Cindy Nava promotes first 'Mexico-New Mexico Advocacy Day'

SANTA FE — New Mexico Sen. Cindy Nava helped unveil a legislative tradition Wednesday that seeks to foster ties between the state and Mexico.

Nava, a Democrat who represents Bernalillo and greater Sandoval County, introduced a certificate on the Senate floor and spoke at a press conference in front of the Roundhouse to announce "Mexico-New Mexico Advocacy Day."  The occasion is intended to recognize the "contributions of the Mexican community in New Mexico and celebrating the important cultural and economic relationship between the two neighbors," according to a news release.

"The connection and the ties between both of our countries are deeply meaningful — especially here in our state, when it comes to bilateral collaboration, economic development, education, culture (and) so much more, " Nava said in remarks on the Senate floor introducing the certificate.

The inaugural Advocacy Day came on the second day of the short legislative session, which also included New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martínez introducing a memorial measure on his side of the Roundhouse.

"Representation matters — and that's how we make this possible; with the support of our colleagues here and in the other chamber," Nava said on the Senate floor.

According to House Memorial 9,  the New Mexico Legislature had the highest percentage of Hispanic or Latino representation — at 39% — of all legislatures in the nation in 2020. That same year, the state had the nation's highest Hispanic population, at 48%.

What's more, HM9 stated, Mexico was New Mexico's biggest trading partner in 2024, exporting  $7 billion  in goods to Mexico, equal to 58% of the state's total goods exports, the measure stated. Trade with Mexico supports more than 5 million jobs in the U.S., or nearly 30,000 jobs in New Mexico, according to the measure.

Several senators spoke in support of the measure on the floor Tuesday. Also in the senate chamber listening in were Patricia Pinzón, head consul of Mexico in Albuquerque;  Mauricio Ibarra, consul general of Mexico in El Paso, Texas; and Gerardo Fierro, executive director of the New Mexico Border Authority.

The itinerary for Advocacy Day included "bilateral cooperation" meetings on academics and the economy, a tour of the State Capitol and a live tribute performance to the late Mexican singer/songwriter Juan Gabriel. The day ended with a private reception at Río Chama Steakhouse in Santa Fe.

In an interview Tuesday, Nava said Advocacy Day was born out of conversations she had with Martinez and consul officials.

"The consul shared with us that states across the country have done this," said Nava, born in Chihuahua, Mexico, before making history in the U.S. as the first DACA recipient elected to public office. 

"It was very obvious our interest in uplifting the contribution from Mexican immigrants. So we quickly sat down (and organized Advocacy Day). We look forward to continuing celebrating this day now that we set precedent," Nava said.