Meet Juan De Jesus Sanchez III
Meet Juan De Jesus Sanchez III
A Champion for New Mexico’s Land, Water, and People
Juan De Jesus Sanchez III is a proud 13th-generation New Mexican with deep roots in the Land of Enchantment. Raised in a ranching family in Valencia and Socorro counties, Juan understands firsthand the importance of responsible land and water stewardship. As an heir to the historic Tomé Land Grant, his family’s history in New Mexico dates back to the 1730s. His upbringing—working on his family’s fifth-generation ranch, hauling hay, cleaning acequias, and herding cattle—instilled in him a lifelong respect for the land and a commitment to protecting it for future generations.
Commitment to Hard Work and Service
From an early age, Juan was taught the values of community, advocacy, and perseverance. His stepfather, a union leader, introduced him to the fight for workers’ rights. He joined his stepdad on the picket line for the first time at just five years old. He grew up with a love for New Mexico’s natural beauty, spending countless weekends fishing and camping in public places like Jemez and Quemado. These experiences shaped Juan’s deep appreciation for New Mexico’s public lands and the people who depend on them.
Education and Leadership
After graduating from Belen High School, Juan attended New Mexico Highlands University, where he ran cross-country and fell in love with Northern New Mexico’s landscapes. As a student leader, he served as Vice President of the Associated Students of NMHU and worked across universities to protect the Lottery Scholarship from funding cuts during the Martinez administration. Juan was educated at many of the institutions that rely on funding from the work of the State Land Office, and will keep those places in mind with every decision made as Commissioner.
Fighting for New Mexicans
Juan’s dedication to public service led him into politics, where he was elected Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico at just 24 years old. Under his leadership and alongside Chair Deb Haaland, the party eliminated $67,000 in debt, raised over $200,000 in grassroots contributions, and helped win back the New Mexico House of Representatives, expand the State Senate majority, and reclaim the Secretary of State’s office in 2016.
Protecting New Mexico’s Lands and Water
Following his tenure in party leadership, Juan pursued a Master’s in Water Resources at the University of New Mexico and took on a role with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a Natural Resource Specialist and Ranger at Cochiti Lake. There, he worked in chemical and water quality management, wildlife habitat restoration, and riparian health monitoring in collaboration with Cochiti Pueblo. His dedication to public safety earned him the inaugural “Lifesaving Safety Award” from the Army Corp’s Albuquerque District.
Later at the New Mexico Acequia Commission, Juan spent five years advocating for the protection of New Mexico’s traditional irrigation systems and the communities that rely on them. His work ensured that generations-old water rights and agricultural traditions remained intact.
Investing in Community and Future Leaders
Juan has always believed in giving back to his community. As a track and field coach for Special Olympics and Junior Olympics, and later as a varsity basketball coach at Valencia High School, he mentored young athletes and helped lead his team to the state quarterfinals for the first time in school history.
Serving New Mexico at the Highest Levels
For five years, Juan served as Political Director for U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, traveling across the state to learn about local issues and help elect conservation-minded leaders. He later became Deputy Campaign Manager for Senator Heinrich’s 2024 re-election, leading the campaign to a decisive 10-point victory.
Celebrating New Mexico
Juan is a passionate advocate for New Mexico’s culture, history, and outdoor spaces. An avid content creator with over 100,000 followers on social media, Juan has created and shared hundreds of videos showcasing the state’s landscapes, small businesses, and cultural traditions, providing connection for people across the state and beyond to the beauty and traditions of New Mexico. This passion has led Juan to partnerships with the local governments of Las Cruces, Las Vegas, Silver City, and Ruidoso to highlight the beauty of their communities.
Rooted in Family and Tradition
Juan and his wife, Jessie, share a love for the outdoors and sustainable living. Married in 2023, they reside in Los Chavez, New Mexico, on a small farm where they grow their own food, raise goats, and hunt and fish to stay connected to the local food chain. Their home is filled with love, adventure, and their beloved dogs—Forrest, Summer, and Goldie and their goats Simone and MJ.
A Champion for New Mexico’s Land, Water, and People
Juan De Jesus Sanchez III is a proud 13th-generation New Mexican with deep roots in the Land of Enchantment. Raised in a ranching family in Valencia and Socorro counties, Juan understands firsthand the importance of responsible land and water stewardship. As an heir to the historic Tomé Land Grant, his family’s history in New Mexico dates back to the 1730s. His upbringing—working on his family’s fifth-generation ranch, hauling hay, cleaning acequias, and herding cattle—instilled in him a lifelong respect for the land and a commitment to protecting it for future generations.
Commitment to Hard Work and Service
From an early age, Juan was taught the values of community, advocacy, and perseverance. His stepfather, a union leader, introduced him to the fight for workers’ rights. He joined his stepdad on the picket line for the first time at just five years old. He grew up with a love for New Mexico’s natural beauty, spending countless weekends fishing and camping in public places like Jemez and Quemado. These experiences shaped Juan’s deep appreciation for New Mexico’s public lands and the people who depend on them.
Education and Leadership
After graduating from Belen High School, Juan attended New Mexico Highlands University, where he ran cross-country and fell in love with Northern New Mexico’s landscapes. As a student leader, he served as Vice President of the Associated Students of NMHU and worked across universities to protect the Lottery Scholarship from funding cuts during the Martinez administration. Juan was educated at many of the institutions that rely on funding from the work of the State Land Office, and will keep those places in mind with every decision made as Commissioner.
Fighting for New Mexicans
Juan’s dedication to public service led him into politics, where he was elected Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico at just 24 years old. Under his leadership and alongside Chair Deb Haaland, the party eliminated $67,000 in debt, raised over $200,000 in grassroots contributions, and helped win back the New Mexico House of Representatives, expand the State Senate majority, and reclaim the Secretary of State’s office in 2016.
Protecting New Mexico’s Lands and Water
Following his tenure in party leadership, Juan pursued a Master’s in Water Resources at the University of New Mexico and took on a role with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a Natural Resource Specialist and Ranger at Cochiti Lake. There, he worked in chemical and water quality management, wildlife habitat restoration, and riparian health monitoring in collaboration with Cochiti Pueblo. His dedication to public safety earned him the inaugural “Lifesaving Safety Award” from the Army Corp’s Albuquerque District.
Later at the New Mexico Acequia Commission, Juan spent five years advocating for the protection of New Mexico’s traditional irrigation systems and the communities that rely on them. His work ensured that generations-old water rights and agricultural traditions remained intact.
Investing in Community and Future Leaders
Juan has always believed in giving back to his community. As a track and field coach for Special Olympics and Junior Olympics, and later as a varsity basketball coach at Valencia High School, he mentored young athletes and helped lead his team to the state quarterfinals for the first time in school history.
Serving New Mexico at the Highest Levels
For five years, Juan served as Political Director for U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, traveling across the state to learn about local issues and help elect conservation-minded leaders. He later became Deputy Campaign Manager for Senator Heinrich’s 2024 re-election, leading the campaign to a decisive 10-point victory.
Celebrating New Mexico
Juan is a passionate advocate for New Mexico’s culture, history, and outdoor spaces. An avid content creator with over 100,000 followers on social media, Juan has created and shared hundreds of videos showcasing the state’s landscapes, small businesses, and cultural traditions, providing connection for people across the state and beyond to the beauty and traditions of New Mexico. This passion has led Juan to partnerships with the local governments of Las Cruces, Las Vegas, Silver City, and Ruidoso to highlight the beauty of their communities.
Rooted in Family and Tradition
Juan and his wife, Jessie, share a love for the outdoors and sustainable living. Married in 2023, they reside in Los Chavez, New Mexico, on a small farm where they grow their own food, raise goats, and hunt and fish to stay connected to the local food chain. Their home is filled with love, adventure, and their beloved dogs—Forrest, Summer, and Goldie and their goats Simone and MJ.
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PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY JUAN FOR NEW MEXICO
PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY JUAN FOR NEW MEXICO
PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY JUAN FOR NEW MEXICO
P.O. Box 405
Belen, NM 87002
info@juanfornewmexico.com