The State Treasurer is New Mexico's chief financial officer, the one office whose entire job is making sure the state's money is managed wisely, transparently, and in the public interest.
Their decisions directly affect whether billions of dollars in public funds are protected, invested productively, and accounted for, and whether everyday New Mexicans can get back unclaimed money that rightfully belongs to them.
State Treasurer's Race
What does the State Treasurer Do?
The State Treasurer is New Mexico's chief financial officer, responsible for managing the state's money and providing banking services to state agencies. The treasurer:
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Manages state funds – Tracks and accounts for money as travels in, out, and through government
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Provides banking services – Serves as the bank for state government, processing transactions and managing accounts
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Manages state debt – Acts as paying agent on the state's outstanding bonds and debt
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Protects public deposits – Enforces collateral requirements on banks that hold state money
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Disburses public funds – Pays out money according to state law and legislative appropriations
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Reports to taxpayers – Provides transparency on the state's financial condition to the legislature and the public
Key Issues the Next State Treasurer
Will Face
Protecting Taxpayer Money and Banking Integrity
The state depends on strong, stable banks to hold public money safely. The next State Treasurer will need to:
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Enforce strict collateral requirements so state deposits are protected if banks fail
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Maintain strong relationships with financial institutions serving the state
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Prevent conflicts of interest and ensure the treasurer's office operates with integrity
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Adapt to a rapidly changing banking and financial landscape
Returning Unclaimed Property to New Mexicans Families
Hundreds of millions of dollars in unclaimed assets – including forgotten bank accounts, security deposits, insurance proceeds, and uncashed checks – belong to New Mexicans across the state. The next State Treasurer will be tasked with:
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Returning unclaimed money to the families and individuals it rightfully belongs to
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Modernizing systems to find owners and make claims easier
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Ensuring every New Mexican can search for and recover money owed to them
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Building awareness so rural, tribal, and underserved communities aren't left out
Building Transparency and Trust
New Mexicans deserve to know exactly how their state manages public money. The next State Treasurer will be responsible for:
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Publishing clear, accessible financial reports on time and in plain language
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Posting investment returns, holdings, and strategies publicly so taxpayers can see how their money is being managed
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Maintaining modern, secure systems that protect state funds from cyber threats
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Working with the State Auditor to ensure all financial records are accurate and verified
Growing the Next Generation of Financial Leaders
The State Treasurer's office is only as strong as the people who run it. The next State Treasurer will need to:
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Build a pipeline of qualified financial professionals in state government
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Partner with universities to develop accounting, finance, and investment talent in New Mexico
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Create pathways for young New Mexicans, especially from rural, tribal, and underserved communities, to enter public finance careers
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Strengthen the office's expertise in investment, banking, and risk management
What You
Can Do
✅ Research candidates' financial credentials and experience managing public funds
✅ Support candidates committed to transparency, strong returns, and protecting taxpayer money
✅ Vote for a state treasurer who has the expertise to manage billions responsibly and the integrity to put New Mexico families first