Brenda Olson

Brenda Olson served in the U.S. Air Force from 1976 to 1994. She earned a graduate degree from the University of Phoenix, Albuquerque in 2001. Olson's career experience includes working in human resources.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Brenda is a retired Air Force veteran who served as a Nuclear Missile Technician, and a Operations Resource Manager, holding a top-secret clearance while maintaining the Air-Launched Cruise Missile and B-52 aircraft system. Her leadership was instrumental in activating the first operational cruise missile base, coordinating efforts to ensure mission readiness and strategic deterrence. As a resource manager, she kept the Pentagon informed on wing readiness through detailed reporting, planning, and training coordination.

Her military career took her to all 50 states and included a two-year tour in Okinawa, Japan, where she led search and rescue (SAR) training, and coordinated efforts between U.S. military units and Japanese organizations, using conversational Japanese to strengthen communication and mission success.

After retiring from the Air Force, Brenda made New Mexico her home for over 30 years. She pursued her passion for aviation as a destination travel agent while earning her MBA in Global Management. Her love of flight led to the sport of hot-air ballooning, where she served as a crew member, trainer, chief observer, and official at the International Balloon Fiesta. She recently retired as a Human Resources manager with the U.S. Forest Service, supporting those who care for public lands.

Brenda uses volunteer time working with a nonprofit bird rescue, finding safe homes to adopt pets. Her lifelong service reflects dedication to country, community, and environment.

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?

CRIME: I support a Three Strikes Law in New Mexico holding repeat violent offenders accountable. This would apply to domestic violence, assault, use of a firearm in any crime, sexual abuse of a minor, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. I support redefining life without parole to mean exactly that—no release for the most dangerous offenders. Juveniles who commit truly heinous violent crimes should, when appropriate, face adult consequences. I will advocate for a strong victims’ rights bill to protect those harmed by crime. New Mexico must restore real deterrence, end the revolving door of justice, and prioritize public safety and accountability.ACCOUNTABILITY: I support a full independent audit of state government spending. Taxpayers deserve transparency and answers for why taxes continue to rise while more than $13 billion in oil and gas revenue surplus was generated in 2023 alone. New Mexicans can directly benefit from our natural resource wealth through a resource dividend/ rebate. I support strong cooperation between federal and state agencies to secure funding for infrastructure, public safety, and interstate projects. Fighting with Washington is not the answer, and New Mexicans are paying the price for it. But when it comes to managing our lands and natural resources, local communities are best positioned to make responsible decisions that reflect local needs and priorities.CYFD: Children, Youth and Families Department is failing to protect our most vulnerable and needs a complete overhaul. Its dual role—combining social services with juvenile justice—creates conflicting priorities. Juvenile justice functions should be moved under corrections, allowing CYFD to focus fully on child welfare, foster care, and safety. Reports of nepotism and favoritism in hiring undermine trust and effectiveness. Job qualifications must be clearly defined and enforced to find better leadership. Greater transparency and accountability in case management is essential. Our children deserve a system that puts their safety and future first.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

ELECTION INTEGRITY: Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our nation. Public trust in the integrity of our elections is essential to preserving the principle of one person, one vote. Since 2019, I have been actively involved in strengthening election integrity in New Mexico—training hundreds of volunteers as poll watchers and challengers, and coordinating their placement throughout Bernalillo County. Our efforts have helped identify procedural errors, improve communication with the County Clerk, and enhance ballot security. Ensuring that only registered, qualified voters cast ballots is a responsibility I take seriously, and a cause I will continue to champion.