Heather Balas, a long-time public policy expert and civic leader announced her candidacy for the New Mexico State Senate District 9, in the 2024 election. Balas released her decision following the announcement last week that current-sitting state Senator Brenda McKenna would not seek re-election to the district encompassing Albuquerque’s westside, Corrales, Placitas, Bernalillo, Algodones, Sandia Pueblo, and eastern Rio Rancho. Balas will run as a Democrat in the June 4, Primary Election.
Balas is best known for serving for over a decade as President and Executive Director of New Mexico First, a statewide public policy organization that advances positive change in New Mexico, co-founded by former US Senators Jeff Bingaman and Pete Domenici.
Balas currently serves as Vice President of the Election Reformers Network, focusing on state and federal reforms to strengthen American democracy against threats and disinformation. She previously served as a Policy Officer for the Thornburg Foundation, where she oversaw grants supporting transparency and ethics in government in New Mexico.
Balas currently lives in Corrales with her family.