Gregory Hollister

Texas wants a piece of New Mexico

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A new set of legislative priorities released by Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows is drawing attention in New Mexico after one directive instructed Texas lawmakers to study the possibility of annexing parts of New Mexico into Texas.

According to a report by the Texas Tribune, Burrows directed a Texas House committee to examine “the implications of adding to Texas ‘one or more contiguous counties of New Mexico’ and the process to do so,” after proposals surfaced suggesting some New Mexico counties might be interested in seceding and joining Texas.

While the idea of changing state boundaries is highly unlikely in the near future, the directive signals that Texas lawmakers are at least willing to explore the concept as part of their planning for the 2027 legislative session.

“Following a legislative session defined by historic solutions, it is critical the Texas House remains engaged in thoughtful policymaking and oversight as our state continues to grow and advance,” Burrows said in a statement, according to the Texas Tribune. He added that the interim charges are meant to build on that progress while identifying fraud, waste and abuse and safeguarding taxpayer dollars.

The annexation study was just one item on a broader list of priorities that included property tax relief, water infrastructure, data center development, foreign influence concerns and government oversight. Data center growth appeared multiple times on the priority list, with lawmakers directed to examine regulatory changes and water usage tied to data center expansion — an increasingly important issue as Texas faces ongoing water supply challenges.

Texas lawmakers were also instructed to review the property tax system, including school district tax rates and homestead exemptions, as state leaders continue looking for ways to reduce the property tax burden on homeowners.

The list also included directives related to energy markets, oil and gas production, and geopolitical instability abroad, particularly in the Middle East and global liquefied natural gas markets, according to the Texas Tribune.

But it was the New Mexico annexation idea that quickly generated political reaction across state lines.

Far-left Democrat U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez responded on social media after the report was published, writing, “Texas invaded New Mexico before. We won then, and we won’t ever let Texas win. Besides, you don’t even have green chile…”

Her comment referenced the long historical rivalry between the two states, as well as the 19th-century territorial conflicts that shaped the modern Texas–New Mexico border.

The Texas Tribune noted that while boundary changes are unlikely to happen anytime soon, the proposal could appeal to pro-secession activists and political groups that have periodically pushed the idea of rural counties leaving New Mexico for Texas.

Any attempt to move state boundaries would face enormous legal and political hurdles, including approval from both state legislatures and the U.S. Congress.

Still, the fact that Texas leadership has now formally directed a committee to study the issue suggests the idea may continue to surface in political discussions leading up to the 2027 Texas legislative session.

For now, the directive remains a study request — not a formal proposal — but it has already sparked debate and reactions on both sides of the state line, highlighting ongoing political, economic and cultural differences between Texas and New Mexico.

Whether the idea goes anywhere remains to be seen, but the conversation itself has now officially entered the policy arena in Texas.

Texas wants a piece of New Mexico Read More »

‘Democratic socialist’ makes ballot to challenge Ben Ray Luján in June primary

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A Democratic socialist from Farmington has officially qualified to appear on the Democrat primary ballot to challenge incumbent U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján in New Mexico’s 2026 Senate race.

Matt Dodson, a longtime San Juan County Democrat and Air Force veteran, confirmed this week that he received official notice from the New Mexico Secretary of State that he will appear on the June 2 Democratic primary ballot.

Dodson has been involved in Democrat Party politics for years, including serving seven terms on the party’s State Central Committee. He has also been involved in environmental advocacy and was previously endorsed by Conservation Voters New Mexico during a past run for the New Mexico Legislature. According to his campaign, he is affiliated with “environmental justice” and veterans advocacy groups.

Dodson is running on a platform that includes universal healthcare, “free” college, higher taxes on billionaires, and removing corporate money from politics. He has pledged not to accept corporate contributions to his campaign.

Courtesty, Matt Dodson

“The Democratic Party’s favorability is at an all-time low,” Dodson said in a statement announcing his candidacy. “We should be spending money here in the U.S. working on our infrastructure and social programs, not on foreign wars of aggression.”

Dodson is positioning himself as a challenger to what he describes as entrenched political leadership in Washington, including Luján, who comes from one of New Mexico’s most well-known political families. Luján was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2020 after serving in the U.S. House of Representatives and previously working on the state’s Public Regulation Commission — back when requirements for the job were lax.

Dodson said he believes voters are frustrated with the current direction of the country and the economy and are looking for new leadership.

“These legacy names are about to expire,” Dodson said. “This country and this state are suffering too many setbacks. We need new leadership, true leadership, to bring us out of what will result from this war and this lackluster economy.”

He also criticized what he described as the influence of defense contractors, corporations, and billionaires on federal policy, arguing that elected officials are not doing enough to support working families.

“Who is going to rebuild this economy for the average working family?” Dodson said. “I am. Why? Because I care about our economy, infrastructure, and the well-being of workers and families; things our current Congress is ignoring.”

Dodson will face Luján in the Democrat primary election on June 2, with early voting scheduled to begin May 5.

While Luján has not yet publicly responded to the primary challenge, incumbents typically hold significant advantages in fundraising, name recognition, and party support. However, Dodson’s entry into the race signals potential ideological divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly between establishment Democrats and more progressive or democratic socialist candidates.

The primary election will determine the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat in November 2026. It is unclear how strong the Dodson campaign will be, as Luján has access to unlimited party funds, however, it could force the far-left senator to expend resources and possibly offend moderates, despite Luján being one of the most far-left members of Congress, in both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate.

On the Republican side, Larry Marker of Chaves County has garnered enough write-in signatures to make the primary ballot, and will advance to the general election once he gathers enough write-in votes to place him there.

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Lujan Grisham finally appoints name for vacated southern NM state Senate seat

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

After weeks of mounting pressure from Republicans and just days before the start of New Mexico’s 30-day legislative session, Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday announced her appointment to fill the long-vacant Senate District 33 seat in southern New Mexico.

The governor selected Rex Wilson of Ancho to serve as state senator for District 33, which includes Lincoln, Otero, and Chaves counties. The announcement came only after repeated public calls from Republicans urging the governor to act before the looming capital outlay deadline and the start of session, arguing that continued delays were disadvantaging a heavily Republican district.

The seat has been vacant since the resignation of former Sen. Nicholas Paul more than two months ago. During that time, multiple candidates were reportedly vetted and interviewed, but no appointment was made, prompting criticism that the governor was intentionally stalling for political reasons.

Earlier this week, the Republican Party of New Mexico issued a sharp press release demanding that Lujan Grisham nominate a replacement by the end of the week, warning that continued inaction would leave District 33 without a voice during one of the most consequential legislative sessions in years. Republicans specifically pointed to the January 12 capital outlay deadline, noting that without a sitting senator, communities in the district risked losing out on critical infrastructure funding.

“There’s really no excuse for the governor to stall this nomination,” said RPNM Executive Director Leticia Muñoz in the release. “This will hurt the people of SD-33 if they do not have representation by the capital outlay deadline.”

Within days of that pressure, the governor made her decision.

Wilson, a former two-term Lincoln County commissioner, brings a background in healthcare administration and rural advocacy to the Senate. According to the announcement, he spent 18 years working as a healthcare administrator and previously directed early childhood services at Presbyterian Health Services. He is also a multigenerational rancher and the founder of Camp Sierra Blanca at Fort Stanton, an alternative education program for at-risk youth.

Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) praised the appointment, saying Wilson would be a strong addition to the caucus and emphasizing the importance of restoring representation to the district ahead of session.

“I extend my gratitude and congratulations to Rex Wilson, who will do a fantastic job serving the people of Senate District 33,” Sharer said. “I am pleased that New Mexicans in Senate District 33 will have representation heading into this upcoming Legislative Session.”

Wilson echoed that sentiment in his own statement, saying he was “humbled and honored” by the appointment and eager to get to work.

“I look forward to getting meaningful things done for my fellow community members and the citizens of our great state of New Mexico,” Wilson said.

NM State Sen. Rex Wilson (R-Ancho, District 33)

The appointment follows a competitive selection process that included several high-profile Republican contenders, including Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo) and Lincoln County Commissioner Martin Fisher, who were selected by Otero and Lincoln Counties, respectively.

In a statement following the announcement, Block struck a defiant tone, emphasizing that while he was not selected, his resolve and convictions remain unchanged.

“The appointment has been made, but the people have already chosen me,” Block said. “I will keep fighting in the House: louder, stronger, and without apology. No, I wasn’t selected, not because of ability, but because standing firm for conservative values comes with a political cost. I won’t compromise who I am to gain a title. I don’t need permission to lead. This wasn’t a setback. It was confirmation. I’m not going anywhere — and I’m just getting started.”

With the appointment finalized, Senate District 33 will now enter the 2026 legislative session with representation — albeit after what Republicans argue was an unnecessary delay that forced the governor’s hand under public pressure.

Editor’s Note: State Rep. Block is the editor and founder of the Piñon Post.

Lujan Grisham finally appoints name for vacated southern NM state Senate seat Read More »

Socialist Bernie Sanders heaps praise upon NM’s taxpayer-funded freebies

20 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Sen. Bernie Sanders is once again holding up New Mexico as a national model — this time praising the state’s move to offer universal “free” child care — a program critics warn will saddle taxpayers with yet another expensive, open-ended government entitlement.

In a post on X last week, Sanders applauded New Mexico for becoming the first state to guarantee taxpayer-funded child care for all families, regardless of income. He framed the program as a solution to what he called a “broken” national child care system and urged other states to follow suit.

“Our broken child care system can learn a lot from New Mexico — the state that is leading the way in guaranteeing free child care for all,” Sanders wrote, according to Bezinga. “There is no better rate of return than investing in our children. The rest of the country should follow New Mexico’s lead.”

What Sanders calls an “investment,” however, critics see as another costly government expansion in one of the poorest states in the nation — one already struggling with chronic budget pressures, low educational outcomes, and heavy reliance on federal dollars.

New Mexico officially rolled out the program in November. Under the plan, families receive state-funded vouchers that cover the full cost of child care at participating providers, both public and private. Unlike previous assistance programs, the benefit has no income cap, meaning even high-earning households qualify.

The initiative is administered through the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), which was created in 2019 and has steadily expanded its scope and spending ever since. Funding comes largely from state revenues — including oil and gas dollars — raising concerns about sustainability if energy markets decline.

Supporters argue the program will boost workforce participation and improve early childhood outcomes. But opponents question why a state where nearly 18% of residents live below the poverty line is prioritizing universal subsidies instead of targeted aid, basic academic performance, or crime reduction.

They also warn that “free” government programs are rarely free. Taxpayers ultimately foot the bill, while costs tend to balloon as eligibility expands and political pressure grows to increase benefits. Once entrenched, such programs become nearly impossible to roll back — even if they underperform or crowd out private options.

Sanders’ praise comes as other Democrat-led states and cities pursue similar policies. Connecticut recently approved child care subsidies for families earning under $100,000, while capping costs for higher earners. In New York City, incoming leadership has floated proposals for a fully government-run, no-cost child care system.

Critics say these efforts reflect a broader socialist approach to governance: expanding entitlements, centralizing services, and shifting personal and family responsibilities onto the state — all while ignoring long-term fiscal consequences.

For New Mexico, the question remains whether universal child care will meaningfully improve outcomes — or simply become another expensive program propped up by temporary revenues, growing bureaucracy, and promises future taxpayers will be forced to keep.

As Sanders pushes to export the model nationwide, skeptics argue New Mexico should first prove it can manage the basics before becoming the blueprint for the rest of the country.

Socialist Bernie Sanders heaps praise upon NM’s taxpayer-funded freebies Read More »

Tim Keller attack ad on Darren White proven false

17 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In one of the most brazen displays of political dishonesty in recent memory, Mayor Tim Keller has unveiled an attack ad against former Bernalillo County Sheriff and former Albuquerque Public Safety Director Darren White — an ad so flagrantly false that even a basic Google search exposes it as fabricated nonsense.

The ad claims White wants to “let Donald Trump round up innocent people” and implies he would bring federal immigration agents (ICE) into Albuquerque to “check everyone in the city.” 

Keller’s team clipped a single sentence from an interview — “ICE will come in and they will look at everybody” — stripping it of all context in a desperate attempt to manufacture fear.

In reality, White was clearly referring to individuals already arrested and booked into Albuquerque’s prisoner transport unit. His position has been consistent for years: if criminals are in custody for breaking the law, ICE should be allowed to check their immigration status. Keller’s team surgically removed every word around the clip to deceive voters — a move critics have called “political malpractice” and “intentionally dishonest.”

But the ad gets even worse.

Keller goes on to declare that White “was forced to resign” due to police shootings of “innocent people.” This is not just misleading — it is demonstrably false, and Keller undoubtedly knows it.

White did not resign because of police shootings. He voluntarily stepped down in 2011 so an investigation could proceed into whether he improperly interfered in the police response to his wife’s car accident. And that investigation didn’t harm him — it cleared him completely.

Not one, but two independent investigations exonerated White:

  • The Independent Review Office (IRO) found that White did not interfere in the investigation and did not misuse his authority.
  • The City Council-ordered Inspector General investigation came to the exact same conclusion.

Even Democratic City Council President Ken Sanchez stated publicly at the time:
“Darren White did no wrong, and we can put the issue behind us and move on as a city.”

KOAT 7 News — hardly a right-wing outlet — reported that White was “completely cleared” and that his resignation had nothing to do with police shootings. Keller’s claim reverses that reality entirely, inventing a scandal out of whole cloth.

Political observers say Keller’s attack speaks more loudly about his own sinking record than about White’s decades of law-enforcement leadership. With rampant crime, a demoralized police department, repeated ethics controversies, and cratering public confidence, Keller appears to be grasping for any line of attack — even lies that can be debunked in seconds.

White’s campaign described Keller’s meltdown accurately: a desperate incumbent willing to “say anything to win,” including suggesting that local police “murdered innocent people” — a reckless smear that insults the entire department.

As voters move deeper into election season, the contrast is becoming stark. Keller is leaning into distortion, fear-mongering, and fabricated narratives. White, meanwhile, stands on a documented, factual record: his comments on ICE were about jailed offenders, not law-abiding residents, and he was fully exonerated from the manufactured scandal Keller now tries to resurrect.

Keller’s ad may go down as one of the boldest political lies in Albuquerque history — but in the age of instant fact-checking, it may also cost him more than he bargained for.

Tim Keller attack ad on Darren White proven false Read More »

NM’s congressional Dems shut down the government to protest Trump

19 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left Democrat Congressman Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico once again proved he cannot be trusted to take a stand for his constituents, casting no vote on the Republican continuing resolution to keep the federal government open. By refusing to vote yes or no, Vasquez avoided accountability while effectively siding with his party’s radical base, leaving Border Patrol agents, military personnel, and veterans’ care hanging in the balance.

The continuing resolution would have ensured government funding through November, guaranteeing paychecks for those serving on the frontlines of the border crisis. With cartels flooding New Mexico’s southern border with drugs and human trafficking, Border Patrol agents risk their lives every day to protect American communities. A real representative of southern New Mexico would stand firmly for them. Instead, Vasquez ducked the issue entirely, choosing political games over duty. His “present” vote was no better than voting against funding, because it refused to support keeping the government open and protecting critical pay and services.

In his carefully worded press release, Vasquez tried to distract from his non-vote by claiming the Republican bill would “skyrocket health care costs, force rural hospitals to close, and take health care away from New Mexicans.” But these scare tactics have little to do with the actual vote. The bill was about keeping the lights on in government and ensuring Border Patrol, the military, and veterans received the pay and services they’ve earned. Instead of standing up for New Mexico’s frontline communities, Vasquez punted.

The National Republican Congressional Committee blasted Vasquez’s maneuver, saying he put politics before New Mexicans in a cynical attempt to appease the radical fringe of his party. “Out of touch Democrat Gabe Vasquez voted to risk veterans’ care, military pay, and public safety just to appease his radical base,” said NRCC spokesman Reilly Richardson. In New Mexico’s Second District, where border security is not an abstraction but a daily crisis, this abdication of responsibility is especially glaring.

Vasquez’s Democrat colleagues Melanie Stansbury and Teresa Leger Fernández also voted no, meaning New Mexico’s entire Democratic delegation failed to back a bill to keep the government open. Rather than taking a stand, they either hid from the issue or actively avoided being counted.

Vasquez later claimed he was “eager to work with Republicans on a budget that addresses the real needs of Americans,” but his refusal to cast a real vote shows otherwise. When the time came to ensure Border Patrol agents and service members got their paychecks, Vasquez stood aside.

In another measure honoring the life of Charlie Kirk, Vasquez voted “present” while Stansbury and Leger Fernandez didn’t even vote — a big statement after Kirk’s assassination.

New Mexicans deserve better than evasions and partisan theater. They deserve a representative who will take a stand when it matters most. Gabe Vasquez chose to sit on the fence, and by doing so, he failed the people of New Mexico.

A previous version of this article incorrectly noted that Vasquez, Stansbury, and Leger Fernandez voted differently on this measure.

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New Mexicans react with anger, grief after Charlie Kirk assassination

15 Comments / National, New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico leaders reacted with grief, shock, and an urgent call for greater political civility on Wednesday and Thursday after Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative activist, was fatally shot during a university event in Utah. The attack occurred at Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10, just as Kirk was addressing students, and authorities say the shooter remains at large. 

The Shooting & Manhunt

Around 12:20 p.m. local time, Kirk was speaking under a tent in a campus courtyard as part of the “American Comeback Tour.” He had just responded to a question about mass shootings when a single bullet struck him in the neck. Witnesses described chaos immediately following the gunfire: Kirk fell, blood was visible, the crowd ducked and fled. 

Law enforcement officials are analyzing closed-circuit camera footage from campus showing a person “dressed in all dark clothing,” possibly fleeing the scene. The shot appears to have been fired from the roof of a building approximately 200 yards away from where Kirk spoke. 

Multiple individuals were briefly detained, including one man initially arrested on obstruction charges, and a second person interviewed, but neither has been confirmed as the shooter. The Utah Department of Public Safety, the FBI, the Utah County Attorney’s office, the Sheriff’s Office, and local police are co-leading the investigation. 

Reactions from Across New Mexico

New Mexicans of different political backgrounds issued strong statements condemning violence and urging reflection.

State Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) said:

“If you celebrate the murder of a man simply because you disagreed with him, you are part of the problem, part of the poison dividing this country.
When people cheer this kind of violence, or casually throw around words like ‘Nazi’ or ‘fascist,’ they reveal what they truly want: not debate, not dialogue, but for our death.
We can stand firm in our beliefs without losing our humanity. I choose to stand for life, dignity, and truth, even when it costs me.”

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) called the shooting “tragic and grossly un-American.” She urged all Americans to prefer “respect and dialogue over hate and violence.” 

Republican Party of New Mexico issued a remembrance honoring Kirk as “a devoted family man, a passionate defender of faith and freedom” and said his assassination was an attack on “the very principles of free speech and civil discourse.” It called for citizens to engage respectfully across political divides.

Democratic Party of New Mexico, while similarly condemning the killing and the rise in political violence, also attempted to highlight broader concerns such as gun violence and extremism, arguing that the atmosphere that allows such acts to occur is worsening.

State Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo) prayed for Kirk’s entrance into Heaven, peace for the family, justice in the case, and warned of “evil prowling among us every day seeking to scare us — even murder us — but we must not let the devil win.”

NM House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena) said she was “outraged and heartbroken,” emphasizing that “words matter” and condemning reckless rhetoric that poisons the political climate. She urged accountability for the shooter and called for leaders of all parties to condemn violence and lower the temperature in public discourse.

Local Impact

In New Mexico, Kirk had recently visited Albuquerque for “Freedom Night in America,” drawing thousands to a church event. 

Radicalized far-left protesters also attacked Kirk’s event at the University of New Mexico in 2022.

Supporters in Portales, where Eastern New Mexico University has a Turning Point USA chapter, expressed heartbreak and shock, saying they share values with Kirk and felt the killing was unjust and chilling. 

National Context and What’s Next

Reaction across the U.S. has been swift and bipartisan. Political leaders from both parties, former and current, condemned the act as an assault on democratic norms. Meanwhile, investigators have not yet announced a suspect or motive, but believe the act was targeted. The public has been asked for any photographs or videos that could help. 

For many New Mexicans, the assassination of Charlie Kirk is not just another headline; it’s a painful reminder of how divisive rhetoric and political polarization may pave the way to violence. Leaders across the political spectrum are calling for reflection, restraint, and a renewed commitment to civil discourse as the state—and the nation—grapples with how to prevent such tragedies.

New Mexicans react with anger, grief after Charlie Kirk assassination Read More »

Goodbye, DEI: Trump purges Haaland’s self-glorifying book from park gift shops

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​​The Trump administration is making moves to restore neutrality and historical integrity to America’s national parks — and the latest target is a children’s book by former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, a figure widely criticized for being one of the most unqualified cabinet officials in U.S. history.

According to a report by The Washington Post, the book “What Your Ribbon Skirt Means to Me: Deb Haaland’s Historic Inauguration” is one of several materials currently under review by the Department of the Interior for promoting what the administration calls “corrosive ideology.”

President Donald Trump recently issued a directive encouraging the National Park Service (NPS) employees to identify materials that prioritize far-left-wing political narratives over balanced, fact-based historical content. The initiative is part of a broader push to roll back the ideological indoctrination that seeped into federal agencies during the Biden administration.

Haaland’s defenders, unsurprisingly, are crying censorship. A spokesperson for her campaign issued a statement claiming:

“Donald Trump is trying to distract the public from the fact that he’s raising prices, ripping away their healthcare and taking food off their tables. It’s shameful that President Trump and his administration are censoring what people read, and ignoring the affordability crisis people are facing everyday (sic).”

The irony is rich. Under Trump, energy costs decreased, the economy expanded, and food and gas became more affordable. It was under Joe Biden’s administration — with Haaland at Interior — that gas prices soared, utility costs spiked, and access to federal lands and energy development was crippled by ideological policymaking.

As for the book itself, critics argue that Haaland’s publication is a thinly veiled attempt to rewrite her tenure with emotional storytelling rather than substantive accomplishments. In fact, her time at the helm of the Department of the Interior was marked by regulatory overreach, botched land management decisions, and prioritization of far-left identity politics over effective governance, which angered left-wing and right-wing policymakers alike, including making an enemy of the Navajo Nation as she unilaterally stole their land, costing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. She is regarded by many as the least accomplished and lowest-IQ DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) hire ever to hold a cabinet-level post — a token appointment made purely for optics.

Her tenure did little to improve public lands management, empower tribal communities meaningfully, or advance energy independence. Instead, it was marred by divisive rhetoric and policies that often hurt the very communities she claimed to represent.

Now, as Haaland campaigns for governor in New Mexico, her critics see the book’s placement in national parks as yet another attempt to force-feed children and families a sanitized, revisionist version of her legacy. Trump’s administration is right to remove taxpayer-funded platforms that act as vehicles for political propaganda.

Federal parks are meant to preserve history, not manipulate it. And restoring that mission begins with removing the false idols of the DEI era — starting with Deb Haaland.

Goodbye, DEI: Trump purges Haaland’s self-glorifying book from park gift shops Read More »

MLG gets ‘Public Safety Advocate’ award while New Mexicans fear for their lives

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In a move that has left many scratching their heads, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce named Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham its “Public Safety Advocate” at Thursday’s 2025 Chamber and Legislative Awards. The ceremony recognized several lawmakers, but few accept the label “public safety advocate” while crime spirals and the governor targets lawful gun owners instead of criminals.

The award comes just months after a flurry of legislative failures on crime. Gov. Lujan Grisham lamented that lawmakers didn’t follow her lead on several public safety initiatives, which critics point out as proof she’s more interested in protecting political optics than actual citizens.

Mike Canfield of Valliant Consulting presented the award, praising the governor: “She has focused a bright spotlight on this issue, and despite her unwavering commitment to policy changes, more progress needs to be made.” The Chamber recounted that Lujan Grisham “told attendees she remains committed and will work with the Legislature in the months to come.”

Yet, while accepting accolades, she’s simultaneously escalating tension with New Mexicans over gun rights, with sweeping red-flag laws and expanding background checks aimed more at law-abiding gun owners than hardened criminals. This has inflamed backlash among Second Amendment supporters, who argue she’s politicizing constitutional rights instead of curbing violent crime.

That violence isn’t theoretical. Albuquerque’s Central Avenue Corridor—dubbed the “war zone”—has witnessed a surge in shootings and drug-related incidents. According to a recent CBS News snapshot, the city recorded 11 homicides in Q1 2025. Aggravated assaults hit 895, robberies at 153, and rapes at 48.

In April, responding to a request from APD Chief Harold Medina, Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency and dispatched 60–70 unarmed National Guard members to Albuquerque. Cloaked in civilian attire and operating in support roles—handling crime-scene security, traffic control, detainee transport, drone operations, and booking support—their job is to free up officers.

Local law enforcement is skeptical. Det. Shaun Willoughby, president of the Albuquerque Police Officers Association, asked, “What are they going to do? … They can’t intervene. They don’t have the authority to take anybody to jail. They’re not armed.” 

Despite critiques, often from law enforcement and the public at large, Gov. Lujan Grisham continues to portray herself as tough on crime. At the award event, she reiterated her intent to press for legislative reforms. But the optics of receiving a public safety honor while policing citizen rights and deploying troops to shield local police have many asking: Is this genuine leadership, or political theater?

Meanwhile, Albuquerque’s crime stats paint a dire picture. The city and state continue to suffer from an elevated rate of violence, especially among juveniles and in connection with the fentanyl epidemic.

If Michelle Lujan Grisham truly wants to redeem the public safety narrative, critics say she must move beyond awards and mandates. 

MLG gets ‘Public Safety Advocate’ award while New Mexicans fear for their lives Read More »

Deadly roads and high car theft: Why New Mexico is failing summer travelers

15 Comments / New Mexico, News / By

As millions of Americans gear up to hit the road this summer, a new report from WalletHub has dealt a blow to New Mexico’s tourism outlook. The personal finance website ranked the Land of Enchantment a disappointing 43rd out of 50 states in its 2025 report on the Best & Worst States for Summer Road Trips.

The ranking, released this week, compared all 50 states across 32 metrics, including the number of attractions, gas prices, road safety, car theft rates, and travel-related costs. Despite its rich cultural history and natural beauty, New Mexico performed poorly in several key categories that influence road trip experiences.

According to the data, New Mexico ranked:

  • 27th in number of attractions,
  • 20th for average gas prices,
  • But a dismal 46th in nightlife options per capita,
  • 44th in vehicle miles traveled per capita,
  • 46th in car thefts per capita,
  • 34th in lowest camping prices,
  • And a concerning 48th in road fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

“Taking a summer road trip can be a very exciting way to experience a new place, but with the prices of gas, food and accommodations still impacted by inflation, you’ll want to be in a state that makes this type of vacation affordable,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “Safe roads are also key, and so is having plenty of worthwhile attractions to stop at along the road.”

New Mexico’s high rate of vehicle fatalities and car thefts contributed significantly to its low overall score, raising concerns about traveler safety during peak tourism months.

WalletHub’s top-ranking state for summer road trips in 2025 was Minnesota, thanks to its strong investment in parks and recreation, numerous summer festivals, and low accident rates.

Experts consulted in the report say the appeal of road trips is rising, in part due to frustrations with air travel.

“With lower gas prices this year, road trips are increasingly attractive,” said Ira L. Rosen, President of Ira L. Rosen LLC and adjunct professor at Temple University. “Also, airlines, airports, and air traffic safety have taken some high-visibility hits this season.”

Ball State University associate professor Craig Webster agreed. “Road trips should become more popular,” he said. “The recent stories about the poor quality of airline customer service and high prices should encourage people to stay with their cars.”

As for how states like New Mexico can improve their standing, experts say it comes down to both safety and smart promotion.

“Local officials should ensure safe driving through law enforcement and better communication of safety risks,” Webster said. “Tourists are more vulnerable than locals — they lack the local knowledge, security networks, and resources.”

Andrei P. Kirilenko of the University of Florida warned that mishandling public safety or crime can have long-lasting consequences. “Mismanaged natural disasters or crime towards tourists create long-lasting ‘mental risk maps,’ which cover an entire region well beyond the original impact,” he said.

While New Mexico remains a visually stunning and culturally rich destination, WalletHub’s data suggests state leaders have work to do in improving road safety, protecting travelers’ vehicles, and investing in tourism infrastructure that can make summer road trips safer and more enjoyable.

The full report is available at: WalletHub’s 2025 Summer Road Trip Rankings.

Deadly roads and high car theft: Why New Mexico is failing summer travelers Read More »

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