Congressional District 3 candidate Sharon Clahchischilliage answers questions

Sharon Clahchischilliage, 75, is the Republican candidate for New Mexico’s Congressional District 3.

She answered questions from The Santa Fe New Mexican:

Educational background: BSE, Portales; MSW, University of Pennsylvania

Occupation: Retired

Political Experience: Former state legislator; political appointee with the Navajo Nation in the legislative and executive branches; PEC commissioner

Relevant life experience: Special education teacher; counselor; social service work; local grassroots civic service

Have you ever been charged or convicted of a crime, including drunken driving? No

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy or been involved in a bankruptcy proceeding, either personally or in business? No

Have you ever been the subject of liens for unpaid taxes? No

Why are you the best candidate for the job?

I was born, raised and educated in New Mexico. I’ve lived in rural New Mexico communities except when my job took me to the East Coast. Therefore I understand the issues that prevail in CD-3.

My work portfolio and experience have led me to this opportunity to represent and be the voice for rural New Mexico. I am ready to lead by example and show New Mexicans how caring leadership should look.

I am ready to work with all leadership to get the needs of Congressional District 3 met. I can do the job.

The U.S Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, ending federal protections for abortion. Would you support federal protections for abortion access?

No, because I do not believe in aborting life.

Ahead of the Nov. 5 election, immigration remains a key issue. What policies regarding immigration do you support?

I support legal immigration policies.

What is your position on climate change? How should Congress address this?

I believe climate change is a natural cleansing cycle for Mother Earth. We should all be good stewards of the environment by empowering the people of the local communities so we don’t see catastrophes like we did with Hermits Peak, which was a prescribed burn by the federal government.

What should be done at the federal level to address the economic anxieties many New Mexicans — and Americans generally — face?

Stabilize the economy by controlling inflation through fiscal conservatism.