About
Matilda "Tilli" Villalobos

Tilli became a mother at 17, when her oldest son was born. Like many, her path was not easy, but it was possible because she had access to opportunity. Her son was only a baby when she started college, but she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science and graduated at the top of her class. When her son was only four years old, Tilli began law school. Those years taught Tilli discipline, grit, and the value of hard work, and they also showed her how important smart public investments are. Affordable education, childcare assistance, food security, housing support, and other programs were not handouts for Tilli, they were a hand up that allowed her to build a stable future for herself and her family.

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During law school, Tilli met her husband, Jeff, who is also a practicing attorney and deeply invested in building up the business community in Las Cruces. After graduating law school, Tilli began her career as a state prosecutor and later joined the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico in Las Cruces in 2018. As a federal prosecutor, she focused on protecting the most vulnerable among us, specializing in the prosecution of child exploitation and sex crimes.

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Today, Tilli is a small business owner, running her own law firm here in Las Cruces. She understands firsthand what it takes to build something, create opportunity, and contribute to a strong local economy. She and Jeff are raising their three boys in the community they love. Being a working mom has shaped every part of who Tilli is. It has taught her how to balance responsibility, listen with empathy, and lead with integrity. Whether she is in the courtroom, running her business, volunteering in the community, or cheering from the sidelines at her kids’ games, Tilli brings the same commitment and work ethic to everything she does.

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Tilli has also been proud to serve the community as a former member of the Board of Directors for Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest, as former President of the Junior League of Las Cruces, where she worked to improve childhood literacy through programs like A Book of My Own and the Little Free Library at Young Park, and as an avid animal foster and advocate.

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​Tilli’s oldest son is a talented basketball player and a kind, thoughtful young man. Her two younger sons keep her busy with soccer, chess, piano, and their endless curiosity. Together, their family loves enjoying all the outdoor activities New Mexico has to offer. Like so many parents in House District 37, everything Tilli does is rooted in building a better future for children and families.

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Tilli is running for New Mexico House District 37 because she believes New Mexico should work for families who are doing their best and New Mexicans deserve leaders who understand their challenges, respect their dignity, and are committed to expanding opportunity for every person. She brings real-world experience, a proven record of service, and the determination to help build a state where hard work is rewarded, communities prosper, and everyone has a fair chance to succeed, no matter where they started.