Constituents File Ethics Complaint Against Nicole Chavez
The 60-page complaint alleges the representative failed to disclose financial ties regarding Project Jupiter.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Corruption
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Two constituents filed a formal ethics complaint against Representative Nicole Chavez on October 14, 2026. The filing alleges Chavez violated financial disclosure laws and improperly used legislative resources for private business.
Why it matters
The complaint seeks a state investigation into potential conflicts of interest as Chavez seeks reelection. The representative maintains the claims are politically motivated maneuvers ahead of the upcoming election.
The 60-page complaint was submitted to the State Ethics Commission alleging financial disclosure failures and misuse of resources. It remains unknown if the commission will initiate a formal investigation into these specific claims.
The players
Nicole Chavez
She is the incumbent representative for New Mexico House District 31.
Lisa Curtis
She is the candidate challenging Nicole Chavez in the upcoming general election for House District 31.
The details
The complaint claims Chavez supported permits for Project Jupiter in Southern New Mexico after receiving $10,000 from BorderPlex in 2025. Additionally, the filing questions if the representative used official legislative resources to benefit her private healthcare consulting business.
Timeline
In 2025, Representative Nicole Chavez received $10,000 in campaign donations from BorderPlex.
On March 2, 2026, Chavez sent a letter to state regulators supporting Project Jupiter permits.
On October 14, 2026, constituents filed a formal ethics complaint against Chavez.
The general election for House District 31 is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Political Context
The filing underscores a recurring partisan conflict regarding the transparency requirements of the New Mexico Financial Disclosure Act. Opposition groups frequently use these ethics-based challenges to highlight potential conflicts between personal financial gains and legislative duties.
The outcome of this ethics review may influence voter confidence in the House District 31 election on November 3. Residents will see increased scrutiny of financial disclosures as the state assesses whether legislative resources were used for private profit.
The takeaway
Voters should review candidate financial disclosure filings to understand potential conflicts of interest before heading to the polls. Transparency in political fundraising remains a key metric for evaluating representative conduct in state government.
Further reading
Read more about regional oversight in the New Mexico Corruption section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Searchlight New Mexico.
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