ALAMOGORDO — The Sierra Club’s Rio Grande Chapter has endorsed independent Grace Nagamine for New Mexico House District 51. The move puts the environmental group behind the challenger to Rep. John Block in a district covering much of Otero County.

The chapter announced the endorsement on Facebook this week. Nagamine also appears on its 2026 general election slate, which covers contested statewide, legislative and local races and ballot questions.

Why the chapter chose Nagamine

The chapter’s Political Committee said Nagamine impressed members with her knowledge of struggling Otero County residents and her hands-on work to help them. It described her as a survivor of homelessness and domestic violence and a certified nursing assistant.

She founded Royal Angels, a group serving children with special needs, which the chapter said was inspired by her granddaughter. The committee said she is committed to children, families, seniors, veterans and people with mental health issues and disabilities.

Nagamine is a lifelong Alamogordo resident and a former Mrs. New Mexico pageant titleholder, according to Source NM’s voter guide. She has said the district’s problems, including aging water infrastructure, child welfare and housing for military families, do not belong to one party.

Block has represented the district since 2023. He and Nagamine are the only candidates listed for the seat on the Nov. 3 ballot, according to The Ballot Brief.

The rest of the slate

Statewide, the chapter endorsed Deb Haaland and Stephanie Garcia Richard for the governor’s office. It credited Garcia Richard, the current land commissioner, with raising bonding requirements so oil and gas operators pay for well cleanup.

The chapter also backed Amanda López Askin for secretary of state and Attorney General Raúl Torrez for a second term. For commissioner of public lands it chose Juan de Jesus Sanchez III, citing his support for writing the Land Office’s cultural resources office into state law.

Its state House endorsements include Reps. Liz Thomson and Cristina Parajon, among others.

The chapter is also urging a “yes” vote on three constitutional amendments. One, Amendment 4, would pay legislators a salary starting in 2029, set at the state median, now about $67,800.

The chapter says its mission is to “explore, enjoy and protect the planet.” Its stated priorities are protecting climate, air, water, wildlife and public lands in New Mexico and West Texas.

The Rio Grande Chapter is volunteer-led and says it represents more than 10,000 members in New Mexico and West Texas. It describes candidate endorsements as part of its nonpartisan mission. The Nagamine endorsement was authorized and paid for by the chapter’s political action committee.

Election Day is Nov. 3. Voter information is available at NMvote.gov.

Sources

• 2026 General Election Endorsements, Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter
• Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter home page
• State Representative, District 51 voter guide, Source NM
• New Mexico House District 51, The Ballot Brief
• Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter Facebook post and endorsement write-up (screenshots supplied)

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