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New study ranks the best states for doctors — What about NM?

7 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As National Doctors’ Day approaches on March 30, a new report from personal finance website WalletHub ranks New Mexico among the worst states in the nation for physicians, highlighting ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining medical professionals in the state.

WalletHub’s 2026 report on the Best and Worst States for Doctors placed New Mexico 45th overall, putting it near the bottom nationally. The rankings evaluated all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 19 key metrics, including physicians’ average annual wages, hospitals per capita, malpractice insurance costs, physician burnout rates, and the quality of each state’s public hospital system.

While family physicians earn an average annual salary of around $238,000 nationwide, the WalletHub study suggests that financial opportunity alone does not determine where doctors choose to practice. Instead, the report found that working conditions, insurance costs, and healthcare infrastructure play a major role in determining which states are most attractive to medical professionals.

According to the report, the top 10 best states for doctors in 2026 are Montana, Indiana, Louisiana, South Dakota, Minnesota, North Dakota, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Many of these states ranked highly due to lower malpractice insurance costs, strong hospital systems, and higher average wages when adjusted for cost of living.

By contrast, the worst-performing states were Vermont, Maryland, Oregon, New Mexico, Illinois, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and New York. New Mexico’s low ranking reflects long-standing issues in the state’s healthcare system, including doctor shortages, rural access challenges, and high malpractice insurance costs, which have been cited by medical professionals as barriers to practicing in the state.

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said that where doctors choose to practice can have a major impact not only on their own financial success but also on patient outcomes and access to care.

“Setting up a practice in one of the best states for doctors can have a profound effect on your medical career,” Lupo said. “Not only will you be working in top-quality medical facilities and earning high salaries, you’ll be less likely to burn out, and pay less for malpractice insurance. Meanwhile, residents living in one of the best states for doctors will have access to quality healthcare at a reasonable cost.”

The report also highlighted several key national comparisons. Louisiana has the highest average annual wage for surgeons when adjusted for cost of living—three times higher than in the District of Columbia, which has the lowest. Mississippi has the lowest number of physicians per 1,000 residents, while the District of Columbia has the highest. Nebraska has the lowest annual malpractice liability insurance rates, at more than eight times lower than rates in New York, which are the highest in the country.

New Mexico’s low ranking comes as the state continues to struggle with physician shortages, particularly in rural areas, and as policymakers debate changes to malpractice laws, healthcare funding, and medical education programs aimed at keeping more doctors in the state.

The WalletHub report notes that states with strong hospital systems, lower insurance costs, and better working conditions tend to retain more medical residents and experience lower physician burnout rates—factors that ultimately improve healthcare access for residents.

The full WalletHub report, including methodology and state-by-state rankings, is available on the organization’s website.

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All the times NM Dems praised alleged sexual predator Cesar Chavez

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

For decades, leading New Mexico Democrats have openly celebrated and elevated Cesar Chavez as a civil rights icon—praising his legacy in speeches, social media posts, official resolutions, and public events. But as serious allegations about Chavez’s past, including being a pedophile and rapist, resurface and gain wider attention, those glowing tributes are now drawing renewed scrutiny, including by his second-in-command, Dolores Huerta, who now claims she birthed multiple of his children after he raped her over 60 years ago.

From the governor’s office to members of Congress, party leaders across the state have repeatedly lauded Chavez in unequivocal terms. Below is a comprehensive look at the statements, posts, and actions from prominent New Mexico Democrats who have championed Chavez—raising fresh questions about judgment, accountability, and the narratives they continue to promote:

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Leftist protesters target Albuquerque icon over alleged ICE discount

25 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A well-known Albuquerque restaurant has become the center of a growing political flashpoint after a viral TikTok video sparked protests over claims that the establishment offers a discount to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

The controversy centers on the Frontier Restaurant, a longtime staple located directly across from the University of New Mexico campus. The restaurant, popular with students, locals, and visitors alike, has recently drawn criticism from fringe activist groups after allegations surfaced online that it extends a “military discount” to ICE personnel.

The backlash intensified after a TikTok video from extremist activist account @drlmc—reshared on X by the account @LongTimeHistory—encouraged followers to boycott the restaurant and protest its policies. The video claims that ICE agents frequent the restaurant and use it as a place to coordinate enforcement actions.

“They allow agents to sit inside for hours and plan how to kidnap neighbors,” one protester alleged in the video, without providing evidence. The TikTok post further urged viewers to reconsider patronizing the business, stating, “Choose where to spend your money—don’t be complicit!”

The video also included inflammatory rhetoric targeting ICE agents, with one protester declaring, “ICE are not military, they are federal goons.”

The claims quickly gained traction online, prompting a tiny gaggle of agitators to gather outside the Frontier Restaurant with haphazardly written signs. Protesters held them and chanted slogans criticizing both ICE and businesses perceived to support federal immigration enforcement.

Peter Rimar, Wiki Commons

Supporters of the restaurant argue that the backlash is misplaced and politically motivated. Many point out that businesses routinely serve members of law enforcement and government agencies without incident, and that offering discounts—whether to military, veterans, or other public servants—is a common practice across the country.

“Frontier Restaurant is beloved in New Mexico. Often, the first stop for people flying in. Do not think their business will suffer a bit. If anything, increase it,” wrote Paulette Lucas on X. 

The account @TDog73 added, “I normally don’t speak out for local businesses but the Frontier is now coming under attack by the useless dregs of our society. Who is with me on supporting them like they have never been supported before? Let’s flood their restaurant and laugh in the faces of the perennial losers. See you all on Saturday for lunch.”

“Frontier will now get all my disposable income, finally someone in New Mexico who actually supports the USA!” wrote Mario Avila on X.

The protest comes amid heightened national debate over immigration enforcement and the role of local communities in either supporting or resisting federal actions. Fringe activists have refused to take a somewhat objective approach, calling for ICE’s complete and total destruction, which would cripple public safety for New Mexicans and Americans.

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Holloman AFB shooting investigation deepens as officials release new details

2 Comments / New Mexico, News / By

A shooting at Holloman Air Force Base on Tuesday has left one person dead and another injured, according to an official release from the 49th Wing Public Affairs Office.

The incident occurred on March 17 near the base Shoppette, a commonly frequented area for service members and personnel. Authorities confirmed that one individual was pronounced dead at the scene, while another—an active-duty service member assigned to Holloman—sustained injuries and was transported for medical care. Officials report that the injured service member is currently in stable condition.

The deceased has been identified only as a civilian and military veteran who was previously stationed at Holloman Air Force Base. Their identity has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. Similarly, the name of the injured service member has not been disclosed due to privacy considerations.

Base officials emphasized that the shooting appears to have been an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the Holloman community or surrounding areas. Early findings from the investigation say that the shooting was “domestic related, but the individuals were not married.”

“The shooting… resulted in one person injured and another person declared deceased at the scene,” the 49th Wing Public Affairs Office stated in its release. “This was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to our community.”

Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting, including how the individuals were connected or what may have triggered the incident. The case remains under active investigation.

Officials are also urging the public to refrain from speculation, particularly on social media, as the investigation continues and families are notified.

“We ask that individuals avoid speculating on social media regarding the incident out of respect for the families involved,” the release stated.

The shooting has raised concern among residents and military families in the Alamogordo area, though base leadership has sought to reassure the public that the situation is contained and under control.

Holloman Air Force Base, home to the 49th Wing, plays a critical role in national defense and regularly hosts training operations and personnel from across the country. Incidents of this nature are rare on the installation.

More information is expected to be released as investigators continue to gather facts and piece together a timeline of events.

Holloman AFB shooting investigation deepens as officials release new details Read More »

Tight race looms in NM House District 53 as Luna and Silva face off

10 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A closely watched legislative contest is shaping up in southern New Mexico, where incumbent Democrat State Rep. Sarah Silva of Las Cruces is seeking re-election against Republican challenger Ben Luna of Chaparral in House District 53. The race is expected to be one of the more competitive contests in the state, following Silva’s narrow 158-vote victory in 2024.

Silva, completing her first term, has centered her campaign on economic stability, public investment, and expanding access to essential services. In a recent campaign video, she highlighted her work leveraging oil and gas revenues to fund housing assistance, universal childcare, and healthcare access. 

“We all deserve the freedom that living in stable, supportive communities provides,” Silva said, emphasizing her focus on strengthening communities amid what she described as uncertainty at the federal level. 

Silva’s campaign has also taken a more aggressive tone as the race heats up. In her video, she criticized Luna as a political newcomer and accused him of spreading misinformation during the previous election cycle, with direct instances not specified.

“The Republican who filed to run against me is a content creator who spread fake news and harmful lies during the 2024 election to try to help Republicans win,” she said. “Folks like that don’t plan on working hard for you or New Mexico, and we can’t let him win.”

Luna, on the other hand, is presenting himself as a grassroots advocate with deep ties to rural communities and a focus on property rights, water access, and economic opportunity. In a recent press release, Luna emphasized his hands-on involvement in assisting local families and ranchers facing regulatory challenges from state and federal agencies.

According to Luna, he has shown up “to help neighbors upon request,” including working with Otero County ranchers Spike and Kelly Goss in disputes with the U.S. Forest Service. He also cited past advocacy alongside Catron County ranchers Kit Laney and Carolyn Nelson in conflicts involving both federal land management and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Additionally, Luna pointed to efforts supporting rancher Arturo Martinez Sandoval in Cibola County regarding land access issues tied to state-controlled properties near the Juan Tafoya Land Grant.

“People in our communities care about jobs, safe neighborhoods, good schools, and keeping our way of life strong,” Luna stated in a recent press release. “Those aren’t partisan issues-they’re New Mexico issues.”

His message has resonated with voters concerned about government overreach, particularly in rural and agricultural communities.

“This campaign isn’t about left versus right. It’s about common sense. It’s about fairness. It’s about putting Doña Ana and Otero families first,” Luna said, adding, “I’m running for one simple reason: I care about our families and the life we’ve built here in Southern New Mexico.”

Luna has also received endorsements from state leaders, such as State Sen. Jay Block (R-Rio Rancho), reinforcing his positioning as a candidate focused on economic development, small business support, and defending traditional industries such as oil and gas.

“Ben Luna has been a strong advocate for the industries that power New Mexico’s economy and the small businesses that depend on them. He has consistently stood with ranchers, farmers, and the oil and gas workforce while defending our constitutional rights. I am proud to endorse Ben Luna Jr. for House District 53,” Sen. Block wrote in a statement.

The race highlights a broader contrast in priorities. Silva is emphasizing continued public investment, social services, and infrastructure development, while Luna is focusing on regulatory reform, individual rights, and support for rural economies.

According to the recent conservative-leaning CPAC rankings, Silva garnered a 28% rating. For comparison, far-left Rep. Angelica Rubio, also of Las Cruces, who is known for her progressive stances, garnered a 29% ranking. On balance, Silva received a 100% score from the progressive Conservation Voters New Mexico ranking for the current legislative session, keeping her 100% progressive lifetime score.

With House District 53, a quite moderate district encompassing a mix of urban and rural communities—including parts of Las Cruces and Chaparral—the outcome may hinge on turnout and which candidate can better connect with voters across those diverse constituencies.

Given the razor-thin margin in the last election and the heightened political environment in 2026, both campaigns are expected to invest heavily in outreach and organization in the months ahead.

Tight race looms in NM House District 53 as Luna and Silva face off Read More »

Toulouse Oliver campaigns off taxpayer-funded lawsuit to hide voter rolls

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver is facing renewed scrutiny after posting a campaign video on social media Monday in which she openly touted her role in suing the Trump administration—using taxpayer-funded resources—to block federal access to voter data.

In the video, Toulouse Oliver framed the legal battle as a defense of privacy and voting rights, while simultaneously tying the lawsuit to her ongoing campaign for lieutenant governor.

“I’m in a lawsuit against the current administration to make sure your private information, your birth date, your social security number, and your driver’s license number stay private,” Toulouse Oliver said in the video. “We are pushing back against the Trump administration… and as your next lieutenant governor I’m going to bring that fight with me to the fourth floor in Santa Fe.”

She concluded the message with a direct campaign appeal, asking viewers to “help support my campaign so we can continue to fight back.”

The remarks come amid an escalating legal dispute between Toulouse Oliver’s office and the U.S. Department of Justice, which has filed a federal lawsuit accusing her of unlawfully refusing to provide New Mexico’s statewide voter registration list.

As previously reported by Piñon Post, the DOJ’s request is not unusual or unprecedented. Federal law—including the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), and provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1960—requires state election officials to maintain and, upon request, provide records related to federal elections.

The DOJ’s complaint specifically cites federal statute requiring that election records “shall, upon demand in writing… be made available for inspection, reproduction, and copying.” According to federal officials, that includes voter registration data such as names, dates of birth, addresses, and identifying numbers used to verify eligibility.

Importantly, the DOJ has stated that such information is used strictly for election administration and oversight purposes and is protected under federal privacy safeguards. The agency also emphasized that the data requested is explicitly exempt from Privacy Act restrictions when used in this context.

Despite those assurances, Toulouse Oliver refused to comply with the request, arguing that New Mexico law prohibits the release of certain voter information. Federal officials, however, maintain that federal law supersedes conflicting state statutes.

The Justice Department alleges that her refusal constitutes a direct violation of federal election law and undermines efforts to ensure accurate voter rolls and election integrity.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated that states refusing to comply with federal election laws “interfere with our mission of ensuring that Americans have accurate voter lists… and that all voters have confidence in election results.”

Critics argue that Toulouse Oliver’s latest Facebook post reinforces concerns that the lawsuit is being used not only as a legal defense, but also as a political tool. By highlighting the case in campaign messaging and soliciting support, she appears to be leveraging an active, taxpayer-funded legal battle to energize her base ahead of the 2026 election.

Supporters of the Secretary, meanwhile, argue that she is protecting sensitive voter data from unnecessary federal intrusion and standing up for New Mexico’s autonomy in administering elections.

Still, the timing and tone of the video—blending official legal action with campaign rhetoric—raise ethical and political questions about the appropriate use of public resources and the line between governance and campaigning.

If the court ultimately sides with the DOJ, Toulouse Oliver could be compelled to turn over the voter data within days, potentially marking a significant rebuke of her legal position and her broader resistance to federal oversight.

For now, the case continues to unfold, with New Mexico once again at the center of a high-stakes battle over election transparency, federal authority, and the politicization of election administration.

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NM in national spotlight for secretly pushing trans surgery, abortions on kids

13 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico is once again drawing national scrutiny as multiple conservative national media outlets highlight policies and practices in the state involving late-term abortion access and gender transition support for minors. Recent investigative reports published by Life News and Townhall portray New Mexico as a national hub for permissive abortion laws and school policies that critics say enable gender transition support and reproductive services for minors without parental involvement.

The reports have sparked renewed outrage over New Mexico’s regulatory framework for abortion and the role of school-based health clinics in providing counseling and referrals related to gender identity and pregnancy.

National spotlight on late-term abortions

In a March 12 report, Life News highlighted an undercover investigation reportedly conducted by the New Mexico Sentinel involving a facility in Albuquerque. According to the report, undercover footage captured conversations with staff discussing the availability of abortions later in pregnancy — including on minors.

A worker at the Valley Abortion Group allegedly told investigators that the clinic performs procedures “up to 34 weeks… so technically there is almost no deadline,” according to the undercover recording cited by LifeSiteNews.

The outlet reported that New Mexico’s abortion policies allow the procedure “at all stages of pregnancy and placing few statewide restrictions on the procedure.” Critics quoted in the article argue that the state has become a destination for abortion seekers traveling from states with stricter laws.

Tara Shaver of Abortion Free New Mexico told the publication the investigation confirms concerns her organization has raised for years.

“New Mexico’s lack of oversight has created a system where abortion businesses can openly market to patients from other states — including vulnerable minors — while operating with minimal regulatory scrutiny,” Shaver said, according to the report.

LifeSiteNews further reported that advocacy groups believe New Mexico is becoming a regional center for what they describe as “abortion tourism,” citing networks that help patients travel to the state for procedures unavailable in their home states.

Schools and health clinics under scrutiny

Meanwhile, a series of reports by Townhall claims that school-based health centers across New Mexico are enabling access to reproductive services and gender identity support for students.

In a March 11 article, Townhall reported that “dozens of New Mexico public schools host in-house health clinics,” which critics say may allow students to seek services without parental knowledge.

According to the outlet, undercover footage allegedly captured a health clinic worker explaining how staff could intervene in a student pregnancy situation.

“I could call her out of class,” the worker reportedly said in a phone conversation regarding a student seeking help with a pregnancy. The article claims that an evaluation would be conducted and the student could then be referred to another provider to discuss pregnancy options.

Townhall also cited a counselor discussing gender transition issues for a young student and acknowledging concerns about medical treatments for minors.

The counselor reportedly said hormone treatments could be difficult to obtain for a young teen because “their brains are still developing” and the drugs “messes up their brain development.”

“Trans mania” allegations in schools

In a separate March 12 article, Townhall continued its investigative series, claiming that “transgender mania has swept schools across New Mexico, including ones that teach children as young as six.”

The report described undercover interactions with school staff discussing gender identity policies and counseling services.

One school counselor allegedly told investigators that a student “could go to whichever restroom she wants,” according to Townhall, while another worker said a student could meet with therapists during the school day.

Another staff member reportedly explained that the school clinic could not provide gender transition treatments directly but could connect students with providers elsewhere.

“Our agreement with APS is that we don’t do that kind of care,” the worker said in the video cited by Townhall, referring to surgeries and drug treatments, before noting that the clinic could refer students to other providers.

WATCH HERE:

Outrage Ensues

The reports have intensified criticism from pro-life organizations and conservative commentators who argue that New Mexico’s policies have turned the state into a national destination for controversial medical services that put women and children in harm’s way.

National coverage has once again placed New Mexico at the center of a contentious national debate over abortions, parental rights, and gender identity policies affecting minors.

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Experts warn: NM tax changes poised to make state even less competitive

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A newly signed New Mexico tax law is drawing criticism from tax policy experts, who warn it could weaken the state’s business climate and make it less attractive for investment.

In a March 11 analysis published by the Tax Foundation, Senior Policy Analyst Abir Mandal cautioned that Senate Bill 151, recently approved by the Legislature and signed into law, contains several provisions that could undermine New Mexico’s tax competitiveness.

Mandal wrote that the measure “contains elements that would make the state’s tax climate less competitive,” particularly by separating the state’s tax code from federal policies designed to encourage investment and economic growth.

One of the primary concerns highlighted in the analysis involves the law’s treatment of full expensing, commonly known as 100 percent bonus depreciation. Under federal tax rules, businesses can deduct the full cost of eligible investments—such as machinery and equipment—in the year those investments are made, rather than spreading deductions across several years.

According to the Tax Foundation, this policy plays a key role in encouraging capital investment and economic expansion.

“Full expensing enables companies to deduct the full cost of eligible investments in the year they are placed in service,” Mandal wrote. He noted that the policy helps “minimize distortions in investment decisions, counter the effects of inflation, and respect the time value of money,” all of which can contribute to stronger economic growth.

However, SB 151 eliminates New Mexico’s conformity with federal provisions under Sections 168(k) and 168(n) of the Internal Revenue Code, which currently allow businesses to immediately expense certain investments.

The Tax Foundation warns that by decoupling from those federal provisions, New Mexico may discourage businesses from investing in equipment and production facilities within the state.

The report also explains that while full expensing can reduce tax revenues in the short term during the transition period, the long-term fiscal impact is typically neutral because the policy simply changes the timing of deductions rather than eliminating them.

In addition to concerns about expensing rules, Mandal’s analysis points to another provision in the new law that involves international corporate income.

SB 151 requires companies to include net CFC-tested income (NCTI)—foreign earnings from controlled corporations—in New Mexico’s corporate tax base. While similar rules exist at the federal level to prevent profit shifting to low-tax jurisdictions, the federal tax code also allows companies to claim foreign tax credits to avoid double taxation.

New Mexico’s system does not offer such credits.

“This creates genuine double taxation on the same foreign income, harming U.S.-based multinationals relative to their international competitors,” Mandal wrote in the Tax Foundation report.

The analysis also notes that New Mexico previously declined to conform to federal Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) provisions. Mandal described that earlier decision as “a fiscally sound stance that did not seek to tax income earned outside the United States.”

By including NCTI in the state tax base, the new law expands the taxation of foreign corporate income and could increase tax burdens on companies with international operations.

The Tax Foundation also warns that multinational corporations may respond by restructuring their business operations in ways that reduce their exposure to New Mexico taxes—such as shifting sales attribution or invoicing through affiliates in other jurisdictions.

Although taxing foreign income generally produces only modest revenue for states, the report suggests it can disproportionately impact large companies and the types of firms that policymakers often seek to attract.

“Innovative firms driving economic expansion” could face higher tax burdens under the policy, Mandal wrote.

New Mexico currently ranks roughly in the middle of states overall in the Tax Foundation’s 2026 State Tax Competitiveness Index, though its corporate tax structure performs somewhat better than average.

According to Mandal, the changes enacted in SB 151 could threaten that standing.

“SB 151, in its present form, deviates from the principles of sound corporate tax policy,” he wrote, warning that the law could leave New Mexico less competitive than states that continue to follow federal pro-investment tax policies.

Mandal concluded that policymakers should focus on policies that promote economic growth and investment in the state.

“Lawmakers should consider pro-growth tax policies that will help recruit and retain the next generation of New Mexico residents and businesses,” he wrote. “Unfortunately, SB 151 is a step in the wrong direction and could leave New Mexico less competitive, regionally and nationally, for some time to come.”

Experts warn: NM tax changes poised to make state even less competitive Read More »

Who’s running in 2026? NM filing day sets the stage for legislative battles

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Filing day for the 2026 primary election cycle took place Tuesday, March 10, locking in a wide range of candidates seeking seats in the New Mexico Legislature. With paperwork submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office by the afternoon deadline, dozens of state House races across the state are now set for both primary contests and general election matchups.

The filings reveal a mix of contested primaries, head-to-head general election races, and several districts where incumbents or candidates will face no opposition.

One of the most notable races is in State Senate District 33, where Democrat William Neil Griffin of Ruidoso filed to challenge appointed Republican Sen. Rex A. Wilson of Ancho. The district, which covers Lincoln County, will be closely watched as both parties attempt to gain ground in southern New Mexico.

In the New Mexico House of Representatives, several incumbents have filed for reelection, though many will face either primary challengers or general election opponents.

In House District 1 in San Juan County, Republican Rod Montoya filed for reelection. Nearby, District 2 will see Republican Mark Duncan on the ballot, while District 3 has Republican William Hall II seeking to hold the seat.

One of the most crowded Democrat primaries appears to be in House District 6, which spans parts of Cibola and McKinley counties. Multiple Democrats filed in the race, including David Alcon, Martha Garcia (the incumbent), Johnny Valdez, Priscilla Benally, and Leonardo Torrez. Republican Paul Spencer also filed, setting up the likelihood of a competitive general election once the Democrat primary is decided.

In House District 7 in Valencia County, Democrat Rickie Allen Gonzales II filed and will face incumbent Republican Rep. Tanya Mirabal Moya in November.

Another Valencia County race, District 8, will feature Democrat Katherine Joanna Gauer against incumbent Republican Rep. Brian Baca.

In McKinley County’s House District 9, incumbent Democrat Rep. Patricia “Patty” Lundstrom faces a Democrat primary challenge from Brandy Laughter, meaning voters will decide the nominee before the general election.

Several Albuquerque-area seats also feature competitive races. In House District 10, Democrat Andrés Romero will face Republican Christopher Crane. In District 12, Democrat Art De La Cruz filed and will run against Republican Steven Tafoya.

In House District 13, incumbent Democrat Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero will face Matthew E. Archuleta in the Democrat primary.

Other Bernalillo County races include District 17, where Democrat Rep. Cynthia Borrego will face Republican Stacey Rich, and District 21, where Democrat Rep. Debbie Sarinana will compete against Republican Robert Mason.

In the East Mountains area, House District 22 will again see a matchup between Democrat William “Bill” Scott and incumbent Republican Rep. Stefani Lord, setting up another partisan contest in the district.

Further north, House District 23 in Sandoval County will feature Democrat Elise Falanga Taylor against Republican Rep. Alan Martinez, who serves as the House Republican whip.

Several Albuquerque-area districts will also feature Democrat primaries. In House District 24, both Frankie McQuerry and incumbent Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson filed as Democrats. In District 27, Democrat Marian Matthews faces a primary challenge from Abby Foster, while Republicans Robert Godshall and Jahnell Garcia also filed, ensuring both parties will hold primaries.

In southern New Mexico, House District 32 in Luna County will feature Democrat Laura Parra against Republican Jenifer Jones.

In House District 33 in Doña Ana County, Democrat Micaela Lara Cadena faces a Democrat primary challenge from Ramona Martinez, while Republican Enrique “Kiki” Vigil filed for the seat. Another Democrat primary will take place in House District 34, where Juan Fuentes and Raymundo Lara both filed.

Additional southern New Mexico races include District 36, where Democrat Nathan Small will face Republican Julia Ruiz, and District 39, where Democrat Raul Turrieta will compete against Republican Luis Terrazas.

In Otero County, House District 51 will not see a contested race this cycle, with Republican incumbent John Block filing for reelection without opposition.

In House District 53, first-term Democrat Sarah Silva of Las Cruces, who is in a moderate seat, is being challenged by Republican Ben Luna of Chaparral.

Several Republican primaries are also forming in southeastern New Mexico. In House District 59 in Chaves County, Republicans Stephen Ryan Dodson and Mark Murphy both filed, meaning GOP voters will determine the nominee.

Another Republican primary will occur in House District 66, where Dan Lewis, Leanne Gandy, and Trinidad Malone all filed for the seat being vacated by Rep. Jimmy Mason.

Other uncontested Republican filings include Rebecca Dow in House District 38 (House GOP caucus chair), Gail “Missy” Armstrong in District 49 (House GOP leader), Angelita Mejia in District 58, Jon Henry in District 54, Cathrynn Brown in District 55, Harlan Vincent in House District 56, and Elaine Sena Cortez in District 62, among others.

With filing day complete, the candidate field is largely set ahead of the June primary election, where voters will narrow crowded races and determine each party’s nominees for the November general election.

Campaigns are expected to ramp up quickly in the coming weeks as candidates begin fundraising, organizing volunteers, and introducing themselves to voters across the state. Republicans currently hold 26 out of the 70 House seats, while Democrats hold the remaining 44. An increase in Republican legislators could shakeup the composition of legislative committees and secure more conservative legislative victories.

Who’s running in 2026? NM filing day sets the stage for legislative battles Read More »

Bregman barely clears threshold as Haaland dominates Dem convention

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Joe Biden’s ex-U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland secured a dominant share of support from Democrat Party insiders at the New Mexico Democrat Party’s pre-primary convention, easily defeating Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman in the race for the party’s gubernatorial nomination.

Delegate voting placed the far-left Democrat far ahead of her other far-left rival, with Haaland receiving more than 73% of the votes cast, while the anti-gun Bregman captured roughly 26%. Although the margin highlights Haaland’s strong backing among party delegates, both candidates cleared the required threshold to appear on the June 2 primary ballot.

Under New Mexico election law, statewide candidates must receive at least 20% of delegate support at their party’s pre-primary convention to automatically qualify for the ballot. Candidates who fall short can still gain access to the ballot by gathering additional voter signatures. Because both Haaland and Bregman surpassed the threshold, neither will need to pursue the petition route.

Haaland’s decisive showing means she will also receive the top position on the Democrat primary ballot, as convention results determine ballot order.

The Democrat Party held its gathering at the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero, where party activists and delegates met to determine which candidates would move forward to the primary election. Voting continued electronically for more than a day after the convention adjourned, allowing delegates who participated virtually to cast ballots before results were finalized and released.

Haaland, who previously represented New Mexico in Congress and later served as Interior secretary, has long been associated with the progressive wing of the Democrat Party. Her campaign has emphasized expanding government programs and advancing policies aligned with national Democrat leadership.

Bregman, while trailing significantly at the convention, attempted to frame the outcome as a reflection of party insiders rather than the broader electorate. His campaign indicated it plans to focus on reaching voters statewide rather than relying on internal party events.

The gubernatorial race is one of several Democrat contests this election cycle, though many statewide Democrat officials face little or no primary competition. Democrats currently hold every statewide office in New Mexico and have controlled those positions in recent election cycles.

In the Democrat contest for U.S. Senate, incumbent Sen. Ben Ray Luján received an overwhelming majority of delegate support. His challenger, Matt Dodson, failed to reach the 20% threshold required for automatic ballot access.

Several Democrat incumbents are running without primary opponents, including U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury, Teresa Leger Fernández, and Gabe Vasquez. Attorney General Raúl Torrez, State Auditor Joseph Maestas, and State Treasurer Laura Montoya are also unopposed in their party’s primary elections.

Another contested race took place for lieutenant governor, where Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver received the majority of delegate support. State Sen. Harold Pope Jr. also surpassed the threshold needed to qualify for the ballot.

The race for secretary of state featured three candidates. Santa Fe County Clerk Katharine Clark received the largest share of delegate support, followed by Doña Ana County Clerk Amanda López Askin. Former Veterans Services Department Secretary Sonya Smith did not receive enough support to automatically qualify.

Delegates also voted in the Democrat contest for state land commissioner. Juan De Jesus Sanchez III finished first among party delegates, with state Rep. Matthew McQueen securing second place. Jonas Moya did not receive enough support to meet the required threshold.

While Democrats gathered in Mescalero, Republicans held their own pre-primary convention very close by in the Ruidoso area. In the GOP gubernatorial race, Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull finished first among delegates, followed by businessman Doug Turner, with both qualifying for the primary ballot.

The pre-primary conventions provide an early snapshot of support among party activists, though the results do not always predict the outcome of the broader primary electorate. The June 2 primary election will ultimately determine which candidates move forward to the general election.

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