Laura Parra

Laura Parra earned a high school diploma from Deming High School. Her career experience includes working as a public servant.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Laura M. Parra, a first-generation Latina, social worker, therapist, community organizer, and public servant currently serving as Mayor Pro Tem and Deming City Councilor for District 2. As the oldest daughter of immigrant parents, I understand firsthand the challenges many working families face in rural New Mexico. My life and career have been dedicated to advocacy, service, and creating opportunities for underserved communities. I founded Voices for Change, a youth-led civic engagement and community advocacy organization focused on empowering young people to become active leaders in their communities. I am proud to be the first Latina woman running for State Representative in District 32, and my campaign is focused on healthcare access, education, economic opportunity, and ensuring rural communities are not left behind.

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?

I am a candidate rooted in service, lived experience, and community advocacy. As a social worker, therapist, and local elected official, I have worked directly with individuals and families facing challenges related to mental health, addiction, poverty, and lack of access to resources. I understand the needs of rural communities because I live and work in them every day.Rural communities deserve leadership that listens, shows up, and delivers results. I am committed to expanding behavioral healthcare access, supporting public education, investing in infrastructure, and creating economic opportunities for working families, farmworkers, and young people throughout District 32.I am proud to be the first Latina woman to run for State Representative in District 32. My campaign is about creating a government that is accessible, accountable, and reflective of the people it serves. I want to inspire more young people and underrepresented communities to engage in public service and leadership.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about behavioral health, healthcare access, education, youth leadership, economic opportunity, and rural community development. Through my work as a social worker and therapist, I have seen firsthand how addiction, trauma, poverty, and limited access to healthcare impact families across New Mexico. I believe we must invest in mental health services, public schools, workforce development, and programs that support rural communities. I am also passionate about civic engagement and ensuring that young people and underserved communities have a voice in government and public policy decisions.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I am proud to have earned the support of leaders and organizations that are committed to advocating for working families, public education, workers’ rights, civic engagement, and equity across New Mexico. My campaign has been endorsed by Senator Martin Heinrich, New American Leaders Action Fund, New Mexico Young Democrats, Semilla Action, AFSCME Council 18, American Federation of Teachers New Mexico, New Mexico Voters Coalition Action Fund, and Equality New Mexico. These endorsements reflect the broad coalition of support behind our campaign and our shared commitment to building a stronger and more equitable New Mexico.