & government officials must be held accountable for their actions & decisions. Accountability goes hand in hand with transparency. Elected & government officials must be held accountable for their actions & decisions.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I need to know more about this.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Ann Edenfield campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	New Mexico House of Representatives District 24	Withdrew general	$2,918	$2,918
Grand total			$2,918	$2,918
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

External links

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Candidate

New Mexico House of Representatives District 24

Personal

Footnotes

[show]

Current members of the New Mexico House of Representatives

Leadership

Speaker of the House:Javier Martínez

Majority Leader:Reena Szczepanski

Minority Leader:Gail Armstrong

Representatives

District 1

Rodney Montoya (R)

District 2

Mark Duncan (R)

District 3

Bill Hall (R)

District 4

Joseph Hernandez (D)

District 5

Doreen Johnson (D)

District 6

Martha Garcia (D)

District 7

Tanya Mirabal Moya (R)

District 8

Brian Baca (R)

District 9

Patricia Lundstrom (D)

District 10

G. Romero (D)

District 11

Javier Martínez (D)

District 12

Art De La Cruz (D)

District 13

Patricia Caballero (D)

District 14

Miguel Garcia (D)

District 15

Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D)

District 16

Yanira Gurrola Valenzuela (D)

District 17

Cynthia Borrego (D)

District 18

Marianna Anaya (D)

District 19

Janelle Anyanonu (D)

District 20

Meredith Dixon (D)

District 21

Debra Sariñana (D)

District 22

Stefani Lord (R)

District 23

Alan Martinez (R)

District 24

Elizabeth Thomson (D)

District 25

Cristina Parajón (D)

District 26

Eleanor Chavez (D)

District 27

Marian Matthews (D)

District 28

Pamelya Herndon (D)

District 29

Joy Garratt (D)

District 30

Elizabeth Torres-Velasquez (D)

District 31

Nicole Chavez (R)

District 32

Jenifer Jones (R)

District 33

Micaela Lara Cadena (D)

District 34

Raymundo Lara (D)

District 35

Angelica Rubio (D)

District 36

Nathan Small (D)

District 37

Joanne Ferrary (D)

District 38

Rebecca Dow (R)

District 39

Luis Terrazas (R)

District 40

Joseph Sanchez (D)

District 41

Susan Herrera (D)

District 42

Kristina Ortez (D)

District 43

Christine Chandler (D)

District 44

Kathleen Cates (D)

District 45

Linda Serrato (D)

District 46

Andrea Romero (D)

District 47

Reena Szczepanski (D)

District 48

Tara Lujan (D)

District 49

Gail Armstrong (R)

District 50

Matthew McQueen (D)

District 51

John Block (R)

District 52

Doreen Gallegos (D)

District 53

Sarah Silva (D)

District 54

Jonathan Henry (R)

District 55

Cathrynn Brown (R)

District 56

Harlan Vincent (R)

District 57

Catherine Cullen (R)

District 58

Angelita Mejia (R)

District 59

Mark Murphy (R)

District 60

Joshua Hernandez (R)

District 61

Randall Pettigrew (R)

District 62

Elaine Sena Cortez (R)

District 63

Martin Ruben Zamora (R)

District 64

Andrea Reeb (R)

District 65

Derrick Lente (D)

District 66

Jimmy Mason (R)

District 67

Jack Chatfield (R)

District 68

Charlotte Little (D)

District 69

Michelle Abeyta (D)

District 70

Anita Gonzales (D)

Democratic Party (44)

Republican Party (26)

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Ann Edenfield

Contents

Elections

2024

General election

General election for New Mexico House of Representatives District 24

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for New Mexico House of Representatives District 24

Republican primary election

Republican primary for New Mexico House of Representatives District 24

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2026 Elections

2025 Elections

Election analysis

Trending

Public Policy

Information for candidates

Get Engaged

Services

Additional analysis

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