As a child, I was raised exploring the Manzano Mountains and the rural landscapes of New Mexico, where my family has always embraced a deep connection to the land and our rural way of life. Gowing up this way taught me the true meaning of the phrase "water is life," a value that is central to our New Mexican culture. As an heir to La Merced del Pueblo de Tajique, I understand the importance of conserving our resources and protecting our heritage for future generations.

I am privileged to experience my family’s tireless work ethic—my parents spent long days ensuring our family had what we needed. Coming from a working-class background, I learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and resilience. I vividly remember watching my parents haul firewood daily, all to build a better future for us. This is the story shared by so many New Mexicans: striving for a brighter future through hard work and dedication.

I also had the privilege of attending two rural schools, East Mountain High School and Estancia Municipal Schools. I am deeply grateful to my parents for instilling in me the importance of education as a pathway to a better life. For me, education was never just about textbooks—it was about acquiring a range of skills through trades, apprenticeships, and experiences that would expand my horizons and set me on a path to success. My school years were filled with opportunities to grow: I participated in Cross Country and Track, and I worked hard to excel academically.

Eventually, my thirst for knowledge led to a crucial decision: I transferred to East Mountain High School, where I found the education and environment I needed to expand my understanding of the world. There, I earned an honors diploma in foreign language, and I became the first in my immediate family to graduate from college—earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico.

Through my journey, I have come to realize the importance of having a Vice Chair of the Democratic Party who can do more than just raise funds and energize our base. It's about building genuine relationships with everyday New Mexicans and fostering a strong, united community. Growing up in Torrance County, I learned that leadership is about more than power; it's about serving the people and understanding the struggles and dreams that unite us. This is the essence of who I am and why I am running for Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico.

Since I could register to vote, I have been registered as a Democrat. This is because I believe in our platform. We must protect our water, love is love, climate change is real, democracy matters and people deserve respect these are all Democrat values. However, when I sit down to spell out my why it simply does not take a partisan side. My why is as follows:

"I am deeply committed to politics and public service because I believe in the power of New Mexicans to shape our future and solve the challenges we face. My purpose is clear: to protect our communities from political forces that undermine our values and erode the trust we place in each other. I fight for a New Mexico where integrity, transparency, and service to the people are at the heart of everything we do." - Augustine Montoya

'Our Party, Our Way!'

This slogan embodies the core reason I’m running for Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico. For too long, we've been calling for a party that truly reflects our values and serves our needs—one that is transparent, stable, and engaged with all New Mexicans. What "our way" looks like is a party that shows up for both rural and urban communities, ensuring that every voice is heard, especially those of our youth and marginalized groups. I am committed to working alongside the Chair to make sure our party is present and responsive to the people it serves, creating a Democratic Party that truly represents all of New Mexico.