Karen Montoya

Karen Montoya

Democratic Party

Prior offices

Bernalillo County Assessor

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New Mexico Public Regulation Commission District 1

Successor: Cynthia Hall

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Report an officeholder change

Elections and appointments

Last election

June 4, 2024

Education

High school

Del Norte High School

Personal

Birthplace

Albuquerque, N.M.

Religion

Christian

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Instagram

Personal website

Karen Montoya (Democratic Party) was a member of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner, representing District 1. She assumed office on January 1, 2013. She left office on January 1, 2017.

Montoya (Democratic Party) ran for election for Bernalillo County Clerk in New Mexico. She lost in the Democratic primary on June 4, 2024.

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

Biography

Karen Montoya was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She earned a high school diploma from Del Norte High School. Montoya worked in the Bernalillo County Assessor’s Office from 1991 to 2004. She was a senior appraiser with the New Mexico State Property Tax Division from 2004 to 2006 and served as chair of the County Valuation Protest Board.

Elections

2024

See also: Municipal elections in Bernalillo County, New Mexico (2024)

General election

General election for Bernalillo County Clerk

Michelle Kavanaugh defeated Clay Pryor in the general election for Bernalillo County Clerk on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Michelle Kavanaugh (D)	60.2	176,191
	Submit photo	Clay Pryor (R)	39.8	116,539

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 292,730
= 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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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Bernalillo County Clerk

Michelle Kavanaugh defeated Karen Montoya in the Democratic primary for Bernalillo County Clerk on June 4, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Michelle Kavanaugh	60.1	27,260
		Karen Montoya	39.9	18,126

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 45,386
= 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.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Bernalillo County Clerk

Clay Pryor defeated Robert Kwasny in the Republican primary for Bernalillo County Clerk on June 4, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Clay Pryor	67.2	14,259
	Submit photo	Robert Kwasny	32.8	6,944

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 21,203
= 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.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

To view Montoya's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Montoya in this election.

2016

See also: New Mexico Public Education Commission election, 2016

Montoya ran for re-election in 2016. She was defeated by challenger Cynthia Hall in the June 7 Democratic primary election.

Cynthia Hall defeated incumbent Karen Montoya in the New Mexico Democratic primary for public regulation commissioner, district 1.

New Mexico Democratic primary for public regulation commissioner, district 1, 2016
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Cynthia Hall	57.14%	26,151
Karen Montoya Incumbent	42.86%	19,616
Total Votes (315 of 315 precincts reporting)		45,767
Source: New Mexico Secretary of State

2012

See also: New Mexico down ballot state executive elections, 2012

Montoya ran for District 1 of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission in 2012. She defeated Cynthia Hall and Al Park in the Democratic primary on June 5, 2012. Christopher Ocksrider was unopposed in the Republican primary.

She won the general election on November 6, 2012.

New Mexico Public Regulation Commission District 1 General Election, 2012
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Karen Montoya	55%	94,526
	Republican	Christopher Ocksrider	45%	77,256
Total Votes				171,782
Election results via New Mexico Secretary of State

New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, District 1, Democratic Primary, 2012
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Karen Montoya	36.3%	10,972
Cynthia Hall	33.2%	10,038
Al Park	30.5%	9,221
Total Votes		30,231

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

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

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm Karen Montoya, a proud 12th-generation New Mexican and the first woman elected to the position of Bernalillo County Assessor. With over 25 years of dedicated public service, I've been deeply involved in shaping the governance of our community. My journey began in 1991 at the Bernalillo County Assessor's Office, where I spent thirteen years honing my skills and expertise. Later, as a Senior Appraiser with the New Mexico State Property Tax Division, I championed fair valuation practices and accurate assessments. During my tenure as Bernalillo County Assessor, from 2007 to 2013, I led initiatives to modernize operations and ensure fair property assessments for all residents, leaving a legacy of integrity and transparency. Following this, I served as a Commissioner at the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC), where I passionately advocated for consumer rights and sustainable energy solutions. Now, as a candidate for Bernalillo County Clerk, I'm determined to continue my legacy of integrity, transparency, and dedication to serving the community.

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?

• With over three decades of dedicated public service, including pioneering roles as the first woman elected as Bernalillo County Assessor and a Commissioner at the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, I offer unmatched experience and unwavering commitment to serving our community.
• I am dedicated to ensuring fair, inclusive, and transparent elections in Bernalillo County. My plan includes concrete initiatives such as Quiet Hour for Voters with Autism, providing sensory voting options, and ensuring convenient voting access for seniors in senior living facilities. Every voice matters, and every vote counts.
• I am dedicated to fostering a culture of fairness and excellence within the County Clerk's office, ensuring that every employee is valued, respected, and empowered. By championing inclusive practices, promoting transparency, and implementing policies that prioritize the well-being and equitable treatment of all staff members, we can build a stronger foundation for serving the needs of our community and upholding the integrity of our democratic process in Bernalillo County.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a candidate for Bernalillo County Clerk, my passion lies in ensuring accessible and fair elections, fostering community engagement, promoting environmental sustainability within the clerk's office, and advocating for equity and social justice. I am committed to implementing policies that prioritize voter education, expand access to voting, promote transparency, and ensure equal access to services for all residents. My dedication to these areas of public policy reflects my commitment to serving the residents of Bernalillo County with integrity, transparency, and dedication as their County Clerk.

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

For those interested in understanding my political philosophy, I'd recommend diving into "The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama. This insightful book offers a nuanced exploration of values and pragmatic approaches to governance, resonating with Democrats across the spectrum. Obama's emphasis on empathy, cooperation, and finding common ground mirrors my belief in inclusive and collaborative politics as a means to drive positive change. Another impactful read is "The Souls of Black Folk" by W.E.B. Du Bois, delving into themes of racial justice, equality, and democracy. These works provide invaluable insights into the principles of fairness, equality, and social justice that shape my approach to governance and public service.

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

As a candidate for public office, I believe the most important characteristics and principles for an elected official are integrity, leadership, commitment to public service, ethical conduct, inclusivity and respect, collaboration, and adaptability. These qualities are fundamental to effective governance and building trust with constituents. Integrity is essential for maintaining transparency and accountability, while leadership guides decision-making and inspires positive change. Commitment to public service drives elected officials to prioritize the needs of their constituents, while ethical conduct ensures that actions are always aligned with the public good. Inclusivity and respect foster an environment where every voice is heard and valued, promoting diversity and understanding within the community. Collaboration enables elected officials to work together with colleagues and stakeholders to address complex issues and achieve common goals. Finally, adaptability is crucial for responding to changing circumstances and finding innovative solutions to emerging challenges. By embodying these characteristics and principles, elected officials can effectively represent their constituents and promote the well-being of their communities.

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

The core responsibilities for someone elected to the office of Bernalillo County Clerk encompass overseeing elections with fairness and transparency, managing voter registration, coordinating polling locations, and certifying election results. Additionally, maintaining public records is paramount, involving the accurate recording and preservation of official documents and records, as well as providing public access to these records in compliance with legal requirements. Issuing marriage licenses, administering notary services, and facilitating oaths and affirmations are integral duties of the clerk's office, ensuring legal processes run smoothly and efficiently. Serving as the clerk to the county commission involves providing administrative support, preparing agendas, recording minutes, and maintaining official records of commission meetings. Ultimately, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements and ethical standards is fundamental to the role, ensuring the trust and integrity of the clerk's office in serving the residents and government entities of Bernalillo County.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I aspire to leave as Bernalillo County Clerk is one of integrity, transparency, and dedication to serving the community. I envision a future where the County Clerk's office operates with efficiency, accessibility, and integrity, meeting the evolving needs of our diverse community. My commitment extends beyond mere rhetoric; I am dedicated to implementing policies and initiatives that promote voter education, expand access to voting, and ensure fair and transparent elections for all. Furthermore, I aim to cultivate a culture of inclusivity and respect within the office, valuing every employee and empowering them to serve the public with professionalism and integrity.

As a mother to two incredible daughters and a grandmother to six wonderful grandchildren, I am deeply invested in building a better future for the generations to come. My aspirations for the County Clerk's office are not just about the present but also about creating a lasting impact that will benefit our community for years to come. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and public service, I am committed to leaving behind a legacy of trust and confidence in the County Clerk's office, ensuring that it continues to uphold the highest standards of governance and serve the best interests of our community long into the future.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability are paramount in ensuring trust, integrity, and effectiveness in governance. I believe that the public has the right to know how taxpayer money is being spent and that government officials have a responsibility to be transparent about financial matters. This includes making budgetary information, spending records, and financial reports easily accessible to the public. Accountability goes hand in hand with transparency, as government officials must be held accountable for their actions and decisions. This involves not only being transparent about financial matters but also being responsive to public inquiries, conducting thorough audits and investigations when necessary, and implementing mechanisms for oversight and accountability. By prioritizing financial transparency and government accountability, we can strengthen public trust in government institutions, promote responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and ensure that government serves the best interests of the people it represents.

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.

2016

Montoya's campaign website stated that she had been a "leading voice advocating for better integration of utilities and renewable energy technologies" during her time on the commission, and further states:

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Throughout her career, Karen has made it a personal priority to maintain trust, accountability, integrity and transparency and she brings that high level of service to the people of New Mexico as one of five members of the PRC. Karen has worked with industry to ensure fair and reasonable rates while providing quality service to New Mexico consumers. Karen has provided community outreach by hosting Town Hall and public comment events to discuss regulated issues and concerns with constituents and service providers. She has continued her commitment to ethics and education by participating in ethics training courses for elected officials and professional education conferences. Karen has served on several national discussion panels providing her perspective on regulated industries and ratepayers.

”

Campaign finance summary

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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.

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Karen Montoya campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2012	NM Public Regulation Commission	Won	$105,578	N/A**
Grand total			$105,578	N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Montoya has two daughters, Amanda and Alyshia. They all live in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

See also

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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by -	New Mexico Public Regulation Commission District 1 2013-2017	Succeeded by Cynthia Hall (D)
Preceded by -	Bernalillo County Assessor 2007-2013	Succeeded by -