New Mexico

WATCH: UFC champ Jon ‘Bones’ Jones, an ABQ resident, gives Trump title belt

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Jon “Bones” Jones, who lives in Albuquerque, retained his UFC world heavyweight championship by defeating Stipe Miocic with a technical knockout Saturday night, then paid tribute to President-elect Donald Trump, who was seated ringside. Moments after ending the fight with a spinning back kick to Miocic’s ribs, Jones broke into Trump’s signature dance, thrilling a pro-Trump crowd at Madison Square Garden.

With the crowd roaring its approval, Jones pointed to Trump, who responded with a smile and a thumbs-up gesture. During his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Jones expressed his gratitude, saying, “A big, big thank you to President Donald Trump for being here tonight,” igniting even louder cheers. Jones then led the crowd in a spirited “USA! USA!” chant, emphasizing, “I’m proud to be a great American champion. I’m proud to be a Christian American champion.”

Following the interview, Jones approached Trump, who was seated with a group that included Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Kid Rock, Vivek Ramaswamy, and singer Jelly Roll. Jones presented Trump with his UFC title belt, a symbolic gesture that drew enthusiastic applause. Trump responded by inviting Jones to visit the White House when he assumes office as the 47th President of the United States.

While Jones hinted at the possibility of continuing his fighting career, Miocic, now 42, announced his retirement in a conversation with Rogan. Miocic leaves behind a Hall of Fame-worthy career as one of the most accomplished heavyweight fighters in UFC history. Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time, now boasts a record of 28-1 with one no contest.

Trump’s presence at Madison Square Garden marked a triumphant return following his recent electoral victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. The crowd erupted as he entered the arena with his star-studded entourage, prompting Rogan to remark, “If people at home could hear the sound in this room right now. It is so loud! It’s always loud when he comes in, but now that he’s won [the election], now that he’s the president again, oh my God!”

Throughout the evening, Trump witnessed numerous high-profile bouts, including a co-main event where Charles Oliveira defeated Michael Chandler by unanimous decision. Chandler, a Trump supporter, also exchanged words with the president-elect after his fight, adding to the night’s electric atmosphere.

WATCH: UFC champ Jon ‘Bones’ Jones, an ABQ resident, gives Trump title belt Read More »

‘Resist’: Bitter lame-duck Gov. Lujan Grisham makes Trump a promise

36 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Following President-elect Donald Trump’s landslide electoral vote and popular vote victory, his plans to implement strong border policies, including stricter immigration enforcement and mass deportations, have elicited panicked reactions among New Mexico Democrats, namely lame-duck Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is term-limited and cannot run for reelection in 2026.

Trump’s policies, which prioritize cracking down on illegal immigration and enhancing border security, are viewed by many supporters as a way to restore law and order. 

Gov. Lujan Grisham pledged to resist Trump’s efforts to carry out mass deportations, labeling them as divisive and contrary to New Mexico’s values. 

She said to the Santa Fe New Mexican, “We’re going to resist like all of the Democratic states, and I think some Republican states might,” adding, “Their [National] Guards will not be deployed to do that. Police cannot be deployed to do that … because this is a federal issue, requires federal resources, so we’re not allowed to do that, and we’re not going to start now.”

She claimed, “A little bit like the border wall, I’m skeptical that they can actually execute that, but I take this administration at its word that their intentions are to create these sort of harsh, divisive efforts, that they will try.”

Lujan Grisham was a surrogate for failed Democrat presidential candidate Kamala Harris, hoping to pick up a cabinet post, all of which has now disintegrated to dust since Trump’s win.

Despite her criticism, proponents of Trump’s policies argue that previous lax enforcement and border security gaps under the current administration have left New Mexicans vulnerable. They highlight the need to enforce immigration laws to protect communities and curb illegal crossings.

Trump’s proposed actions focus on targeting illegal aliens who commit crimes, with a priority on enhancing public safety. Former ICE Director Tom Homan, appointed as the administration’s border czar, a position currently held by failed Democrat nominee for president Kamala Harris, stressed that the approach would not be indiscriminate but targeted at individuals posing a threat. “It’s going to be a targeted enforcement operation,” he said, emphasizing safety over sweeping raids.

Trump’s border policies also include enhancing cooperation with state governments on drug interdiction and other security measures, as highlighted by Lujan Grisham herself. While she and other Democrat leaders criticize these efforts as extreme, supporters maintain that they reflect a commitment to protecting New Mexicans from the dangers posed by drug trafficking and unchecked illegal immigration. They view resistance from Democratic leaders as a politically motivated obstruction that disregards the need for law and order.

As New Mexicans prepare for the changes ahead, Trump’s strong border policies proponents believe they are essential steps toward a safer state and country, arguing that a secure border benefits all citizens by promoting stability and reducing crime, especially in a border state.As noted in our previous reporting, Democrats’ resistance to Trump’s administration could come at the cost of billions in federal aid to the state, which is currently the second-most dependent state following only Alaska.

‘Resist’: Bitter lame-duck Gov. Lujan Grisham makes Trump a promise Read More »

NM House Dems, GOP elect new leadership ahead of upcoming session

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On Saturday, House Republicans and House Democrats elected new leadership in their respective caucuses ahead of the 2025 Legislative Session, which begins on January 21st.

House Democrats again tapped Speaker Javier Martínez of Albuquerque as their nominee for the speakership, current Whip Reena Szczepanski of Santa Fe as their new majority floor leader, after Leader Gail Chasey of Albuquerque announced her retirement and did not seek reelection to the House.

Rep. Dayan “Day” Hochman Vigil of Albuquerque was chosen as the Democrats’ new whip, keeping Chairman Raymundo Lara of La Mesa as the caucus chair. 

On the Republican side, the House GOP tapped Rep. Gail Armstrong of Magdalena, the current caucus chair, to be the minority leader, following Rep. Rod Montoya of Farmington, who chose not to run for reelection to the position. Armstrong is the first female GOP New Mexico House leader in history.

Republicans chose to keep current Whip Alan Martinez of Bernalillo as the minority caucus whip, while former Rep. Rebecca Dow, who recently reclaimed her seat in the House after running for governor, has been restored as caucus chair after previously holding the position.

As the January 60-day legislative session rolls upon us, it is unclear what changes the new leadership will make, regarding decorum, strategy, or way of conducting business in the House.

With both sides elevating relatively new legislators to many of the leadership positions, it remains to be seen if the chamber will continue in its same trajectory, which — at least for the Democrat majority — has veered further and further to the extreme left. 

NM House Dems, GOP elect new leadership ahead of upcoming session Read More »

State House Speaker Martínez claims NM is ‘Trump-proof’ — Is it?

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With President-elect Donald Trump set to re-enter the Oval Office in January, New Mexico’s Democrat political establishment is gearing up for what many expect to be a contentious clash over policies. According to WalletHub, the state is the second-most federally reliant state, behind only Alaska. 

Unlike California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has called a special legislative session to strengthen state protections against federal policy rollbacks in fear of the incoming Trump administration, New Mexico’s Democrat House Speaker Javier Martínez has dismissed the need for any “showboating,” which could benefit conservatives worried over the state taking yet another far-left, aggressive turn. In a recent interview with KUNM, Martínez proclaimed the state already “Trump-proof.”

Martínez’s Posturing vs. Policy Reality

Martínez, known for his far-left stance, has quickly positioned himself as a vocal critic of Trump’s anticipated agenda. Yet, critics argue that the House Speaker’s rhetoric masks a deeper lack of preparedness and policy vulnerability. While Martínez asserts that New Mexico’s existing statutes protect key issues such as abortion access and climate initiatives, skeptics question whether those measures will hold against a resurgent federal administration committed to rolling back progressive policies.

Bold Claims vs. Practical Challenges

During his KUNM interview, Martínez took swipes at Newsom’s special legislative session, suggesting it was more about presidential ambitions than policy substance. “Gavin Newsom is running for president…so he can showboat all he wants,” Martínez remarked, attempting to contrast his own “pragmatic” approach to governance. 

Abortion and the Border

Despite his assurances, Martínez’s stance on abortion up-to-birth policies remains a flashpoint. New Mexico’s abortion policies that allow on-demand abortion for any reason at any time in pregnancy, while permitted in statute, are not enshrined in the state constitution. Martínez brushed off concerns about bolstering constitutional protections, stating, “I think we’re good.” 

Further, while Martínez maintains that New Mexico does not coordinate with federal immigration authorities, the absence of a “sanctuary state” law allows federal officials to help alleviate the border crisis by carrying out mass deportations against criminal aliens residing on New Mexico soil. 

Trump-Proof?

In discussing potential threats to state-funded programs under the Democrats’ partisan “Inflation Reduction Act,” Martínez claims that New Mexico’s Legislature would seek to protect jobs and investments tied to federal funds. While Martínez makes grand declarations, it remains to be seen whether he can back them up with real policy action. If the state refuses to comply with the federal administration, the state could lose out on billions of dollars. 

USAFacts notes that in Fiscal Year 2021, New Mexico received $14.3 billion in federal aid. On a per-resident basis, New Mexico received approximately $6,748 in federal funding, meaning the state is extremely reliant on the federal government — and attacking the incoming administration will not serve the state’s Democrat leaders well. With a fully Republican Congress, it appears to be the worst-case scenario for New Mexico leaders, such as Martínez, to attack Trump, his administration, and the GOP leaders in Congress.

WalletHub notes, “New Mexico is the second-most federally dependent state, in large part because it receives a huge amount of federal funding compared to the taxes that residents pay. For every $1 paid in taxes, New Mexico gets $3.26 in federal funding. Around half of the other states get less than $1 in federal funding for every tax dollar.”

The outlet adds, “Federal funding makes up a large share of New Mexico’s revenue as well, at around 47%, and more than 3.5% of the Land of Enchantment’s workforce is employed by the federal government. Both of these rates are among the highest in the country, proving that New Mexico’s economy owes a lot to the federal government.”

New Mexico’s Path Forward

As the incoming Trump administration readies its agenda, New Mexico stands at a critical juncture. Martínez’s proclamation of a “Trump-proof” state may serve as a rallying cry for far-left legislators and Democrat Party loyalists, but it appears to be an empty boast, throwing red meat at his politically leftist base. 

State House Speaker Martínez claims NM is ‘Trump-proof’ — Is it? Read More »

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. ‘takes MLG’s dream job’

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In a surprising turn of events, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), a position that New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham had previously aspired to under the Biden administration. 

Rio Grande Foundation chief Paul Gessing wrote on X, “RFK takes MLG’s dream job.”

This development underscores the shifting dynamics in U.S. health policy leadership and highlights the political recalibrations following the recent presidential election to a shift away from the status quo of Washington elites.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer and prominent vaccine skeptic, has been a controversial figure in public health discussions. His nomination to lead HHS has elicited mixed reactions. Supporters commend his advocacy for transparency and reform in health agencies, while critics express concern over his stance on vaccines and public health measures. 

Kennedy’s appointment aligns with President-elect Trump’s inclination to include unconventional figures in his administration, reflecting a broader strategy to challenge established norms in health policy.

Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham had been considered a leading candidate for the HHS secretary role during Joe Biden’s transition in 2020, for which she extensively lobbied. Her sordid background includes serving as New Mexico’s health secretary and tenure in Congress, along with her dealings in New Mexico’s shady high-risk insurance pool, of which she profited handsomely. 

Despite her active role as a surrogate for Biden on the campaign trail, Lujan Grisham was not selected for the position in the Biden administration.

The recent election, in which President-elect Trump secured 312 electoral votes, has crushed all likelihood of Lujan Grisham attaining the HHS secretary position. 

Her close association with the Harris campaign and her alignment with far-left Democrat health policies, such as abortion up-to-birth, contrast sharply with the incoming administration’s direction, which is independent of the establishment. This political shift underscores the challenges Democratic leaders face in securing key federal positions under Trump’s conservative administration.

The nomination of Kennedy over Lujan Grisham highlights the divergent health policy philosophies between the two administrations. While Lujan Grisham has advocated for on-demand abortions and “Medicare for All,” Kennedy’s views on vaccines and health agency reforms suggest a potential departure from traditional public health strategies. 

As the Senate prepares for confirmation hearings, Kennedy’s nomination doesn’t appear to have received as much pushback as other nominees, such as Trump’s choice for attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida. His previous statements and positions on public health issues will likely be central to the discussions, influencing the confirmation process. 

However, the one thing that is clear is that Lujan Grisham won’t get anywhere near the federal administration of a Democrat president and certainly nowhere near the Department of Health and Human Services.

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Human skulls and a 2019 disappearance: The chilling Jal, NM case

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Authorities in Lea County, New Mexico, are investigating a chilling discovery of human remains near the town of Jal, with evidence that could potentially link the remains to a missing persons case dating back to 2019. The investigation began on November 5, when a local resident contacted the Lea County Sheriff’s Office after an unusual and unsettling experience.

The resident had given a ride to a man who allegedly made “alarming statements” and, during the ride, discarded items from the vehicle — some of which appeared to be human bones.

Following this encounter, deputies conducted a search around the man’s location and a nearby convenience store, uncovering fragments later confirmed by a pathologist to be human remains. The investigation intensified when officials discovered the man had been staying on a property rumored to be associated with human remains. After searching this property the following day, authorities found additional bone fragments.

The case took an even more disturbing turn on Saturday, November 9, when another search revealed evidence pointing to “10–20 human skulls.” While initial reports suggested the presence of intact skulls, officials clarified that they had found fragmented skull bones, which could represent remains from approximately 10 to 20 people.

According to KOB News, an NBC affiliate in Albuquerque, the bone fragments are being analyzed to help with identification and to determine whether there is a connection to any known missing persons cases.

Sheriff Corey Helton noted that investigators are focusing on a potential link to Angela McManes, who vanished in 2019 and was last known to live near the property currently under investigation. “Authorities are working diligently to determine the connection between the remains and McManes, as well as other possible victims,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. Sheriff Helton reassured the public, stating, “I know our viewers are concerned, but I can tell you, we don’t have a serial killer walking around.”

While no charges have been filed yet in connection to the remains, the man is currently being held in jail on an unrelated charge. According to reports from KOB, the man claimed that someone had purchased the skulls from an online source, and officials are now working with an anthropologist to verify this claim. The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the Lea County Sheriff’s Office.

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NM SOS accuses Piñon Post editor of threats for asking about voter ID

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In a strange turn of events, far-left Democrat New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver accused state Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo), the editor and founder of the Piñon Post, of making threats and harassing her via X, formerly Twitter, cooking up a conspiracy after he asked her about implementing voter ID in the state. She later declared she was going dark on the platform following backlash after she laughed at constituents about voter ID, changing her account “@NMSOSMaggie” to private, although the use of her title makes the page public — a violation of law, according to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Toulouse Oliver’s departure from the platform came shortly after the general election, during which she sought to share insights into election results and processes. However, she claimed that some of the backlash, including alleged threats and harassment, originated from Block, who did not make such threats.

During a legislative committee meeting, Toulouse Oliver accused unnamed members of the committee of contributing to the toxic environment online. Later, her office singled out Rep. Block, labeling him and Piñon Post a “frequent purveyor of false and misleading information” about elections. Block has been vocal in his push for voter ID laws in New Mexico and has criticized Toulouse Oliver’s stance against such measures.

“I wouldn’t say that he was like, the ring leader, but he was certainly getting in on the pile-on and, I think, helping to foment the anger and some of the nasty comments,” she said to one outlet.

In response, Block told the Santa Fe New Mexican, “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,” emphasizing that political debate should not be conflated with harassment. He further argued that Toulouse Oliver’s characterization of criticism as harassment reflects an attempt to silence dissent and control the narrative around New Mexico’s elections.

Toulouse Oliver, who has historically opposed voter ID measures, reiterated her belief that such laws are unnecessary. “That is a solution in search of a problem,” she said during the committee meeting, dismissing Block’s proposals as lacking evidence of widespread voter fraud.

The tension escalated after Toulouse Oliver shared that she would file a report with law enforcement regarding the threats she faced, which she said were “egged on” by Block’s rhetoric. Block countered by highlighting the lack of evidence directly tying him to any threatening behavior and called her allegations politically motivated. “The secretary of state is probably the biggest purveyor of propaganda, fake news, lies, and clearly orchestrated headlines to get attention,” he charged, framing her accusations as a tactic to deflect from genuine questions about election security.

Block’s criticism of Toulouse Oliver’s opposition to voter ID laws has resonated with many New Mexicans, particularly given polling that shows broad support for such measures, with Gallup finding 84% of Americans support the commonsense measure that upholds election security. 

While Toulouse Oliver maintains that her resistance stems from concerns about voter suppression, Block and his supporters see it as dismissing legitimate concerns about election integrity.

This clash highlights a broader debate on voter security in New Mexico. For Block, questioning election policies and advocating for voter ID is about protecting democracy. 

For Toulouse Oliver, such benign questions represent a dangerous incitement that threatens election officials, and it appears she is not open to the will of the people of New Mexico.

NM Sec. of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver laughs at constituents who want voter ID

NM SOS accuses Piñon Post editor of threats for asking about voter ID Read More »

Dem NM legislator tries to defend ‘gender-affirming care’ on kids

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In a recent Albuquerque Journal op-ed, Democrat New Mexico State Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil of Albuquerque defended the radical House Bill 7 (HB 7), asserting that it safeguards access to “reproductive and gender-affirming health care.”

The Democrat writes, “I have been blessed to know and raise two kids who happen to be transgender. They are adults now, but like all parents, I love and support my kids and want to protect them from harm, so I am deeply disturbed to see Republicans try to play political games with their health care and the health care of all children.”

She contends that the bill does not permit minors to undergo transgender surgeries without parental involvement and emphasizes the purported benefits of gender-affirming care, including the use of puberty blockers, which she describes as “safe” and “reversible.”

However, a critical examination of these claims reveals significant concerns:

Parental Consent and HB 7

Contrary to Rep. Hochman-Vigil’s assertion that HB 7 does not allow minors to receive transgender surgeries without parental involvement, the bill’s language raises questions about parental rights. The legislation prohibits public bodies from denying, restricting, or interfering with an individual’s access to reproductive or gender-affirming health care. 

The bill does not address parental consent for minors seeking such treatments. This omission shows that these public bodies must allow minors to access certain medical interventions without parental approval. Critics of the radical legislation argue that this undermines parental authority and involvement in crucial health decisions affecting their children.

Reversibility and Safety of Puberty Blockers

Hochman-Vigil describes puberty blockers as “safe” and “reversible.” While a few vague and biased studies suggest that the effects of puberty blockers can be reversed upon discontinuation, the long-term consequences remain uncertain. A 2020 review by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) concluded that the evidence for the effectiveness and safety of puberty blockers is of very low certainty. 

Additionally, concerns have been raised about potential impacts on bone density and future fertility, indicating that the characterization of these treatments as entirely safe and reversible may be overly simplistic.

Mental Health Outcomes and Regret Rates

The op-ed cites studies indicating that gender-affirming care reduces depression and suicide risk among transgender individuals. While some research supports these findings, other studies highlight complexities. For instance, a 2021 systematic review published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery acknowledged limitations, including the lack of long-term follow-up data on regret for said surgeries and treatments. Furthermore, a 2023 study published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy questioned the robustness of evidence supporting the Dutch protocol, a widely adopted approach to treating gender dysphoria in adolescents, suggesting that more rigorous research is needed to fully understand the outcomes of such interventions.

Medical Authority and Ethical Concerns

The Cass Review in the UK, an independent review of gender identity services for children and young people, highlighted the need for more comprehensive data and called for caution in the medicalization of gender dysphoria in minors. The review emphasized the importance of thorough psychological assessment and the consideration of less invasive interventions before proceeding with medical treatments.

Conclusion

While Rep. Hochman-Vigil’s op-ed aims to defend HB 7 and the provision of gender-affirming care, it is essential to critically assess the claims presented. The complexities surrounding parental consent, the safety and reversibility of puberty blockers, mental health outcomes, and the ethical responsibilities of medical providers necessitate extreme skepticism, especially since many of her claims are flat-out false. 

Dem NM legislator tries to defend ‘gender-affirming care’ on kids Read More »

These New Mexicans could be considered for posts in Trump admin.

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In the latest news surrounding potential appointments by President-elect Donald Trump to his administration, at least two prominent New Mexico figures, former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell and New Mexico Public Education Commissioner Sharon Clahchischilliage, are reportedly being considered by their supporters for major roles in a prospective Trump administration. Herrell, who represented New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, is seen by many as a strong contender for Secretary of the Interior, while Clahchischilliage has been floated as a possible director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Herrell, a staunch conservative and ardent Trump supporter, served one term in Congress after winning a hotly contested race in 2020 against an incumbent Democrat. Being Cherokee, she became the first Native American woman elected to Congress. Her campaign centered on issues such as border security, Second Amendment rights, and economic development for rural New Mexico. Despite narrowly losing her reelection bid in 2022, Herrell has remained a vocal figure in the state’s political landscape.

During her time in Congress, she championed policies that aligned with the Trump administration’s priorities, including reducing regulatory red tape on public lands, advocating for the oil and gas industry, and strengthening U.S. energy independence. Herrell’s support base believes her commitment to these issues makes her a strong fit to lead the Department of the Interior, which oversees vast swathes of public lands and plays a key role in energy policy. The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) manages approximately 34.72% of New Mexico’s total land area, equating to about 27 million acres out of the state’s 77.8 million acres.

Meanwhile, Sharon Clahchischilliage, a member of the Navajo Nation and the current New Mexico Public Education Commissioner, has garnered attention as a potential pick for director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Clahchischilliage has an extensive record of public service, including time as a state legislator where she focused on education, economic development, and tribal sovereignty. 

Throughout her career, she has consistently advocated for policies that empower Native American communities, including measures to enhance educational opportunities and improve healthcare access. Clahchischilliage’s relationship with Trump dates back to her tenure as a Republican state representative, where she supported his administration’s initiatives on tribal affairs and sought to collaborate on improving federal-tribal relations.

Courtesey photo via former state Rep. Sharon Clahchischilliage.

Both Herrell and Clahchischilliage have shown unwavering loyalty to the former president, championing his policies and defending his record. Their potential appointments reflect Trump’s continued influence in Republican politics and underscore New Mexico’s role in shaping his prospective administration’s leadership. As speculation grows, both figures remain key players to watch in any future Trump administration announcements.

It is unclear what other New Mexicans could be considered to serve in Trump’s second administration. However, there may be other folks from the Land of Enchantment considered. Comment below which New Mexicans you would like to see join the Trump administration.

Trump ally Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has launched a page on his website for Americans to nominate potential contenders to Trump’s cabinet called “Nominees for the People.” Citizens can nominate their favorite names to join the 45th and 47th President’s new administration.

These New Mexicans could be considered for posts in Trump admin. Read More »

30 counties shift right: Trump’s monumental NM breakthrough

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In the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump’s campaign saw notable gains in New Mexico, coming closer than any Republican candidate in decades to flipping the state.

Though Kamala Harris ultimately retained New Mexico by a margin of just 5.5 points, Trump’s performance showcased a dramatic shift, reflecting increased support from Hispanic and Native American communities as well as rural voters. Across 30 out of 33 counties, New Mexico experienced a noticeable rightward shift, giving hope to conservatives aiming for future victories.

Trump’s success was particularly evident in counties with large Hispanic and Native American populations. McKinley County, which is predominantly Native American, shifted 7 points toward Trump, marking one of the most significant movements. The impact of his outreach was consistent with national trends, as Politico noted: “The Trump campaign’s low-key efforts to court Native American voters appeared to have paid dividends. Across the map, in traditionally Democratic, predominantly Native American counties, Trump made noticeable inroads… New Mexico’s McKinley County saw an even bigger movement toward Trump.”

Counties with substantial Hispanic populations also leaned more toward Trump than in previous elections. Rio Arriba, Guadalupe, and Mora Counties all recorded 7-point swings to the right, demonstrating a growing conservative influence. Guadalupe County, for example, saw Trump capture 48% of the vote despite the area being heavily Democratic in registration, underscoring the shifting political landscape.

Notably, Trump’s gains were not limited to a few counties; he increased his vote share in 29 of the state’s 33 counties, showcasing broad-based appeal that transcended traditional GOP strongholds. Only three counties—Los Alamos, Sierra, and Union—saw a decrease in Trump’s support.

The top counties that shifted most toward Trump were McKinley, Rio Arriba, Guadalupe, Mora, San Miguel, Harding, Doña Ana, Socorro, Hidalgo, and Taos. These shifts indicate growing dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party’s grip in traditionally left-leaning areas and a potential path for Republican gains in future elections.

While Trump fell short of flipping the state, his substantial gains and the GOP’s overall momentum represent a historic opportunity for conservatives to turn New Mexico into a competitive battleground. This election was a hopeful sign that the state’s political landscape is evolving, offering new possibilities for Republicans in the years to come.

30 counties shift right: Trump’s monumental NM breakthrough Read More »

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