Energy Issues Dominate Democratic Primary in New Mexico House District 4

Incumbent Rep. Joseph Hernandez faces challenger Christina Aspaas in race to represent northwestern New Mexico

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:05pm

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A fractured, abstract painting depicting the silhouette of an oil derrick or wind turbine in overlapping geometric shapes and waves of earthy green, ochre, and deep blue, conveying the dynamic tension between traditional and renewable energy sources in New Mexico.As New Mexico grapples with the transition to clean energy, the Democratic primary in House District 4 highlights the economic and political complexities facing the region's energy industry.Farmington Today

In New Mexico's House District 4, which encompasses the state's northwestern-most corner and part of the Navajo Nation, energy issues are at the forefront of the Democratic primary race. Incumbent Rep. Joseph Hernandez (Diné) is seeking reelection, facing challenger Christina Aspaas (Diné), a former coal plant worker and current school board member. The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican candidate Heather Ellison (Diné) in the November general election.

Why it matters

The San Juan Basin is a major oil and natural gas producer in the U.S. and one of the primary employers in the area, making energy a critical issue for the district. As New Mexico transitions towards clean energy, the candidates have differing views on the economic impacts and how to balance environmental concerns with job preservation.

The details

Incumbent Rep. Joseph Hernandez has represented District 4 since 2025 and is focused on addressing the district's housing, healthcare, and digital divide challenges. Challenger Christina Aspaas, a former coal plant worker, is running in response to the state's clean energy transition, arguing the need for more balanced economic development. Both candidates emphasize the importance of education and working across the aisle.

  • Hernandez was elected to represent HD4 in 2024.
  • This year marks Aspaas' third time running for election in HD4.

The players

Joseph Franklin Hernandez

A 38-year-old community organizer born in Pueblo, Colorado who has lived in Shiprock since moving to the Navajo Nation community as a child. Hernandez was elected to represent HD4 in 2024 and is seeking reelection.

Christina Aspaas

A 58-year-old Diné woman originally from Shiprock who has lived in the upper Fruitland area for more than 50 years. Aspaas worked at the San Juan Generating Station, a now decommissioned coal-fired electric power plant, and has served on the Central Consolidated School Board since 2012.

Heather Ellison

The Republican candidate who will face the winner of the Democratic primary in the November general election.

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What they’re saying

“What sparked my interest further for state representative is the impacts as seeing what the school district was going through on the closures of San Juan Generating and Westmoreland mine. Now, it is statewide and people are not realizing until after those closures or after the moratoriums … how those play a big part of funding, tax credits.”

— Christina Aspaas, Candidate

“I think everything starts with ensuring that we have a good education system, a good healthcare system and of course, that there's safety and security around housing. The momentum is there and I really want to bring those community stakeholders together. And we're doing that.”

— Joseph Franklin Hernandez, Incumbent Representative

What’s next

The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican candidate Heather Ellison in the November general election.

The takeaway

The Democratic primary race in New Mexico's House District 4 highlights the tension between the state's transition to clean energy and the economic impacts on communities that have long relied on the fossil fuel industry. The candidates' differing approaches to balancing environmental concerns with job preservation will be a key issue for voters.