[3] He ran for mayor promising to progress equal rights, improve the educational system, diversifying the economy, promote the youth, and increase environmentalism.

In 2015, he started the Santa Fe Gun Violence Table as a forum and action committee to address mass-killing prevention and to ensure the safety of citizens.

Prior to his election to the mayoralty, he worked as vice-president of real estate firm Rosemont Realty, and served as chair of the state Democratic Party.

In 2015, he started the Santa Fe Gun Violence Table as a forum and action committee to address mass-killing prevention and ensure the safety of citizens.

[17] Gonzales, as a progressive candidate, ran on the promise of equal rights for all, and appointed two openly gay women to the Santa Fe City Council on which there are eight seats.

[22] The board voted unanimously to dismiss the complaint, on the basis that it relied on innuendo and hearsay and lacked any properly substantiated evidence of ethical or legal violations.

[23] Gonzales issued an executive order banning city employees from traveling to states with religious freedom laws he claims are anti-gay.

In the release, he stated "You see, when you come from a traditional family with deep roots in this community, the process of accepting that you are gay is complicated with fears about disappointing those you love, or becoming disconnected with a sense of place that is as much a part of me as my sexuality.