Piñon Post

NM Republicans choose new state chair

On Saturday, New Mexico Republican State Central Committee members met in Truth or Consequences to choose new party officers, including a new state chair. 

Current Chairman Steve Pearce, a former congressman, chose not to run for another term in the position, leaving the spot open to a new face following his exit.

Otero County Commissioner Amy Barela, a former chairwoman of the Otero County Republican Party and the current NM GOP first vice-chairwoman, won the vote to become the next Republican Party of New Mexico chief.

The new first vice-chair is Hessel Yntema, the second vice-chair is Mike Nelson, and the current secretary, Kathleen Apodaca, ran unopposed, as did Kim Skaggs for party treasurer.

In the state’s First Congressional District, former New Mexico House of Representatives candidate Joshua Neal ran unopposed for the position of CD-1 chair; in the Second District, Julianne Stroup won for CD-2 chair, and in the Third District, Public Education Commissioner Sharon Clahchischilliage, a former state representative, won that seat.

In the November 2024 presidential election, Republicans made up ground for President-elect Donald Trump, whose vote margin against Kamala Harris rose five points from 2020 when he ran against Joe Biden. 

With the shift in momentum toward the Republican Party in the state, Barela and the new party officials will have the job of recruiting volunteers, registering voters, and helping the GOP finally win back key seats in Congress, on the state-wide level and majorities in the state Legislature, where Democrats dominate 44-26 in the House and 26-16 in the Senate following the November elections.

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NM’s oil industry: No. 2 producer in the nation despite state’s Green New Deal

As of 2024, the United States remains the largest crude oil producer in the world, maintaining its top position since 2018. While Texas often steals the spotlight, New Mexico has emerged as a vital player, ranking as the second-largest oil-producing state. This rise has cemented New Mexico’s role in driving U.S. energy production forward.

New Mexico produced an impressive 665.55 million barrels of oil in 2023, accounting for 14.1% of the country’s total crude oil output. In August 2024 alone, the state contributed 64.85 million barrels, showcasing steady production growth. 

According to the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico (IPANM), “New Mexico is the second-largest domestic oil producer and one of three states that saw an increase in production from 2019 to 2020, despite the reduced demand brought about by the pandemic.” This resilience underscores the state’s ability to adapt and thrive, even in challenging market conditions.

Much of New Mexico’s success stems from its access to the Permian Basin, a geological treasure trove of oil reserves. Advances in drilling technologies, such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, have played a significant role in unlocking these resources. 

The state’s efforts have not only elevated its oil output but also bolstered its economy. The industry provides over $2.5 billion annually to fund essential public services, including education, infrastructure, and healthcare, while serving as New Mexico’s largest employer.

Despite its reliance on oil, New Mexico has balanced its energy dominance with a focus on broader economic contributions. As IPANM notes, “Despite oil’s historical and economic importance in New Mexico, mining, including oil and natural gas production, accounts for just one-tenth of its GDP.” This duality highlights the need for diversification to ensure long-term economic stability.

New Mexico’s transportation sector, responsible for over 80% of the state’s petroleum consumption, further underscores the importance of its oil industry. 

Despite New Mexico being a leader in oil production, far-left New Mexico Democrat leaders passed the “Energy Transition Act,” the state’s Green New Deal, in 2019, aiming to annihilate the industry by the next decade. 

NM’s oil industry: No. 2 producer in the nation despite state’s Green New Deal Read More »

How ‘balanced’ is New Mexico’s economy? Here’s what the metrics say

New Mexico faces significant challenges in economic rankings, highlighting ongoing struggles to balance the needs of businesses and workers while fostering growth. 

Across multiple metrics evaluating business climates, employee welfare, and economic balance, the state consistently lands near the bottom, revealing structural hurdles that hinder its economic performance.

In rankings focused on business climate, New Mexico ranks 47th overall, among the lowest in the nation. Factors contributing to this poor score include a lackluster ranking of 43rd for CNBC’s “best business climate” and 44th for U.S. News’ measures of opportunity and economy. 

These metrics capture New Mexico’s challenges in attracting and retaining businesses due to high tax burdens and limited growth opportunities due to leftist policies. 

For example, the state ranks 23rd in tax burden but falls to 47th in the number of business startups, indicating a discouraging environment for entrepreneurial activity. While not at the bottom, the state’s GDP growth sits at 27th, showing a slower pace of economic expansion.

On the worker-centric side, New Mexico’s performance is slightly better but still middling. The state ranks 24th regarding worker-centric metrics, reflecting a mixed picture of job stability and pay. Workers face a 2.4% quit rate (24th) and a 1.23% dismissal rate (14th), suggesting slightly better-than-average job retention. 

However, New Mexico’s cost-adjusted income is a concern, ranking 47th at $42,128 annually, well below the national median. Despite these challenges, the state ranks 15th in Oxfam’s “best workplaces” index, reflecting strong workplace policies relative to its economic peers.

In terms of overall economic balance—combining business and worker priorities—New Mexico ranks 44th. The state struggles to create a mutually beneficial environment for employers and employees, weighed down by its 47th-place ranking for business-friendliness. These imbalances hinder the state’s ability to compete with more dynamic economies like Virginia, Colorado, and Washington, which top the rankings.

New Mexico’s economic difficulties underscore the need for policy shifts to improve its business climate and bolster worker outcomes. With targeted reforms, the state could better leverage its resources to foster an environment conducive to growth for businesses and workers.

See the statistics and read more about these studies here.

How ‘balanced’ is New Mexico’s economy? Here’s what the metrics say Read More »

‘Anything’ and ‘a little bit beyond’: MLG vows defying oath again to resist Trump

At far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Tuesday “Public Safety Town Hall” in Gallup, she once again vowed to defy the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including that of removing criminal aliens who entered the country illegally.

The governor, who has previously been reprimanded by federal courts for breaking the Constitution and even had articles of impeachment introduced against her twice for breaking her oath, claimed President-elect Donald Trump was being unconstitutional by acting on his plan to carry out mass deportations of these law-breaking criminals. She even went as far as saying she would go “a little bit beyond” her power to attempt to resist Trump’s policies.

Leftists, such as Lujan Grisham, have attempted to victimize illegal aliens as “asylum seekers,” however, they did not enter the country through the point of entry, which is the proper way to seek asylum.

In a question from an audience member if the governor had any plans to “help these people and protect these people,” referring to illegal aliens, Lujan Grisham responded, “We aren’t going to cooperate, we are not going to violate the constitution, uh, we

aren’t going to do … We’re going to fight and file lawsuits if the next administration works to use the military against residents and citizens of this country.”

“I’m very concerned about immigrant rights, um, and about mixed-status families, and the unintended consequences all across the board that are inhumane and inappropriate,” she claimed.

“What this President-elect is suggesting is not constitutional,” she continued to claim, adding, “We’re going to use our attorney generals (sic) and every other tool in the toolbox to protect the residents of our state.” 

“I can’t make promises uh more than anything in my power and a little bit beyond expect us to do every bit of it every day for everyone,” she concluded, floating once again breaking her oath. 

WATCH:

‘Anything’ and ‘a little bit beyond’: MLG vows defying oath again to resist Trump Read More »

NM Republicans crush Dems in November voter registrations

New Mexico’s most recent voter registration statistics reveal a significant shift in the political landscape, with Republicans gaining momentum. As the state gears up for a critical election cycle in 2026, the latest data shows the GOP surpassing Democrats in new voter registrations in November by a 2-to-1 margin. This development comes as New Mexico remains a battleground state, with voter dynamics playing a crucial role in the upcoming elections.

According to the figures, the total party registration in New Mexico now stands at 1,406,281. Democrats maintain a lead with 597,208 registered voters, compared to 451,145 Republicans. 

Voters registered under other affiliations or independents total 357,928. Despite the Democrats’ overall advantage, the GOP’s recent registration surge is noteworthy, with a gain of 15,783 new voters in November, compared to 6,907 new Democratic registrations. Independents (Decline to State voters) also saw a rise, adding 6,506 voters during the same period.

This momentum could prove pivotal, given the state’s recent electoral history. In the 2020 presidential election, President Donald Trump lost New Mexico by 99,720 votes to Joe Biden, a margin of 10.79%. In 2024, Trump narrowed that gap significantly, losing to Vice President Kamala Harris by just 55,000 votes (6%). The November numbers indicate that Republicans have already clawed back a good 20% of this deficit through strategic voter registration efforts, potentially reshaping the state’s political dynamics.

The shift underscores a broader trend of Republican ground game successes in traditionally Democrat-leaning areas. New Mexico, while considered a reliably blue state in presidential elections, has significant pockets of major Republican strength, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas. The recent gains could signal increasing GOP engagement in these communities, as well as potential shifts among independent voters.

Democrats, while holding a numerical advantage, may face challenges in maintaining their edge if the GOP’s upward trend continues. With a Democrat advantage of 146,063 voters as of December, the battle for New Mexico is far from over.

As the 2026 election cycle intensifies, the governorship opens for Republicans to flip the key office after the scandal-plagued tenure of termed-out Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. 

NM Republicans crush Dems in November voter registrations Read More »

MLG’s war on oil: Court upholds far-left emissions rules to harm industry

The New Mexico Court of Appeals, which is comprised entirely of Democrat judges, has upheld a contentious set of emissions regulations targeting the oil and gas industry in one of the nation’s most productive energy states. This decision reflects a broader push by far-left environmentalists to undermine the industry, even as experts point out the lack of tangible or scientific evidence that such measures provide meaningful public benefits, whether measurable or otherwise.

The case focused on a 2022 regulation requiring operators to monitor and reduce emissions of pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can contribute to ground-level ozone, or smog, under certain conditions, claim eco-leftists.

Proponents argue that high ozone levels can exacerbate respiratory problems, including asthma and chronic bronchitis. New Mexico’s oil-producing regions are well within federal standards, casting doubt on the necessity of these regulations, not to mention the science used to attempt to correlate them.

Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration has ferociously pushed these rules as part of its agenda to combat “climate change.” This agenda is driven by political ideology rather than practical necessity, say many. Also interesting is that half of the judges on the Court of Appeals were appointed by the governor.

Lujan Grisham’s Environment Secretary, James Kenney, celebrated the court’s ruling, declaring that the regulations were developed with “substantial evidence” and urging the industry to cease legal challenges and focus on compliance. “These rules aren’t going anywhere,” Kenney stated, signaling the administration’s unyielding stance against the industry.

The Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico challenged the rule, contending that it disproportionately affects small, family-owned operators in New Mexico while allowing larger corporations to shoulder the costs more easily. The group highlighted how these burdens are part of an ongoing “death by a thousand cuts” approach that threatens the survival of independent businesses in the state. Its executive director, Jim Winchester, expressed frustration with the administration’s hostility toward local operators and indicated that the group is exploring further legal options.

The court dismissed arguments that counties such as Chaves and Rio Arriba should be excluded from the rule. Judges concluded that these counties were part of larger regions that reached the ozone threshold, though critics argue that including these areas stretches the scientific justification for the rule’s geographic application. This reasoning, some say, underscores a broader lack of concrete evidence supporting the regulation’s purported environmental and health benefits.

This decision adds to growing concerns about the ideological slant of New Mexico’s judiciary. With the entire Court of Appeals comprised of Democrats, many see this ruling as a reflection of partisan alignment with the Governor’s eco-left agenda rather than a balanced consideration of the rule’s economic and scientific merits. The lack of diverse perspectives on the court raises questions about the fairness of rulings that have far-reaching consequences for the state’s economy and residents.

The regulations require operators to invest significant resources in monitoring emissions and repairing leaks, with substantial costs that critics contend will yield negligible improvements in air quality. The burden falls hardest on smaller operators, potentially driving them out of business and consolidating power within larger corporations—an outcome that contradicts claims of supporting local communities and economies.

While supporters frame these regulations as essential for addressing climate change and protecting public health, detractors argue they are more about political posturing than achieving real-world results. The oil and gas industry remains a vital part of New Mexico’s economy, providing jobs and revenues that sustain the state. Policies that weaken this sector without clear, evidence-based benefits risk harming New Mexico more than helping it.

The court’s decision, celebrated by environmental advocates, is a stark reminder of how far ideological motivations can drive regulatory efforts. For an industry that plays such a critical role in New Mexico’s economic health, this ruling represents yet another hurdle—one that seems more aligned with far-left political priorities than with any demonstrable benefit to public health, the environment, or the state’s residents.

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The truth about NM’s poverty rankings—What MLG isn’t telling you

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has sparked controversy following her recent appearance on MSNBC, where she voiced strong opposition to the Trump administration’s policy proposals. However, critics, including the Rio Grande Foundation, a free-market think tank based in Albuquerque, have taken issue with several of her claims, including those related to child poverty and education.

During the interview, Lujan Grisham asserted that New Mexico had dramatically improved its child poverty ranking, moving from 50th to 17th in the nation. The Rio Grande Foundation swiftly countered this claim, stating that the alleged improvement is based on a shift in data measurement rather than real progress. “New Mexico’s ‘improvement’ in child poverty is driven by the use of a different data set—the Census Bureau’s supplemental poverty measure,” the foundation explained in a recent analysis. They noted that while the supplemental measure accounts for factors like tax credits and housing costs, it has been criticized for its complexity and inconsistencies.

The think tank added, “We don’t take a position on whether the traditional or supplemental measure is better, but MLG is being her usual disingenuous self in claiming this massive improvement, especially when all other reports show New Mexico to be not doing a good job with child outcomes.”

Critics also took aim at MSNBC’s portrayal of Lujan Grisham as an education policy expert. Despite the governor’s firm opposition to the Trump administration’s proposal to eliminate the Department of Education, the Rio Grande Foundation questioned her credibility on the topic. “It is both hilarious and a sign of the media’s extreme bias that they would include New Mexico’s Gov. as an ‘expert’ on education policy,” the group remarked. They pointed to New Mexico’s persistent struggles with education outcomes, which remain among the worst in the nation.

The think tank also expressed openness to the idea of eliminating the Department of Education, arguing that its presence has done little to improve outcomes in New Mexico or across the country. They concluded, “It is laughable to value MLG’s opinions on an issue where she has failed so miserably.”

Lujan Grisham has yet to respond directly to these criticisms, but the debate underscores the ongoing scrutiny of New Mexico’s progress—or lack thereof—on key social and economic issues under the current governor’s regime.

The truth about NM’s poverty rankings—What MLG isn’t telling you Read More »

See where New Mexico ranks for small business success

A recent Bankrate study ranked New Mexico 45th among the least friendly states for small businesses. The study analyzed various factors, such as access to capital, labor availability, infrastructure, and policy environments, to determine how conducive each state is for small business growth. Unfortunately, New Mexico’s poor performance across multiple metrics highlights significant barriers for entrepreneurs in the state.

Access to Capital

New Mexico ranks 30th in access to capital, indicating that small business owners face challenges securing funding. While states like Washington and Utah excel in providing robust financial resources through programs like SBA 7(a) loans, New Mexico lacks comparable opportunities. This gap disadvantages local entrepreneurs, limiting their ability to start or expand businesses.

Small Business Activity

Ranked 24th for small business activity, New Mexico performs moderately regarding business openings and closures but lags far behind leaders like Washington and Nevada. The state’s limited industrial base hampered its overall economic dynamism, which prevented it from climbing higher in this category.

Labor Availability and Quality

One of the most significant challenges for New Mexico is its labor force. The state ranks a low 46th for the availability and quality of labor. This reflects a shortage of workers and a less educated workforce compared to top states. For example, Washington benefits from a highly skilled labor pool, ranking 3rd in this category, whereas New Mexico struggles to meet the demands of small businesses hiring qualified employees.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure is another weak point, with New Mexico ranking 39th. Poor road and bridge conditions, coupled with inconsistent internet and utility services, make it harder for businesses to operate efficiently. This ranking contrasts sharply with top states like Nevada, which boasts the best infrastructure for small businesses.

Business Costs and Policy Environment

While New Mexico ranks 18th in business costs, indicating relatively affordable labor and operational expenses, it scores a middling 25th in policy and regulation. Tax policies and regulatory frameworks are not as burdensome as in some states, but they lack the pro-business incentives that help states like Wyoming and Florida excel.

What It Means for Entrepreneurs

New Mexico’s low ranking underscores the uphill battle small business owners face. While the state offers some affordability in operational costs, its lack of capital access, weak labor market, and poor infrastructure present significant challenges. If New Mexico hopes to improve its small business environment, targeted investments in workforce development, infrastructure, and financial resources will be critical.

See where New Mexico ranks for small business success Read More »

All the NM ‘sanctuaries’ to be defunded if defiant to Trump admin. deportations

As the incoming Trump administration prepares to implement mass deportation efforts, leftist sanctuary cities and counties in New Mexico for criminal aliens face financial repercussions for their non-compliance, according to incoming border czar Tom Homan. 

These jurisdictions have adopted policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, aiming to protect undocumented immigrants within their communities. However, this stance may lead to significant losses in federal funding. Below is an overview of New Mexico’s sanctuary cities and the potential financial impact they may encounter [CLICK “NEXT PAGE” BUTTON TO SEE THEM]

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SOS Toulouse Oliver’s fake ‘harassment’ hoax crumbles after GOP rep. fights back

In a stunning reversal, New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver has admitted she will not pursue criminal charges for alleged online harassment she previously attributed to state Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo), Piñon Post’s editor. This comes after weeks of public accusations linking Block to threats against her, which Toulouse Oliver claimed were spurred by his criticism of her opposition to voter ID laws.

In an email to media, Toulouse Oliver’s spokesperson Alex Curtas stated, “We have not filed a report on this matter and are unlikely to as the most incendiary of the online messages were deleted before we could compile them for review and potential referral.” The sudden change in course has left critics questioning the credibility of her claims.

Rep. Block responded to the development with strong words: “Wow, after slandering my name for weeks, now SOS Maggie admits it’s all a hoax and supposed fake ‘harassment’ comments she used to attack me and others were conveniently ‘deleted.’ No, it’s because she was put in a corner after I threatened legal action. Shame on her!” he posted on social media.

The controversy began after X users and Block publicly challenged Toulouse Oliver on her resistance to implementing voter ID laws in New Mexico. The secretary laughed at constituents and clapped back at them via social media for asking basic questions.

During a legislative committee meeting, Toulouse Oliver alleged that Block had “egged on” a toxic online environment, indirectly contributing to threats against her. She singled out Block and his platform, the Piñon Post, labeling them as purveyors of “false and misleading information.”

“If she thinks that asking questions about why she doesn’t support voter ID is a threat, then she’s got the thinnest skin I’ve ever seen in my life,” Block previously told local media.

Tensions escalated when Toulouse Oliver announced plans to file a police report under a 2023 law criminalizing threats against election officials. Yet, with no evidence forthcoming, her office backtracked, claiming key posts had been deleted before documentation.

This incident has amplified the ongoing debate over voter ID laws in New Mexico. Polls consistently show widespread support for voter ID, with Gallup reporting that 84% of Americans favor such measures. Block and his supporters argue that Toulouse Oliver’s opposition undermines election security, while she maintains that voter ID could lead to voter suppression.

“This isn’t about harassment; it’s about silencing dissent,” Block said. “She’s weaponizing baseless accusations to deflect from real questions about election integrity.”

As the dust settles, many New Mexicans are left questioning Toulouse Oliver’s false allegations and the broader implications for free speech and accountability in public office.

SOS Toulouse Oliver’s fake ‘harassment’ hoax crumbles after GOP rep. fights back Read More »

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