Veteran State Rep. Eliseo Alcon (D-Milan) of District 6 has officially resigned from his seat. His son and political consultant, David Alcon, confirmed the news, stating, “On Saturday, Rep. Alcon submitted his retirement application to PERA and his notice of retirement to the Legislature.”
Alcon formalized his decision in a letter to the New Mexico Secretary of State. The reason for his sudden departure is health-related, though the specific condition was not disclosed. Alcon will turn 75 in January, according to reports.
Official New Mexico House portrait of Alcon.
First elected in 2008, Alcon represented a two-county district comprising Cibola and McKinley in western New Mexico. He was re-elected to a ninth term in November, securing 59% of the vote.
Alcon’s career included work as an infirmary technician at the Kerr-McGee uranium mines and as a magistrate judge. He also served as a combat medic in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
As chairman of the New Mexico House Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee, Alcon championed veterans’ issues at the Roundhouse.
Following the news, state Sen. Pete Campos (D-Las Vegas) wrote on X, “Thank you Eliseo Alcon-a true statesman-for your unselfish/devoted years of service to your family-country-state. You’ve earned your retirement as a State Representative. NM is better because of your many contributions to improve our daily living. I wish you the best-Siempre!”
Thank you Eliseo Alcon-a true statesman-for your unselfish/devoted years of service to your family-country-state. You’ve earned your retirement as a State Representative. NM is better because of your many contributions to improve our daily living. I wish you the best-Siempre!♥️ pic.twitter.com/WXsbSeL7Gu
The Governor will appoint a replacement for Alcon’s seat, with nominations coming from the county commissions of Cibola and McKinley counties. It is expected that the seat will remain in Democratic hands, and possibly in the hands of his son, David.
New Mexico has ranked as the eighth-highest state for grocery bills in the U.S., according to a Visual Capitalist analysis mapping how much Americans spend on groceries across all states. Despite New Mexico’s relatively low cost of living compared to more expensive states like California, residents still face elevated food costs, with households spending approximately $286 per week—or around $1,144 a month—on groceries.
Nationally, grocery prices have surged significantly, with costs for “food at home” rising by 20% since August 2020, marking the steepest inflation since the 1970s, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. American households spend about $270 weekly on groceries, translating to $1,080 monthly, based on data sourced from the Census Bureau. Yet, the burden of food costs varies significantly from state to state.
Hawaii and Alaska top the list for the highest grocery expenditures, each surpassing $300 per week. The primary driver for these elevated costs is shipping; both states rely heavily on imports due to insufficient local food production, significantly inflating prices. Meanwhile, in high-cost states like California, residents spend roughly $298 per week on groceries, making it the third most expensive state for food shopping.
Interestingly, despite New Mexico’s lower overall living expenses compared to states like California or Washington, its residents still face substantial grocery bills. This puts the state among the top ten in terms of food costs, a situation that poses a considerable financial strain.
The analysis indicates that states like Mississippi, Arizona, and New Mexico, which are typically characterized by lower general living costs, still experience high food prices, reflecting a disproportionate burden on residents’ budgets.
The Midwest, in contrast, enjoys some of the lowest grocery prices in the nation, largely thanks to regional economies tied to farming and food production, which help stabilize costs. New Mexico’s position in the rankings highlights the complexity of food pricing trends in the U.S., where even regions with lower general living expenses can struggle with high grocery costs due to factors like transportation, supply chains, and inflationary pressures.
For further insights on food costs and how they impact different regions, visit the Visual Capitalist’s website to explore detailed data-driven charts.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has made headlines by vowing to defy President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportation plans, which she described as “unlawful.” Speaking on the matter, Lujan Grisham argued, “I don’t know how they undertake it… They’re not going to do it because we have no federal authority here,” asserting that such actions would exceed federal limits federal authority.
Her claim conveniently ignores the clear legality of enforcing immigration laws and deporting individuals who are in the country illegally.
This stance is not surprising given the governor’s track record of selective adherence to laws and standards. Lujan Grisham’s disregard for established rules is nothing new. In 2023, she issued a temporary order banning the carrying of firearms in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, citing a spike in gun violence.
The order was widely condemned as unconstitutional by a Joe Biden-appointed judge, with her own Attorney General Raúl Torrez refusing to defend it, stating it violated the Second Amendment Second Amendment. Critics labeled the move a blatant abuse of power, and courts swiftly blocked the order.
Her defiance of federal immigration law also comes against the backdrop of troubling scandals. In 2021, Lujan Grisham paid a former staffer $150,000 to settle allegations of sexual harassment. The staffer accused the governor of unwanted physical advances, an incident that undermines her frequent public claims to champion accountability and integrity around sexual harassment.
Additionally, her administration has been criticized for mismanagement of federal COVID-19 relief funds. Reports revealed that her office also used taxpayer dollars to purchase luxury items, including expensive groceries and alcohol, during the pandemic—a decision viewed by many as tone-deaf while businesses and residents struggled to stay afloat COVID-19 relief funds, while bread lines formed around the blocks of grocery stores due to her strict pandemic orders.
While Lujan Grisham claims Trump’s deportation plans are unlawful, federal immigration laws explicitly authorize the deportation of individuals residing in the country illegally. Her rhetoric conflates the logistics of implementing such plans with their legality, ignoring that deportations are firmly within the federal government’s jurisdiction. Furthermore, her assertion that states have no role in federal enforcement is a misrepresentation of cooperative efforts between states and federal agencies, such as ICE.
Critics argue that Lujan Grisham’s willingness to disregard the law when it suits her political agenda raises serious questions about what’s left of her credibility as she enters the lame-duck phase of her second and final term as governor. Her administration’s repeated controversies—from unconstitutional gun bans to ethical lapses and mismanagement of public funds—highlight a pattern of prioritizing political theater over the rule of law.
As Trump’s administration prepares to enforce immigration laws, Lujan Grisham’s defiance underscores a broader issue of state officials cherry-picking which laws they choose to follow. Her selective adherence to legal and ethical standards invites scrutiny, especially when it involves laws designed to protect the nation’s sovereignty and the rights of its legal citizens.
Emerge, a fringe “progressive” organization that aims to train and promote Democrat women for elected office, is rallying support following the 2024 election cycle, spotlighting leaders such as far-left Representative Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico’s First Congressional District. In a recent fundraising appeal, the group highlighted its commitment to building what it describes as a “firewall against MAGA Republicans in 2025 and beyond,” with Stansbury and other Emerge alumni taking center stage in this effort.
Stansbury, who has been part of the Emerge network since her entry into politics, exemplifies the organization’s goals of elevating far-left women to positions of influence at all levels of government. As a member of the Emerge Congressional Caucus, Stansbury and 12 other Emerge-trained lawmakers are positioned to play a key role in shaping national debates on a range of issues, from abortion up to birth to socialist government programs like “Medicare for All” and the Green New Deal.
“Emerge alums are on the frontlines of Congress and state and local governments, ready to act as a firewall to protect our most critical freedoms,” the fundraising email stated, emphasizing the group’s focus on attacking the conservative agenda.
The dark money organization (that is, a group that does not disclose its donor or sources of funding to the IRS or any public entity), which traces its origins to Vice President Kamala Harris’s early political campaigns, has steadily expanded its influence, with more than 550 alumni running for office in the recent election cycle. To date, approximately 70% of those candidates have won their races, strengthening Emerge’s footprint across legislative bodies and community boards, according to the email.
Screenshot of Emerge fundraising email.
The fundraising ask also underscored Emerge’s mission to recruit and train the next generation of far-left Democrat women, positioning itself as a critical player in the ongoing struggle over key issues. “Progress is not always easy, but at Emerge, we know what it takes: training to win,” the communication reads, emphasizing the group’s dedication to equipping these radicals with the cash needed to win elections and drive far-left policies on all levels.
As Emerge continues to expand its network, especially in New Mexico, which has a slew of graduates, the group’s focus on cultivating leaders in the vein of Stansbury is expected to shape policy and counter Republican influence, of which Republicans must be alert and grow their own recruitment arm — and fast. With their sights set on the battles of 2025 and beyond, Emerge alums aim to solidify their presence as a formidable force in American politics and keep New Mexico Democrat-controlled for years to come.
In a recent KRWGop-ed, Walt Rubel delivered a scathing critique of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s declining political influence, particularly over public safety legislation. He observed that the governor’s “attempts to arm-twist lawmakers” during last year’s special session backfired, leading to what he described as “an embarrassing rebuke” when lawmakers adjourned without action.
According to Rubel, Lujan Grisham’s hardline tactics have weakened her standing as she enters a “lame duck” phase of her tenure.
Rubel highlighted that, after failing to get what she wanted during a regular session, Lujan Grisham called for a special session despite warnings from her own party’s leaders. This approach, he argued, showcased a lack of consensus and strategic missteps.
“Lawmakers voted to wrap it up and go home as soon as they arrived,” Rubel wrote, underscoring the depth of her political miscalculation.
The op-ed also delved into broader public safety concerns, noting that while New Mexicans are desperate for crime solutions, Lujan Grisham’s confrontational stance risks alienating lawmakers.
Rubel warned that her “maximum pressure campaign will only make legislators more reluctant to pass public safety legislation that is needed.” He called for a shift in focus to pressing issues like bail reform and protections against repeat offenders who are incompetent to stand trial.
Rubel concluded by criticizing the state’s lack of political competition, pointing out that many legislative seats were uncontested, with incumbents often coasting to re-election without opposition.
As New Mexico approaches a critical 60-day session, he emphasized that the state’s ability to address key issues “is a lot easier to do with strong leadership from the governor’s office”—something he suggests Lujan Grisham now lacks.
For over a decade, New Mexico has operated under a federal waiver that has enabled able-bodied adults without children to continue receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as food stamps, even if they are not employed.
However, this provision is changing due to declining unemployment rates in certain parts of the state. As a result, individuals aged 18 to 54 who are single, have no dependents, and reside in Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Eddy, and Los Alamos counties, as well as within the San Ildefonso, Pojoaque, Santa Clara, and Laguna pueblos, will now need to demonstrate that they are working at least 80 hours per month to remain eligible for SNAP benefits.
This change reflects a broader effort to encourage workforce participation among individuals in their prime working years. According to data from the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC Report), New Mexico has persistently struggled with low workforce participation rates. By incentivizing able-bodied adults to engage in the workforce, even through a minimal requirement of 80 hours per month, the state aims to address broader socioeconomic issues, including poverty and underemployment.
Nevertheless, some leftist groups have opposed these new work requirements, arguing that they impose unnecessary hardships on vulnerable populations and fail to account for regional disparities in job availability.
“It can have a hugely negative impact we know for a fact that it has no relationship helping families find new jobs. Taking away food assistance, if anything, make people’s lives more precarious and more difficult to find good work,” said Sovereign Hager, legal director of the leftist New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty.
The Rio Grande Foundation emphasizes that a modest work requirement for SNAP recipients is not an unreasonable expectation. Encouraging greater workforce engagement, especially for those without caregiving responsibilities, aligns with efforts to improve New Mexico’s economic landscape.
As the Foundation and the LFC noted, boosting workforce participation rates among eligible individuals could significantly impact the state’s economic and social challenges. “It is simply outrageous that able-bodied working-age adults without children are not expected to work a mere 80 hours a month to receive SNAP benefits (regardless of where they live),” the Foundation states. Encouraging these individuals to seek employment not only reduces dependence on public assistance but also contributes to the overall productivity and economic health of New Mexico.
In a move that is raising eyebrows, New Mexico Sen. Ben Ray Luján’s campaign has issued a fundraising email supporting Pennsylvania Democrat Bob Casey, who continues to challenge his recent Senate election defeat.
The November 15, 2024, email, framed as a rallying call to ensure “every Pennsylvanian’s voice is heard,” urges supporters to split contributions between Casey and Luján to fund recount efforts in a tight Pennsylvania Senate race.
It reads, “Help us fund the fight in Pennsylvania’s critical Senate race. All eyes are on us, and we can’t back down from this fight. Split $5 between Bob Casey and Ben Ray Luján now to fuel our efforts.” Another November 12, 2024, email was sent to Luján’s list from Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), who had previously made a similar request.
“I’m not $#!ting you when I say this is the most important race in the country now. We cannot afford to lose another Senate seat. Bob Casey MUST be re-elected to stand up to Republicans and Donald Trump in the Senate,” yet another November 13, 2024, email read, signed by far-left Democrat strategist Bob Carville.
The race was called for Republican McCormick on November 7, 2024, by the left-leaning Associated Press.
This has drawn criticism from some who allege Democrats are attempting to undermine the election’s legitimacy by pushing to count ballots deemed invalid under state law.
With the Associated Press already calling the race for Republican Sen.-elect Dave McCormick, Casey trails by 26,000 votes—a deficit that triggered an automatic recount under Pennsylvania law. However, ongoing disputes center on the validity of thousands of mail-in ballots lacking required signatures or dates, which the Pennsylvania Supreme Court previously ruled must be excluded. Democratic officials in counties like Philadelphia and Montgomery have pushed back, arguing that such exclusions disenfranchise voters over clerical errors.
Sen. Bob Casey (middle) with former PA Gov. Tom Wolf (right).
Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia exemplifies this defiance, stating, “I think we all know that precedent by a court doesn’t matter anymore in this country,” as she supported counting ballots that state law disqualifies. Meanwhile, Republican officials, including McCormick’s team, accuse Democrats of flouting legal precedent to “steal” the seat, prompting a series of lawsuits to ensure disqualified ballots are not counted.
🚨🚨🚨#BucksCounty Democrat Commissioners violate the rule of law and ignore PA Supreme Court ruling!
Democrat Commissioners Diane Marseglia and Bob Harvie voted today to count illegal ballots, against PA Supreme Court ruling, in an attempt to aid former Senator Bob Casey.… pic.twitter.com/qAdFlVchmh
For Luján, whose own reelection campaign is on the horizon, his backing of Casey has drawn scrutiny. Critics argue that by aligning himself with efforts they deem to undermine valid election outcomes, Luján risks being labeled as supporting an “election denier.” Luján previously campaigned with the election loser in September. Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley called the situation “left-wing election interference that undermines voter confidence,” while Democrats defend their stance as protecting fundamental voting rights.
Previously, Luján attempted to corner Trump on claims that there were vast anomalies in the 2024 election, blasting President-elect Trump for “attack[ing] the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election,” claiming he “undermine[d] the democratic process.”
“Our democracy faces clear and present dangers posed by Republican-led state legislatures across the country,” Luján said in a 2022 floor speech, claiming that voter ID laws curtail “democracy.”
Interestingly, in the same speech, he also noted, “And only one archaic parliamentary measure prohibits all this progress: the filibuster. The filibuster does not increase deliberation in this chamber; it does not incentivize compromise. It stands in the way of progress. So, while some claim that amending the filibuster would further this country’s division: I disagree.”
This comes as Democrats are poised to attempt to use the filibuster to try and stop President-elect Trump’s Cabinet nominees, and it interestingly could be un-“archaic” in his eyes now that he is no longer in the majority party.
The financial appeal sent to Luján’s supporters portrays the recount as a critical battle, but it may also signal strategic risks for the senator. With his 2026 reelection approaching, his support for a contested recount could shape perceptions of his political priorities at a sensitive time. According to the most recent political indexes available, New Mexico’s U.S. Senate race leans three points toward Democrats, which is prime for the taking by Republicans.
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.
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.
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.
Meet our new leadership team! House Dems united today behind this incredible team of public servants on the heels of a consequential General Election, in which NM voters sent a strong Democratic majority back to the Roundhouse, despite significant Republican gains elsewhere. 💪🏽🗳️ pic.twitter.com/BCWLnvsVrB
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.
🚨LEADERSHIP UPDATE🚨
Rep. Gail Armstrong has been elected to serve as House Republican Leader.
She made history today as the FIRST woman elected to lead our Caucus.
A mother, grandmother, businesswoman, and rancher- she knows the grit it takes to fight for what’s right. pic.twitter.com/dDnfen4666
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.
🚨LEADERSHIP UPDATE🚨
Rep. Alan Martinez has been re-elected to serve as House Republican Whip.
A long-time fighter for New Mexico veterans and law enforcement, Rep. Martinez knows the battles worth waging and winning for our Caucus. pic.twitter.com/aNGPQLkt7X
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.
