Raul Turrieta

Raul Turrieta graduated from Silver High School. His career experience includes working in public administration.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a lifelong resident of Silver City and a proud son of Southwestern New Mexico. I was raised in a working-class family that taught me the importance of service, humility, and looking out for your neighbors. My father and grandfather were proud union members at the Chino Mine, and although we did not have much growing up, my parents showed us that helping others was the most important thing you could do. They opened their home to family members who needed support and taught me that community comes first.

I have spent my life serving the people of this region. After serving in the United States Navy aboard the USS Howard W. Gilmore and USS Dixon submarine tenders, I returned home and began my career with the Grant County Assessor’s Office in 1981. I was honored to serve four terms as Grant County Assessor after being elected in 1999, and today I continue serving residents as Chief Deputy Assessor.

For more than a decade, I have hosted the Local Flavor radio show on KURU and recently brought back Serenata Mexicana, celebrating the culture and voices of our community. I have hosted local nonprofit fundraisers, coached youth sports, announced high school games, and served on community organizations focused on economic development, local traditions, and improving quality of life.

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 have dedicated more than four decades to serving Southwestern New Mexico. After serving in the United States Navy, I built a long career with the Grant County Assessor’s Office, including four terms as Grant County Assessor and as Chief Deputy Assessor. My public service experience has given me a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing local families, homeowners, seniors, and veterans.I am a lifelong resident of Silver City. I was raised in a working-class family with strong union values, where I learned the importance of helping others and giving back. Through my work as a radio host, youth sports coach, nonprofit fundraiser organizer, and community volunteer, I have remained engaged with the people and traditions that make our region unique.I want to focus on ensuring every family in Southwestern New Mexico has access to affordable, high-quality health care. Too many people are struggling with rising insurance premiums, high prescription drug costs, medical debt, and a shortage of health care providers in our rural communities. My approach is shaped by decades of working directly with residents and understanding the challenges they face. I am committed to protecting Medicaid, strengthening our rural hospitals, expanding access to doctors and nurses, and making sure no one has to choose between their health and their financial security.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

In Grant County, one-third of residents and 60% of children rely on Medicaid. Everyone deserves to see a doctor when they need care, regardless of where they live or how much they earn. I will protect Medicaid, work to reduce health insurance premiums, lower prescription drug costs, address medical debt, and bring more doctors and health care providers to rural communities. I also believe in giving rural hospitals the resources they need.

New Mexico's tax system should reward hard work. I will fight to cut taxes for working families and ensure the wealthiest New Mexicans and large corporations pay their fair share. Every taxpayer deserves to be treated fairly, and I will continue working to make government accountable to the people.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

The public servants I respect most are those who build consensus, bring people together to solve difficult problems, and stay focused on their communities instead of partisan politics. That's the kind of leadership I strive to provide.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic are the foundation of good public service. An elected official should be honest, accessible, and willing to listen to the people they represent. Leadership is about putting the community first, keeping your word, and making decisions that benefit future generations rather than focusing on politics.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility is to serve every constituent fairly and responsibly. That means listening to the community, being a good steward of taxpayer dollars, supporting policies that create economic opportunity, investing in infrastructure and public safety, and working every day to improve the quality of life for New Mexico families. Public office is about solving problems and delivering results.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave behind stronger communities, a healthier economy, and opportunities for the next generation to succeed without having to leave New Mexico. I hope people remember me as someone who worked hard, treated everyone with respect, and always put the interests of the community ahead of personal or political gain.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The governor and Legislature should work as partners with a shared commitment to serving the people of New Mexico. Each branch has an important role, but the best outcomes come through open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to work together to solve problems. Healthy debate is part of the process, but collaboration is essential to delivering results for New Mexicans.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

New Mexico's biggest challenges will be creating sustainable economic growth, improving infrastructure, strengthening public safety, preparing a skilled workforce, and ensuring our young people have opportunities to build successful lives here at home. Addressing these issues will require long-term planning, responsible investment, and collaboration across all levels of government.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes. Effective government requires collaboration and compromise. While it's important to stand firm on your core values, meaningful progress happens when people are willing to listen to different perspectives and work together to find practical solutions that benefit the people they serve.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Planned Parenthood, AFT, Sheet Metal Workers, , Animal Protection Voters NM, CVNM, Teamsters & CWA.