State Auditor

The State Auditor is New Mexico's independent fiscal watchdog, the one office whose entire job is making sure your tax dollars are spent wisely and the government is held accountable when it isn't.

Their decisions directly affect whether taxpayer money ends up in our schools, acequias, and communities, or is wasted, misspent, or stolen. Their audits expose fraud, recover funds, and protect the public from abuse.

What does the State Auditor Do?

The State Auditor is New Mexico's independently elected financial officer, responsible for examining and auditing the financial affairs of every state agency. The auditor:

Audits every state agency – Conducts annual financial audits to ensure public funds are spent properly

Conducts special investigations – Uncovers waste, fraud, and abuse when problems are exposed

Oversees local government spending – Audits counties, municipalities, schools, and other public bodies

Protects taxpayer dollars – Recovers misspent funds and ensures federal reimbursements (like FEMA) flow back to our communities

Maintains transparency – Publishes public reports so New Mexicans can see how their government spends money

Holds government accountable – Issues findings that lead to new laws, leadership changes, and reforms

Key Issues the Next State Auditor Will Face

Making Government Work for Taxpayers

New Mexicans deserve to know their hard-earned dollars are being spent wisely. The next State Auditor will be responsible for:

Auditing every state agency to catch waste, fraud, and abuse before it grows

Investigating troubled agencies and ensuring leadership is held accountable when millions are misspent

Reforming outdated systems that make it hard for small communities to access the funding they need

Ensuring opioid settlement funds reach the communities and families they were meant to serve

Strengthening Local Communities and Small Governments

Many of New Mexico's smallest towns, school districts, and acequia communities struggle to navigate complex reporting requirements. The next State Auditor will work to:

Simplify reporting so small public bodies can stay compliant without hiring expensive consultants

Provide training and support to local governments, especially in rural and tribal communities

Flag "at-risk" local public bodies early and help them get back on track before problems escalate

Ensure local tax dollars stay local and serve community priorities

Modernizing the Office and Building Capacity

Government accountability requires skilled, well-equipped auditors. The next State Auditor will need to:

Invest in technology to detect fraud faster and audit more efficiently

Address the shortage of public accountants entering government service

Make audit data accessible and useful to the public, press, and lawmakers

Use data-driven insights to identify systemic problems before they become crises

Protecting Our Most Vulnerable New Mexicans

Audits aren't just about numbers, they're about people. The next State Auditor will prioritize:

Investigating agencies that serve children, seniors, and families to ensure resources reach those who need them most

Following the money in healthcare, education, and social services to root out fraud

Holding contractors and vendors accountable when they take advantage of public programs

Working alongside the Attorney General and law enforcement when audits uncover criminal conduct

What You
Can Do

✅ Research candidates' records on uncovering waste and protecting taxpayer dollars

✅ Ask candidates how they will support small and rural communities in meeting reporting requirements

✅ Support candidates committed to transparency, accountability, and modernizing audits

✅ Vote for a state auditor who will be an independent fiscal watchdog for New Mexico's families, not politics as usual

STATE AUDITOR