GREEN VOTE 2026
MEET MATTHEW MCQUEEN
He has fought for balance and polluter accountability. As a six-term state legislator, Matthew led the charge to increase outdated oil and gas royalty rates to make sure oil and gas companies are paying their fair share, delivering millions more to classrooms across New Mexico. He also led efforts to reform the NM Game Commission into a modern wildlife management agency. He's long fought to use the Land Grant Permanent Fund for early childhood education, and he's been a leader in transparency and ethics reform. He’s committed to sustainable land management and tackling climate change head-on to protect New Mexico’s future.
His record shows the kind of leader he is. Over his tenure in the state legislature, he has earned a 97% lifetime score on CVNM's Conservation Scorecard. This record reflects a clear and consistent dedication to standing with and championing solutions that protect our air, land, and water for future generations. He understands what is at stake, and has stood firm in upholding strong New Mexican values.
He has the experience needed to get the job done. Whether as a conservation attorney, chairing the House, Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee, or serving his community, Matthew McQueen has deep experience working with people from all walks of life. He is driven to find the right solutions to address the biggest challenges of our time, and will make sure communities most impacted have a seat at the table.
WHAT IS THE STATE LAND OFFICE?
The State Land Office manages over 9 million surface and 13 million mineral acres across every county in the state and raises more than $2 billion annually, over 95% of which supports New Mexico's public education system through the Land Grant Permanent Fund. The mission of the NM State Land Office is to use state trust land to raise revenue for New Mexico's public schools, universities, and hospitals, as well as other public institutions. Revenue is raised through lease agreements for oil, gas, and mineral exploration, business and commercial operations including renewable energy projects, agriculture and livestock grazing, and outdoor recreation.
Leadership of the State Land Office is held by the Commissioner of Public Lands, who is elected by voters.
UNPRECEDENTED TIMES CALL FOR STRONG LEADERSHIP
New Mexico's public lands belong to all of us, but they're being targeted by powerful outside interests who want to leverage them for profit. The Trump Administration and anti-public land voices in Congress have gutted federal protections for our lands and waters, and fast tracked polluting projects without due oversight, environmental monitoring, and accountability. The federal agencies charged with stewardship of our parks and forests have been slashed, and the majority of staff laid off. With such critical protections and infrastructure gone at the federal level, who we elect at the state level has never been more important.
One of the biggest ways we can move New Mexico forward in these unprecedented times is by electing strong pro-conservation and pro-climate leadership to the Commissioner of Public Lands. Under Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richards, the Land Office has transformed to embrace clean, renewable energy sources like wind and solar, that bring new revenue to fund our schools while leaving communities and our treasured lands protected. The Commission has also invested in affordable housing projects, and fought against attempts to harm New Mexico's natural and cultural heritage by protecting lands like Chaco from extraction. New Mexico deserves leadership that will build on this legacy and take bold action to protect our lands, water, and way of life.
State Representative and conservation attorney Matthew McQueen has the leadership experience we need, and he will ensure our public lands benefit all New Mexicans, not just the powerful and well-connected few.
SUPPORTERS & ENDORSEMENTS
Organizations listed here have formally endorsed Matthew McQueen and also work on issues aligned with one or more of the Green Vote 2026 focus areas
