Piñon Post

Leftists have embarrassing showing at tiny anti-Trump ABQ protest

On the eve of President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration, a few hundred far-left radicals, many of whom were wearing pink “p***y” hats, “Palestine” flags, and anti-Trump gear, gathered in Albuquerque for what they branded as “The People’s March,” a thinly veiled attempt to stir unrest and oppose Trump’s presidency following his historic win last November.

The event, organized by the New Mexico Women’s March, aligned with other similarly radical demonstrations across the country, serving as a rallying point for extremist rhetoric and divisive policies — the same policies the American people largely rejected across the country. New Mexico shifted five points toward Trump in 2024, showing the massive unpopularity of failing left-wing policies. 

Samia Assed, chair of the New Mexico Women’s March, stood before the crowd, begging them to resist Trump’s leadership while ominously referencing his anticipated policy agenda. “A big responsibility lies on our shoulders, and we have to be up for it,” Assed declared, seemingly advocating for defiance. She continued, “Come Tuesday, President Trump will have his 100 executive orders ready for us. Project 2025 will unfold. Are we going to fight back?” This call to arms reflects a broader far-left agenda that prioritizes resistance over unity to solve problems.

Joe Biden’s lame duck U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, a keynote speaker at the event, used the platform to further her political aspirations, reportedly positioning herself for a 2026 run for New Mexico governor. Haaland seized the opportunity to fan the flames of division, asserting that Trump surrounds himself with the “super-rich” who supposedly “look down on us and our communities” — talking points she incoherently read off a script.

“Our fight is not over,” Haaland proclaimed. “We will need to do the hard work of getting important things done and pushing back against an administration who couldn’t care less about regular people, about people like us.” Her remarks emphasized a partisan narrative while ignoring the widespread economic successes and opportunities fostered under Trump’s leadership.

The event featured a lineup of speakers notorious for their far-left ideologies, including U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, state Sens. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez and Harold Pope, state Rep. Eleanor Chavez, Pueblo Action Alliance Executive Director Julia Bernal, and others. Their collective rhetoric painted an unrealistic, divisive picture of the Trump administration while promoting policies that many argue would harm working families and small businesses.

Adding fuel to the fire, pro-Hamas protesters made their presence known, brandishing radical slogans and signs in support of anti-Israel agendas. Others at the stage included members of the “Autonomous Brown Berets,” an extremist anti-police organization that has a New Mexico chapter. Their participation underscores the increasingly extreme nature of these so-called “progressive” movements.

Haaland’s final words encapsulated the march’s hostile tone: “We’re going to fight to remind people in power that they answer to us.” While Haaland and her allies claim to stand for the people, their rhetoric and actions suggest a commitment to political posturing rather than meaningful solutions.

Meanwhile, President Trump continues to champion policies to empower all Americans, create jobs, and foster prosperity. As Haaland and her extremist allies push for chaos and division to further their political ambitions, Trump remains focused on delivering results for the nation.

Leftists have embarrassing showing at tiny anti-Trump ABQ protest Read More »

As MLG enters her last 60-day session, Dem infighting likely to sink crime agenda

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham enters her final 60-day legislative session with a sharp focus on addressing New Mexico’s crime crisis, which has escalated to unprecedented levels. Her push for a slate of public safety measures—including stiffer penalties for repeat offenders, firearm restrictions, and reforms to criminal competency laws—reflects an acknowledgment of the urgency to restore safety and accountability in the state. However, her own political decisions have created significant obstacles to achieving these goals.

During her tenure, Lujan Grisham orchestrated a reshaping of the Democrat caucus, targeting moderate, pragmatic lawmakers in primary elections and replacing them with progressive allies. 

While this move consolidated her influence, it also sidelined legislators who were more open to bipartisan approaches to crime policy. The result is a Legislature where many Democrats now vehemently oppose tougher penalties, preferring instead to focus on measures like expanded “behavioral health services” and “free” housing initiatives. This ideological shift has left the governor grappling with resistance from within her own party as she attempts to push through her public safety agenda, while also delivering on these ineffective, woke social programs that are proven not to aid in battling crime.

The fallout from last summer’s special session underscores the challenges of this political realignment. The governor’s proposals—ranging from stricter pretrial detention laws to reforms for handling mentally incompetent defendants—were met with a cold shoulder from the very lawmakers she helped elect. The session ended without a single bill advancing, an outcome the governor described as one of the most disappointing days of her career. Her frustration was palpable as she accused legislators of a “dereliction of duty,” but the impasse highlighted her inability to bridge the ideological divide within her own party.

“We all agree that there were a lot of sort of missteps before, in the calling [of the special session] and right after,” she said, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican. “Those missteps, on both sides, are not creating a perception that we can’t work together for any of us in this session. That should not translate to that my job is ever easy or that they think that I’m going to be a pushover. We’re going to come to, I think, the best balance that we’ve ever had. Let’s see if I’m right.”

Despite these setbacks, Lujan Grisham has shown determination to tackle crime. She has held town halls across the state to rally public support and has urged New Mexicans to pressure their representatives to act. Her administration has prepared up to 35 crime-related bills for the session, reflecting a comprehensive, if controversial, approach to addressing public safety. The governor’s emphasis on combating violent crime, holding repeat offenders accountable, and addressing gun violence through measures like assault weapon bans and stricter penalties for felons in possession of firearms resonates with many New Mexicans fed up with the status quo.

However, the governor’s vision faces significant hurdles. Progressive lawmakers and advocacy groups remain skeptical of approaches that punish violent criminals, clinging to the belief that they fail to address the root causes of crime and may infringe on constitutional rights. 

Resistance has also emerged from law enforcement leaders and judges, who question the feasibility of implementing some proposals given the state’s limited behavioral health infrastructure and workforce shortages, according to the New Mexican

Even within the Democrat leadership, there is a reluctance to fully embrace Lujan Grisham’s agenda, with Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth cautioning against rushing into measures that could have unintended consequences.

“These are complex, really tricky constitutional issues,” Wirth said. “You can’t pass laws if the infrastructure is not there to get the people the help they need.”

Adding to the complexity is the governor’s mixed messaging about bipartisanship. While she has called for unity in addressing public safety, her political maneuvers have often deepened divisions. Many Republicans, who have long championed tougher crime policies, view her recent proposals as a delayed acknowledgment of the crisis. 

House Minority Whip Alan Martinez noted that Democrats are now adopting ideas Republicans have introduced for years, albeit under different branding. For their part, GOP lawmakers have signaled readiness to work on crime solutions, even as they remain skeptical of the governor’s ability to navigate the legislative gridlock she helped create.

Lujan Grisham’s political legacy is at stake as she seeks to deliver public safety reforms in the waning years of her governorship. The state’s violent crime rate remains among the highest in the nation, with cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe grappling with repeat offenses, drug abuse, and homelessness. Albuquerque, run by progressive Democrat Mayor Tim Keller, was recently ranked the 20th most dangerous city in the world.

The governor has acknowledged the systemic failures contributing to the crisis, describing it as a breaking point requiring punitive and preventative solutions. Yet her ability to enact meaningful change will depend on overcoming the ideological divisions she has fostered and building consensus across the aisle.

While Lujan Grisham’s newly found crime focus is interesting, given her years-long attacks on New Mexicans’ constitutional rights, her strategy of sidelining moderate voices in favor of a far-left agenda in elections has undercut her ability to rally broad support for critical reforms. 

New Mexicans need action, not political posturing, to ensure safer communities. Whether the governor can deliver on her promises or remains mired in partisan deadlock will define her final chapter in office. However, the ball is entirely in the Democrats’ court, and if they fail to produce results, it is entirely on them — especially since they hold the governorship and wide majorities in both chambers of the legislature.

As MLG enters her last 60-day session, Dem infighting likely to sink crime agenda Read More »

What Dems don’t want you to know about their bloated $10.8B budget ask

State lawmakers unveiled a record-high $10.8 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2026, a budget that includes higher starting salaries for teachers, an average 4% pay increase for state employees, and over $3 billion in one-time expenditures. This marks a 5.7% increase over the current year’s budget. However, a closer examination reveals concerns about the long-term implications of this level of government spending, as highlighted by the Rio Grande Foundation’s analysis.

“New Mexico is in the best financial situation it’s ever been in its history,” said Sen. George Muñoz (D-Gallup), chair of the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC), during a press briefing. Muñoz emphasized that the budget aims to invest in priorities such as education, healthcare, and job opportunities for future generations. Yet, critics argue that such spending perpetuates an unsustainable trajectory.

The budget’s $10.8 billion in recurring spending is slightly below Democrat Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s $10.9 billion proposal. Additionally, while the LFC’s recommendation calls for a 4% raise for state employees, the governor’s plan includes a smaller 3% increase. Differences also exist in reserve levels, with the LFC maintaining reserves at 33% compared to the governor’s 34.2%.

The Rio Grande Foundation raised concerns about the broader implications of the spending spree. With $900 million in new revenue and $13.4 billion in general fund revenue available, the Foundation criticized the lack of focus on returning surplus funds to taxpayers. “Whether the money is spent now or allocated to one of our State’s permanent funds, it is going to be spent by government,” the Foundation noted. The question, they argue, is whether average New Mexicans and businesses will benefit from this surplus.

Despite the enthusiastic rhetoric from lawmakers, the Foundation’s analysis highlights that this budget reflects a growing government at the expense of direct relief to taxpayers. “The Democrats have grown government and mostly NOT shared the wealth with average New Mexicans,” the Foundation’s critique states, pointing to recent electoral success as a driver for this trend. They caution that taxpayers may once again be “left out in the cold,” especially with no tax cuts included in the bill.

Democrat House Speaker Javier Martínez lauded the budget’s focus on affordability, safety, and healthcare access, calling it “a guide and driving force of the entire session.” Similarly, Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth described the spending plan as an “extraordinary opportunity” for investment. However, the Rio Grande Foundation’s perspective suggests a need for restraint and an emphasis on fiscal responsibility.

The proposed $3 billion in one-time spending includes $1.7 billion for endowments and funds, as well as new initiatives such as a “behavioral health trust fund.” While these initiatives aim to address immediate and long-term needs, critics argue they sideline opportunities for direct tax relief. “Taxpayers should have a say in how surplus funds are utilized,” the Rio Grande Foundation posits, urging lawmakers to prioritize returning money to the people who generate it.

As New Mexico’s financial position remains strong, questions about how to balance investment in public services with taxpayer relief will shape the upcoming legislative session. With a budget described by some as a “responsible investment” and by others as a “missed opportunity,” the debate over spending priorities continues.

What Dems don’t want you to know about their bloated $10.8B budget ask Read More »

Why this major NM practice will no longer deliver babies at Presbyterian Hospital

In a major shift impacting hundreds of patients, Women’s Specialists of New Mexico has announced it will no longer deliver babies at Presbyterian Hospital. The move, according to Dr. Jean Valdez of Women’s Specialists, is driven by the need to prioritize the physical and mental health of their physicians, who are already stretched thin.

“We can no longer stretch our physicians to cover two hospitals,” Valdez explained. “We have to take both the physical and mental wellbeing of our physicians in mind and can’t stretch them out too far.”

Currently, the practice operates with nine physicians providing 24-hour OB coverage. To meet the demand, they would need to double that number—an unachievable goal given the state’s severe shortage of medical professionals. Valdez highlighted several contributing factors to this crisis, including New Mexico’s medical malpractice laws, tax policies, and low Medicaid reimbursement rates.

This announcement underscores the broader healthcare challenges facing the state. New Mexico has long struggled with recruiting and retaining medical professionals, a situation exacerbated by rural geography, high crime rates, and a struggling education system. These systemic issues, coupled with the economic realities of practicing in the state, have created what many describe as a “crippling shortage” of doctors and other healthcare providers.

On the same day as this announcement, Democratic leaders in the Legislature revealed their plans to address the healthcare provider shortage. The proposed measures include housing subsidies and mandates for specific nursing ratios. However, critics argue these initiatives fail to address the underlying policy issues highlighted by experts like Valdez.

State Rep. Eleanor Chavez (D-Albuquerque), a key proponent of the plan, claimed, “Corporate greed is a driver of the [health care] crisis.” However, this explanation has faced significant pushback. Observers point out that the challenges in healthcare stem from deeper structural issues, such as the third-party payment system, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement policies, Obamacare regulations, and burdensome occupational licensure requirements. New Mexico’s poor economic climate and historically high crime rates further complicate efforts to attract and retain healthcare workers.

Critics argue that while Democratic leadership acknowledges the problem, their approach does little to address the core barriers preventing medical professionals from choosing New Mexico. As one analysis from the Rio Grande Foundation notes, “Democrats don’t want to address what the EXPERT says is the issue which involves fundamental policy change. Instead, they’d like to blame ‘corporate greed’ and do nothing.”

The decision by Women’s Specialists reflects the real-world consequences of these systemic issues. Without significant reforms to address malpractice laws, economic incentives, and the broader challenges facing healthcare providers, New Mexico’s doctor shortage is likely to persist, leaving patients and providers to bear the burden.

Why this major NM practice will no longer deliver babies at Presbyterian Hospital Read More »

Heinrich claims energy in NM is ‘affordable’ due to Green New Deal

During the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s confirmation hearing for Energy Secretary nominee Chris Wright, Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico asserted that the state has achieved “affordable and reliable” energy. This statement has drawn criticism, given the significant rise in energy costs experienced by New Mexicans in recent years.

Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that residential electricity prices in New Mexico have increased notably. In 2019, the average retail price was approximately 9.47 cents per kilowatt-hour. By 2023, this figure had risen to 11.22 cents per kilowatt-hour, representing an increase of over 18%. This upward trend has placed a financial strain on many residents, with more than 25% of New Mexicans reportedly struggling to pay their energy bills.

Furthermore, statistics indicate that New Mexico energy prices are up over 60% since 2019, with the latest Census data showing more than one out of four New Mexicans struggle to pay their energy bill.

Critics argue that policies such as New Mexico’s Energy Transition Act (ETA), also known as the state’s Green New Deal, aimed at shifting the state towards renewable energy sources, have contributed to these rising costs. The ETA, enacted in 2019, sets ambitious goals for renewable energy adoption, including a transition to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045.

While the act aims to promote environmental sustainability, opponents contend that the associated costs of infrastructure development and the phasing out of coal-fired power plants have been passed on to consumers, leading to higher utility bills.

The confirmation hearing for Chris Wright, Liberty Energy’s CEO and Secretary of Energy’s nominee, also featured discussions on the nation’s energy policies. Wright emphasized the importance of an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, advocating for the expansion of nuclear power, liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, and the strengthening of the electrical grid to meet rising demand.

The hearing was not without contention. Senator Heinrich, along with other Democrat committee members, grandstanded over the expedited scheduling of the hearing, citing delays in receiving Wright’s financial and ethics disclosure forms, although Wright’s personal wealth, which is estimated at around $200 million, must take much deliberate accounting to properly report to the Committee.

However, Heinrich’s comments downplaying New Mexicans’ struggles to afford energy in their homes and businesses rings insensitive, especially as Heinrich is reportedly considering running for the governorship in 2026, likely facing off against Joe Biden’s outgoing Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and possibly Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman. 

Heinrich claims energy in NM is ‘affordable’ due to Green New Deal Read More »

First serious GOP name ‘weighing’ 2026 NM governor run

​​Gregg Hull, currently serving his third term as mayor of Rio Rancho, is reportedly weighing the possibility of entering the race for the Republican nomination for governor of New Mexico. 

While Hull has not confirmed whether he plans to seek reelection as mayor in 2026, speculation is growing about his potential gubernatorial ambitions.

In an interview with the Sandoval Signpost, Hull acknowledged being approached about a run for the governor’s office.

“I’ve been approached by a lot of individuals to look at the possibility, and I’m currently weighing all of my options,” he shared.

Hull first entered the political arena in 2014 when he was elected mayor of Rio Rancho, the state’s second-largest city, after a long career in the private sector.

Sources within the Republican Party, speaking anonymously to the outlet, indicated that Hull is actively gauging support among party members for a campaign to succeed Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is term-limited and cannot seek reelection in 2026.

New Mexico Republicans face an uphill battle in statewide elections, having last won a statewide race in 2016 when Judith Nakamura secured reelection to the state Supreme Court. 

However, the GOP has previously seen success at the governor’s mansion, with Susana Martinez winning two terms before Lujan Grisham’s tenure.

On the Democrat side, Joe Biden’s lame-duck Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich are rumored to be considering campaigns for the governorship, with Haaland’s campaign set to start shortly following her ouster from the Interior Department.

First serious GOP name ‘weighing’ 2026 NM governor run Read More »

Raising kids in NM? Here’s why new report ranks it 50th for families

In WalletHub’s 2025 report ranking the best states to raise a family, New Mexico landed in last place out of 50 states, with an overall score of 32.40. 

The report, which analyzed 50 key indicators of family-friendliness, painted a concerning picture for families in the Land of Enchantment.

The report evaluated states across five dimensions: Family Fun, Health & Safety, Education & Child Care, Affordability, and Socio-economics. New Mexico scored poorly across the board, particularly in education and child care, where it ranked dead last at 50th.

This dimension considered metrics like public school quality, graduation rates, and child-care availability—areas where New Mexico continues to struggle despite the so-called “free” (taxpayer-funded) daycare passed by the Democrat-dominated Legislature, which currently has a $9 billion “trust fund.”

According to WalletHub, the state also ranks 47th in both Health & Safety and Socio-economics. Factors such as high crime rates, low median family income (adjusted for cost of living), and a significant percentage of families living in poverty contributed to these low scores. For context, the median family income in New Mexico is among the lowest in the nation, and families face substantial economic challenges.

Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, explained the broader challenges families face nationwide. “Raising a family has become significantly more expensive in recent years as the cost of living has risen quickly. In fact, it can cost a family well over $300,000 to raise a child to age 18, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In light of the expensive nature of being a parent and the responsibility it entails, it’s important to live in a city that is affordable while still providing quality health care, education, safety, and opportunities for enrichment,” Lupo said.

New Mexico also struggles with affordability, ranking 44th, and is noted for being a state where many families find it difficult to save for college or manage medical bills. Moreover, the state ranks 39th in Family Fun, reflecting limited recreational opportunities for children and families compared to higher-ranking states.

While New Mexico offers cultural richness and natural beauty, this report underscores the need for significant investment in public education, economic development, and public safety. 

Raising kids in NM? Here’s why new report ranks it 50th for families Read More »

Former Rep. Eliseo ‘Lee’ Alcon, 74, passes away

​​Eliseo “Lee” Alcon, a longtime legislator who had been battling liver cancer, resigned from his position in the New Mexico House of Representatives late last year after entering hospice care. 

According to House Democrats, he was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.

Alcon, a Democrat from Milan, was first elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives in 2009. 

Over 16 years, he became a powerful advocate for veterans. He served as the chair of the Consumer and Public Affairs Committee and the Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee.

A military veteran himself, Alcon served as a combat medic in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, earning a Bronze Star for his valor and commitment on the battlefield.

In a heartfelt statement, House Democrats expressed their grief over Alcon’s death. “We are tremendously saddened by the loss of our esteemed colleague and dear friend Eliseo. During his 16 years in the House, Rep. Alcon was a tireless champion for his western New Mexico community and our service men and women. We deeply appreciated the warmth, kindness, good humor, and dedication he brought to the Roundhouse.”

The statement continued to highlight his achievements, adding, “Rep. Alcon’s legacy will live on through the historic victories he achieved for veterans and their families, New Mexico workers, and our environment. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his beloved wife Darlene and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandson.”

Former Rep. Eliseo ‘Lee’ Alcon, 74, passes away Read More »

Piñon Post’s John Block joins RGF’s Paul Gessing to preview 2025 legislature

Piñon Post publisher and state Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo) joins the Rio Grande Foundation’s Paul Gessing for an episode of “Tipping Point New Mexico” to discuss what to expect during this upcoming 2025 Legislative Session and what is expected to come up the pipeline.

Block has overseen the Piñon Post since its inception as “John For New Mexico” in 2016 and its official launch as the Post in 2020 — marking five years of constant reporting in the state.

Watch Gessing’s interview with Block by clicking below

Piñon Post’s John Block joins RGF’s Paul Gessing to preview 2025 legislature Read More »

Dems’ 2025 legislative preview: Alcohol tax hike, woke policies, CYFD neglect

As New Mexico’s legislative session nears, Democrat lawmakers are championing a slate of policies under the guise of public safety and behavioral health. However, these proposals threaten to harm the very communities they claim to help, deepen government dependency, and distract from pressing issues like the long-standing crisis within the Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD).

Alcohol Tax Hikes: A Step Toward Modern-Day Prohibition

Democratic lawmakers are once again pushing for higher taxes on alcohol despite evidence that such policies disproportionately harm the state’s poorest residents. The latest “hybrid” proposal seeks to combine increased wholesale taxes with a new 12% retail tax, which would drive up prices across the board, particularly for consumers in low-income brackets. Proponents, such as House Speaker Javier Martínez, D-Albuquerque, argue the move will reduce alcohol-related deaths, yet similar measures have historically failed to achieve meaningful results.

Raising alcohol prices effectively punishes responsible consumers and mirrors the prohibition-era mindset of legislating personal behavior. Instead of addressing root causes like addiction treatment and education, Democrats are targeting taxpayers to fund their schemes, diverting attention from solutions that could empower individuals rather than penalize them. This approach not only burdens working families but also risks fueling an underground market for alcohol, exacerbating the very public health crises lawmakers claim to solve.

Woke Behavioral Health Plans Masquerading as Public Safety

House Democrats have also unveiled plans to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into so-called behavioral health initiatives, framing them as public safety measures. These initiatives include providing state-funded housing, food, and other unmentionables for individuals battling addiction under the guise of “managed alcohol programs.” Such policies, popularized in Canada, enable addiction rather than confront it, creating a cycle of dependency where the government perpetuates, rather than alleviates, suffering.

Instead of enforcing accountability and implementing meaningful reforms to tackle crime and addiction, Democrats seem intent on expanding the welfare state. Public safety measures should focus on holding offenders accountable, protecting communities, and addressing the root causes of crime—not subsidizing destructive behaviors at taxpayers’ expense.

Democrat Inaction on CYFD: A History of Stalled Reform

While pushing these controversial policies, Democrats have failed year after year to address the critical failings of CYFD. This embattled department, responsible for safeguarding New Mexico’s most vulnerable children, has been plagued by allegations of mismanagement and systemic dysfunction. Efforts to establish an independent Office of the Child Advocate to oversee CYFD have repeatedly been blocked by Democratic lawmakers, who appear more concerned with protecting the status quo than ensuring transparency and accountability.

House Speaker Javier Martínez’s admission that CYFD is “broken” rings hollow when Democrats continue to stymie reform efforts. Their opposition to creating an independent ombudsman’s office, which would provide critical oversight, underscores a lack of political will to prioritize children’s safety. Instead of fixing CYFD, lawmakers are content to throw more money at the department without addressing its structural issues.

Misplaced Priorities and Empty Promises

Democratic lawmakers tout their agenda as a path to progress, but their policies reveal a disconnect from the real needs of New Mexicans. From punitive alcohol taxes to misguided behavioral health programs and a glaring failure to address CYFD, Democrats are doubling down on big-government solutions that hurt the most vulnerable and leave systemic problems unaddressed. It’s time for leadership that prioritizes practical, effective solutions over ideological posturing and political expediency.

Dems’ 2025 legislative preview: Alcohol tax hike, woke policies, CYFD neglect Read More »

Scroll to Top