Nicole Chavez’s life changed forever in 2015 when her teenage son Jaydon was killed in a drive-by shooting. The tragedy and ensuing drawn-out judicial process in prosecuting those responsible for her son’s death sparked her interest in advocacy and politics. The first-term Republican state representative joins “Around the Roundhouse” to share how the experience has led her on a path to fighting for stiffer penalties for juvenile offenders and also for stronger rehabilitation programs so those who are released from incarceration are integrated into society rather than falling back to a life of crime. 

Chavez also talks about being a rare Republican representative in the Albuquerque area, why she switched from a Democrat to Republican, and what she’s found surprising while serving in her first term in office. She addresses the crime bills she has sponsored during the 60-day session, as well as her disappointment in what she feels is a lack of progress during the session to produce laws that will reduce crime in New Mexico.

Nicole Chavez&rsquo;s life changed forever in 2015 when her teenage son Jaydon was killed in a drive-by shooting. The tragedy and ensuing drawn-out judicial process in prosecuting those responsible for her son&rsquo;s death sparked her interest in advocacy and politics. The first-term Republican state representative joins &ldquo;Around the Roundhouse&rdquo; to share how the experience has led her on a path to fighting for stiffer penalties for juvenile offenders and also for stronger rehabilitation programs so those who are released from incarceration are integrated into society rather than falling back to a life of crime.&nbsp;
Chavez also talks about being a rare Republican representative in the Albuquerque area, why she switched from a Democrat to Republican, and what she&rsquo;s found surprising while serving in her first term in office. She addresses the crime bills she has sponsored during the 60-day session, as well as her disappointment in what she feels is a lack of progress during the session to produce laws that will reduce crime in New Mexico.

The Santa Fe New Mexican’s weekly podcast hosted by state government and lead politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón features the policies, politics and personalities at the state Capitol during New Mexico's 2025 legislative session.

The Santa Fe New Mexican&rsquo;s weekly podcast hosted by state government and lead politics reporter Daniel J. Chac&oacute;n features the policies, politics and personalities at the state Capitol during New Mexico's 2025 legislative session.

Around the Roundhouse

The Santa Fe New Mexican&rsquo;s weekly podcast hosted by state government and lead politics reporter Daniel J. Chac&oacute;n features the policies, politics and personalities at the state Capitol during New Mexico's 2025 legislative session.

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