News

Court says ‘no thanks’ to state’s bid to save 7-day gun waiting period

12 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A federal appeals court has declined to revisit its decision striking down New Mexico’s seven-day waiting period for most firearm purchases, leaving the law blocked while the state weighs its next move.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit denied a request from state attorneys to rehear the case before the full court, known as an en banc review. That request followed an August ruling by a three-judge panel that concluded New Mexico’s 2024 “Waiting Period Act” violates the Second Amendment.

The decision means the appeals court’s earlier ruling remains in effect, temporarily halting enforcement of the law, which required most gun buyers to wait seven days before taking possession of a firearm.

In a dissent accompanying the court’s refusal to grant a rehearing, Appeals Court Judge Richard E.N. Federico argued the panel’s decision disregarded what he described as serious public safety concerns tied to firearms regulation in New Mexico. Federico wrote that the law was enacted in response to high levels of gun violence and was intended to curb impulsive acts of violence and suicide.

Federico also warned that the ruling could create legal uncertainty within the Tenth Circuit, noting it may conflict with earlier appellate decisions upholding certain firearm restrictions in other states. He said the outcome could complicate how lower courts address future Second Amendment challenges across the region.

“This appears to be the first time the Tenth Circuit has struck down a firearms statute as unconstitutional under the Second Amendment,” Federico wrote, adding that the ruling could have “widespread ramifications” beyond New Mexico, as reported by the Albuquerque Journal.

The law at issue was signed in 2024 by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and applied broadly to firearm purchases statewide, with limited exceptions for concealed carry permit holders and transfers between immediate family members.

The case originated when two New Mexico residents challenged the law shortly after it took effect. A federal district court initially upheld the statute, but the plaintiffs prevailed on appeal. One of the challengers, Samuel Ortega, argued that the law imposed an indiscriminate waiting period even on individuals who pass background checks immediately, distinguishing it from other firearm regulations upheld in court.

In his dissent, Federico also cautioned against relying on potential future intervention by the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve the issue, warning that the absence of a rehearing leaves Second Amendment jurisprudence unsettled within the circuit.

The Tenth Circuit’s jurisdiction covers New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming.

Following the latest court action, New Mexico House Republicans issued a sharp rebuke of the governor’s gun control efforts.

“The courts just shut down the Governor’s gun control push…again. A federal appeals court refused to back Governor Lujan Grisham and told the lower court to suspend the 7-day waiting period while the case continues. Blaming law-abiding gun owners for crime isn’t just bad policy, it doesn’t hold up in court. Despite this ruling, will progressive lawmakers continue to pursue more of these unconstitutional gun control bills during the 2026 legislative session?”

For now, the seven-day waiting period remains unenforceable as the state considers whether to seek review by the U.S. Supreme Court or pursue other legal avenues.

Court says ‘no thanks’ to state’s bid to save 7-day gun waiting period Read More »

‘Democratic socialist’ challenges actual socialist Gabe Vasquez for CD2

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A self-proclaimed “democratic socialist” is attempting to unseat Rep. Gabe Vasquez from the left in New Mexico’s Second Congressional District, launching a primary challenge that has quickly drawn attention—and controversy—on social media.

Tom Wakely, a Vietnam-era Air Force veteran and longtime progressive activist now residing in southern New Mexico, has been actively promoting his congressional campaign on Reddit, particularly in the r/LasCruces subreddit. In a lengthy thread titled “democratic socialist runs for congress,” Wakely personally engaged with commenters, solicited ballot-access petition signatures, and leveled sharp accusations against Vasquez and pro-Israel advocacy organizations.

In one exchange, Wakely claimed that Vasquez is influenced by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), despite other users pointing out that Vasquez has never received direct AIPAC donations. After a commenter stated that “Gabe Vasquez has never received AIPAC money” and instead received support from J Street, Wakely responded by asserting that AIPAC conceals its influence through intermediary Democratic PACs. “One of the tactics AIPAC uses to disguise who they want to donate to is to make the donation to a Democratic PAC,” Wakely wrote, adding that “greater transparency in politics is sorely needed.”

The comments sparked pushback from multiple Reddit users, some of whom challenged Wakely’s framing of Jewish and pro-Israel organizations. One user noted that “not all Israeli orgs are AIPAC,” while another questioned whether Wakely and his supporters understood that Jews are an ethnic group, not merely a religious or political identity.

The discussion devolved further when a commenter stated, “I don’t support Zionists. Period,” and argued that they vote against “ALL religious groups and theocracy-leaning political options.” Another user replied bluntly: “You’re aware Jews are an ethnicity right?” Wakely did not publicly distance himself from those remarks within the thread.

Wakely’s campaign rhetoric goes well beyond criticism of Vasquez. On his campaign website and in Reddit comments, he openly and inaccurately labels Israel’s military actions in Gaza as “genocide” and accuses the Democratic Party of being complicit for continuing to support Israel. He has cited activist NGOs such as B’Tselem and has repeatedly attacked what he calls “Zionist organizations” for allegedly controlling U.S. foreign policy.

At the same time, Wakely positions himself as an “economic populist,” frequently quoting Democrat strategist James Carville to justify a dramatic shift leftward. In one Reddit post, Wakely cited Carville’s statement that “the Democratic Party must now run on the most populist economic platform since the Great Depression,” arguing that centrists like Vasquez are “part of the problem.”

However, Vasquez’s actual socialist voting record places him firmly within the far-left wing of the Democratic caucus. Since taking office, Vasquez has supported large federal spending packages, labor-backed legislation, climate regulations, and Democrat leadership priorities—positions that critics argue already align with socialist-leaning policy outcomes, even if he rejects the label. He has even repeatedly voted to deny protections for children from radical transgender ideology, even when a few in his own party in competitive seats, like the Second Congressional District, have disavowed it.

Vasquez has also been rabidly anti-Israel, even attending rallies at the Southern Border promoting open borders and trashing Israel, while standing arm-in-arm with pro-Palestinian terror organizations.

Several Reddit users openly questioned Wakely’s viability in a swing district. One commenter wrote flatly, “You can’t beat anyone.” Another said they would “hold my nose and vote for Vasquez if it’s him or a Republican,” reflecting concerns that Wakely’s rhetoric could jeopardize Democratic control of NM-02 in a general election.

Despite the skepticism, Wakely insisted in the thread that he could defeat both Vasquez and the eventual Republican nominee, claiming voters are “fed up with pro-business centrist politicians.” Yet even among sympathetic commenters, many indicated they would ultimately support Vasquez in November, regardless of the primary outcome.

As the 2026 cycle approaches, Wakely’s online presence underscores a growing ideological rift within the Democratic Party—one that pits self-identified democratic socialists against incumbents already voting for expansive government power, but viewed by activists as insufficiently radical. Whether that message resonates beyond Reddit remains an open question. 

At least two viable Republican candidates, as well as perennially losing candidates, have registered to run in the Second District, including veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. and Albuquerque Police Department, Greg Cunningham. Cunningham has the endorsement of U.S. Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Yvette Herrell, who formerly served the Second District in Congress for two years.

‘Democratic socialist’ challenges actual socialist Gabe Vasquez for CD2 Read More »

Governor releases budget proposal, including curious $1.5M UNM line-item

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham enters her final year in office, her Fiscal Year 2027 executive budget recommendation reveals a series of priorities that appear designed less for short-term needs and more for long-term policy entrenchment — most notably a $1.5 million appropriation to permanently endow a political science faculty position at the University of New Mexico.

In the opening narrative of the budget, Lujan Grisham frames the proposal as a capstone to her administration.

“I enter my final year in office with the same fundamental objective that guided my first — to improve the lives of all New Mexicans,” the governor writes. “It begins with this budget.”

Yet buried deep in the document is a line item that has drawn sharp scrutiny.

$1.5 Million for UNM Political Science

On pages 63–64 of the budget, the governor recommends $1.5 million purporting to be for “an endowed faculty position in the department of political science.”

Endowed faculty positions are not temporary grants. They are permanent, long-term investments that shape curriculum, research priorities, and institutional direction for decades.

The budget provides no explanation for why political science — rather than teacher preparation, nursing, engineering, or public safety — merits a seven-figure endowment, particularly as New Mexico continues to rank near the bottom nationally in education outcomes and public safety metrics.

The timing also raises questions. Lujan Grisham explicitly acknowledges that her administration is nearing its end, writing that the FY27 proposal reflects the values she intends to leave behind.

“This proposal reflects a commitment to responsible fiscal stewardship while continuing to invest in our people, communities, and future,” she states.

Critics argue that permanently funding an ideological academic discipline during a lame-duck year is less about stewardship and more about legacy-building.

Hundreds of Millions for Housing and Homelessness

The FY27 budget also doubles down on homelessness and housing initiatives, with large nonrecurring appropriations:

  • $65 million for statewide housing initiatives
  • $45 million for homelessness initiatives
  • $5 million for supportive housing linkages
  • $6 million over three years for Office of Housing operations

In addition, the capital section of the budget includes:

“$100 million for fairgrounds revitalization projects.”

While described broadly as revitalization, the fairgrounds funding is included alongside the administration’s housing and homelessness strategy, raising concerns among critics that public property could be repurposed into long-term housing or shelter infrastructure rather than temporary assistance.

Despite years of escalating spending, homelessness has worsened in Albuquerque and other urban areas, prompting questions about whether continued funding increases are producing measurable results.

Expanded Public Health and Social Programming

The Department of Health receives multiple nonrecurring appropriations, including:

  • $250,000 for long-acting reversible contraceptives
  • $1.5 million for vaccine purchasing and a vaccine marketing campaign
  • $1.24 million for a statewide dance program for low-income at-risk youth
  • $2 million for facilities operation and maintenance

While the administration frames these items as public health investments, critics note that several of the programs extend beyond core health services into behavioral and social policy.

“Free” Daycare

The budget also continues the governor’s heavy emphasis on early childhood spending, directing hundreds of millions of dollars to the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) across childcare assistance, pre-K, and early childhood programs. The budget proposal includes $160.6 million requested

This push comes despite the Early Childhood Trust Fund already holding roughly $10 billion, a balance even George Muñoz, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, has acknowledged is more than sufficient for long-term sustainability. Lawmakers have increasingly questioned why additional appropriations are needed when the trust fund alone can generate substantial annual revenue without further taxpayer contributions.

Regulatory and Environmental Expansion

The budget also includes significant nonrecurring funding for environmental regulation and planning:

  • $1 million for rulemaking, public engagement, and administrative hearings
  • $2 million for “circular economy” initiatives
  • $10 million for the River Stewardship Program

These items prioritize regulatory capacity and long-term environmental policy infrastructure rather than immediate cost relief for ratepayers.

Bureaucracy Growth Continues

Finally, the budget reflects continued growth in administrative offices, including increased funding for the Office of African American Affairs, as well as additional staffing and operational funding across multiple agencies.

While the governor emphasizes “shared values” and equity in her narrative, critics argue the budget expands government structures even as New Mexico families face rising costs and stagnant outcomes.

A Budget That Tells a Story

The FY27 executive budget totals $11.3 billion, a 4.6 percent increase over the previous year. But beyond the topline number, the details suggest an administration focused on embedding its priorities well beyond its tenure.

As lawmakers prepare to scrutinize the proposal, the $1.5 million political science endowment (permanent, unexplained, and ideologically loaded) may become a focal point in the broader debate over what kind of legacy this budget is meant to secure.

Governor releases budget proposal, including curious $1.5M UNM line-item Read More »

Feds indict 11 Tren de Aragua gang members in brutal ABQ murder case

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Federal prosecutors in New Mexico have unsealed a sweeping racketeering indictment against 11 alleged members and leaders of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, accusing the group of murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and firearms crimes carried out across New Mexico and beyond.

According to the indictment, the defendants are accused of operating Tren de Aragua (TdA) as a transnational criminal enterprise that used intimidation, brutality, and organized violence to maintain control, enforce loyalty, and generate profits through narcotics and human exploitation. Federal prosecutors allege the gang’s activities culminated in the kidnapping, interrogation, and execution-style killing of a victim inside an Albuquerque apartment in June 2024, followed by the disposal of the body in a remote desert grave.

Court records describe Tren de Aragua as an organization that “engaged in criminal activities, including murder, drug trafficking, robbery, human smuggling, and sex trafficking,” operating not only in New Mexico but across the Western Hemisphere. The indictment states the enterprise relied on violence to “preserve, promote, and protect the power, territory, and profits of the enterprise through intimidation and violence,” including murder and kidnapping.

Prosecutors allege that Henderson Yofre Mavo Finol, 39, and Adan Jose Ramirez Sanchez, 38—both Venezuelan nationals illegally present in the United States—served as leaders of the TdA enterprise. According to the indictment, the two directed subordinates to kidnap a victim identified as John Doe 1, who was lured to an apartment at the Peaks at Sandia View complex in Albuquerque. Once there, gang members allegedly restrained him, beat him with a firearm, and interrogated him during a conference call involving TdA leaders inside and outside the United States.

The indictment alleges that after questioning the victim about his loyalty and suspected ties to rival gangs, a TdA leader ordered his execution. Several defendants are accused of strangling the victim to death, photographing his body, and sending images to gang leadership to confirm the killing had been carried out as directed. Other defendants allegedly cleaned the crime scene, transported the body in luggage, and buried it in a remote area of New Mexico.

Federal prosecutors further allege the enterprise was deeply involved in drug trafficking, including cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, MDMA, ketamine, marijuana, and “tusi,” a synthetic drug mixture popular in Venezuela. Search warrants executed in Albuquerque allegedly uncovered firearms, extended magazines, ammunition, drug manufacturing equipment, and fraudulent immigration documents.

The indictment also details a separate armed confrontation in Aurora, Colorado, in August 2024, where rival groups exchanged gunfire, resulting in the death of a second victim.

If convicted, the defendants face penalties of up to life in federal prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison announced the case on behalf of the Homeland Security Task Force, which is operating under Executive Order 14159, titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The initiative directs federal agencies to dismantle foreign criminal gangs and remove violent criminal aliens from the United States.

The prosecution aligns with President Donald Trump’s renewed pledge to aggressively target transnational gangs like Tren de Aragua, which federal officials say have exploited weak border enforcement to flood American communities with drugs, weapons, and violence. Trump has repeatedly vowed to use the full power of federal law enforcement to dismantle cartel and gang networks operating on U.S. soil and to prioritize the removal of violent criminal aliens.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico with assistance from the Department of Justice’s Joint Task Force Vulcan and numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Federal officials emphasized that the indictment is an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Feds indict 11 Tren de Aragua gang members in brutal ABQ murder case Read More »

Yvette Herrell confirmed for major role in President Trump’s USDA

9 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

PIÑON POST EXCLUSIVE —Former New Mexico Congresswoman Yvette Herrell was confirmed Thursday night as Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Congressional Affairs, securing a key role in the Donald Trump administration as the U.S. Senate confirmed roughly 100 nominees in a late confirmation push in a 53-43 vote.

In an exclusive statement to the Piñon Post, Assistant Sec. Herrell wrote, “It’s a tremendous honor to be officially confirmed by the United States Senate, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me by President Trump and Secretary Rollins. I look forward to hitting the ground running in this position as we work to deliver on President Trump’s priorities for American agriculture!” 

Herrell, who represented New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District from 2021 to 2023, was confirmed following months of committee consideration. During her confirmation hearing in early November, her nomination was advanced by the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry on a 13–10 vote, reflecting partisan divisions but enough support to move her nomination to the full Senate.

The position places Herrell at the center of congressional relations for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one of the federal government’s largest agencies. USDA employs nearly 100,000 people nationwide and oversees major divisions including the U.S. Forest Service, rural development programs, nutrition assistance, agricultural research, and conservation initiatives. As assistant secretary for congressional affairs, Herrell will serve as a primary liaison between USDA leadership and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, helping shepherd legislation, budget priorities, and policy initiatives through Congress.

Herrell replaces Adrienne Wojciechowski, who stepped down in January after President Trump took office. The department is currently led by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, who has signaled a shift in federal land and agriculture policy under the Trump administration. During a June meeting of the Western Governors Association in Santa Fe, Rollins announced plans to repeal a rule that prohibits road construction and logging on roughly 91,000 square miles of U.S. Forest Service land, a move closely watched in Western states like New Mexico where federal land management plays an outsized role in local economies.

Herrell brings both legislative and policy experience to the post. During her tenure in Congress, she served on committees and caucuses focused on border security, energy development, agriculture, and rural issues. Representing a district that spans southern New Mexico—from Las Cruces to Carlsbad and the Permian Basin—Herrell frequently emphasized support for farmers, ranchers, oil and gas producers, and small businesses, while opposing what she characterized as federal overreach affecting land use and energy production.

Before her time in Congress, Herrell served four terms in the New Mexico House of Representatives, representing Alamogordo. Supporters argue her background positions her well to navigate the often-contentious relationship between Congress and federal agencies, particularly at a department as expansive and politically sensitive as USDA.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) praised the Senate’s confirmation efforts, highlighting the significance of filling leadership posts at the department. “The Senate confirmed a historic number of administration officials this year including 12 leaders to key USDA roles,” Boozman said in a statement. “We are eager to work together in support of farmers and a stronger rural America.”

“We are thrilled for Yvette and incredibly proud that she will continue representing New Mexicans at the federal level, just as she has done throughout her past,” said Republican Party of New Mexico Chairwoman Amy Barela following Herrell’s confirmation. “President Trump’s second term has already delivered unprecedented accomplishments, and with the addition of Yvette Herrell at USDA, I am confident that momentum will only continue. Her deep roots in Southern New Mexico give her a firsthand understanding of the agricultural, rural, and economic issues facing our state, making her exceptionally well suited to serve in this role.”

Herrell’s confirmation is being viewed by many Republicans as a notable return to federal leadership for New Mexico, particularly for southern New Mexico, which has long sought stronger representation in national agricultural and land management policy. With debates looming over forest management, rural development, nutrition programs, and federal land use, Herrell is expected to play a central role in advancing the administration’s priorities on Capitol Hill.

Yvette Herrell confirmed for major role in President Trump’s USDA Read More »

Darren White doesn’t hold back as NM National Guard exits Keller’s ABQ

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Former Albuquerque mayoral candidate and two-term Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White is sounding the alarm as the New Mexico National Guard prepares to leave Albuquerque—arguing that the city remains dangerously unsafe and that officials are declaring victory far too soon.

White reacted sharply on X to news that the Guard’s six-month deployment is ending, writing: “So, was it Mission Accomplished, or the election is over?” His comment cut to the heart of growing skepticism over whether Operation Zia Shield actually solved anything—or merely provided temporary political cover.

According to KOB 4, the National Guard deployment, which began in June and involved roughly 70 Guard members, officially concludes this week. The Guard was tasked with administrative and logistical support so Albuquerque Police Department officers could focus on patrols and arrests .

APD Chief Harold Medina said the operation achieved its limited goal but stressed it was never intended as a long-term fix. “The deployment helped free officers to do enforcement work,” Medina told KOB 4, adding that it exposed deeper, systemic failures within New Mexico’s criminal justice system .

City leaders point to improved crime statistics during the deployment, including a reported 34% decrease in homicides compared to this time last year, along with significant increases in arrests . Mayor Tim Keller defended the Guard’s presence, saying, “No one is saying this was a magic solution to our deep-seated problems,” but argued it helped APD .

Yet on the ground, Albuquerque continues to see shocking acts of violence—particularly along Central Avenue, the very corridor the Guard was meant to stabilize.

Just days before the Guard’s exit, Albuquerque Police charged 56-year-old Bernest Benjamin with open count murder after a fatal stabbing near the ART bus platform at Central Avenue and Louisiana Boulevard SE, according to detailed reporting by ABQ Raw . Investigators allege Benjamin followed the victim off a city bus and stabbed him in the chest in full view of witnesses and surveillance cameras. The victim collapsed and died in the roadway.

Even more troubling, ABQ Raw reports Benjamin is no stranger to violent crime. He previously pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter in 2019 and had been repeatedly released under New Mexico’s pretrial release system despite being classified as a high risk to reoffend . A warrant for violating release conditions was issued roughly 35 hours before the murder, raising serious questions about systemic failures.

Another incident underscores the city’s ongoing instability. According to ABQ Raw, police arrested 33-year-old Trevarius Money after he allegedly started a fire near a business on 3rd Street NW—setting cardboard ablaze to keep warm, which then spread and damaged the building . The property owner told police he has dealt with repeated fires caused by transient individuals. Despite prior arrests and a lengthy criminal history, Money was issued a criminal trespass notice rather than jailed.

Even Chief Medina acknowledged that Central Avenue remains in crisis. “Does Central look better? No,” he said, according to KOB 4, emphasizing that officers are arresting more people than prosecutors and courts can handle under current law .

White’s critique reflects what many Albuquerque residents feel daily: National Guard support may have improved paperwork and patrol capacity, but it did not fix the revolving-door justice system, unchecked homelessness, or violent repeat offenders roaming the streets.

As the Guard leaves and politicians tout statistics, real-world violence continues—fueling fears that Albuquerque is once again being left to fend for itself in a system many say is fundamentally broken.

Darren White doesn’t hold back as NM National Guard exits Keller’s ABQ Read More »

Cervantes has wild defense for blocking interstate medical compacts

19 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

PIÑON POST EXCLUSIVE — Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Joseph Cervantes, a Las Cruces Democrat and longtime trial attorney, is facing renewed scrutiny after the Albuquerque Journal sharply criticized the failure of New Mexico to join interstate medical licensure compacts — and after Cervantes circulated a defensive, lengthy email attempting to explain away his role in delaying the legislation.

The medical compacts, which allow doctors and other licensed health care professionals to practice across state lines while remaining subject to state discipline, have been adopted by more than 40 states. New Mexico, which consistently ranks among the worst states in the nation for physician shortages, particularly in rural areas, remains on the sidelines.

While the Journal editorial focused heavily on trial lawyer–funded advocacy groups that refuse to support the compacts, Cervantes quickly emerged as the central political figure attempting to justify why New Mexico has failed to act.

In an email exclusively obtained by the Piñon Post sent broadly to critics — and copied to the entire Legislature — Cervantes argued that concerns over abortion, “gender-affirming care,” and legislative authority justified delays. He claimed that earlier versions of the compact would have allowed interstate commissions to supersede state law, stating that “any and all state laws… would be subordinate to Commission rules and policies.”

That assertion raised eyebrows among health care reform advocates, who note that dozens of states with widely varying abortion and health care laws have already joined the compacts without surrendering sovereignty. Cervantes conceded in his email that the compact commission has since agreed to accept New Mexico’s requested amendments — undercutting the rationale for continued resistance.

“I am optimistic we will see this compact passed,” Cervantes wrote, despite years of legislative inaction and stalled momentum.

Cervantes also claimed that compacts unfairly restrict a state’s ability to withdraw, writing that “New Mexico should not surrender the Legislature’s role,” and asserting that this provision is also being changed. Critics counter that interstate compacts routinely include withdrawal provisions and that New Mexico participates in many similar agreements without controversy.

Perhaps most striking was Cervantes’ argument that the compact may not significantly increase access to providers because New Mexico already enacted an expedited licensing law years ago — a law he acknowledged “has not been used much by doctors.”

That admission has fueled criticism that Cervantes is effectively conceding failure while arguing against the one reform most experts believe would actually work.

“Adoption of the Compact will no doubt be helpful to access healthcare and particularly by telemedicine,” Cervantes wrote — an acknowledgment that stands in direct tension with his years of hesitation.

Cervantes also pushed back against accusations that he blocked the legislation, insisting he scheduled hearings and that the bill passed his committee. However, reform advocates note that as Judiciary chair — and a plaintiff attorney whose industry benefits from the current malpractice system — Cervantes has wielded enormous influence over whether the legislation ever gained real traction.

The Journal editorial was blunt: silence and obstruction from trial lawyer–aligned figures have consequences. Families continue driving out of state for specialty care. Patients wait months for appointments. Rural hospitals struggle to recruit doctors.

Cervantes closed his email by lamenting that the issue has been “oversimplified for mass consumption,” adding that it “doesn’t fit on a bumper sticker.”

But for New Mexicans unable to find a doctor, the issue is not abstract or academic — and increasingly, patience with excuses appears to be running out.

Cervantes has wild defense for blocking interstate medical compacts Read More »

Duke Rodriguez latest Republican to jump into race for governor

9 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Duke Rodriguez, a longtime New Mexico healthcare executive and entrepreneur, officially launched his campaign for governor on Monday, entering the 2026 Republican primary with a message focused on management reform, government accountability, and fixing what he says is a “poorly run” state.

Rodriguez, who previously served as Secretary of the Human Services Department under Gov. Gary Johnson, framed his candidacy around real-world experience and a track record in restructuring large systems. Speaking from Albuquerque, he said New Mexico’s persistent struggles stem not from a lack of resources, but from failures in leadership.

“New Mexico is not a poor state. It’s a poorly run state — and families feel that failure every day,” Rodriguez said, adding that his roots in the state and professional background shaped his decision to run. “I grew up here, built my career here, and raised my family here. I know what it means to work in the fields and to work your way up.”

Rodriguez began his professional ascent in the healthcare sector, eventually becoming Chief Operating Officer of Lovelace Health System, then the state’s largest hospital network. In the Johnson administration, he helped design and implement major changes to New Mexico’s Medicaid program. More recently, he founded Ultra Health, which grew into the state’s largest medical cannabis company, operating under some of the most complex regulatory and economic conditions in the industry.

Throughout his announcement, Rodriguez emphasized that New Mexico’s problems require hands-on problem solving, not political talking points. “I’ve led healthcare systems, reformed Medicaid, and managed large, complex budgets,” he said. “I understand the difference between promises and performance. New Mexico doesn’t need more slogans. It needs leadership that knows how systems actually work.”

He also signaled that his campaign will lean heavily on blunt, direct messaging — even when that approach risks criticism. “I respect voters enough to tell them the truth,” Rodriguez said. “You may not agree with everything I say, but I will never insult you with a kind lie.”

The candidate laid out several priorities he would pursue if elected, including rebuilding public trust in state government, improving health care access and affordability, increasing educational performance, tackling crime and homelessness, and addressing what he calls long-ignored fiscal threats — such as the state’s underfunded pension systems.

Rodriguez argued that Republicans will need to broaden their appeal to win in 2026. “If doing things the same way worked, Republicans would have won the Governor’s Office by now,” he said. He called for a coalition that includes independents, moderates, and working families who feel underserved by both parties. “Responsibility and results shouldn’t be partisan.”

He ended his announcement with a message directly to voters, pledging to spend the next year traveling the state and engaging in candid conversations. “I’m not asking for blind loyalty or blind donations,” Rodriguez said. “I’m asking you to run with me — to put people first, tell the truth, and make life in New Mexico better, not bitter.”The campaign launched the website www.RunWithDuke.com and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and X under the handle @DukeForNM.

Duke Rodriguez latest Republican to jump into race for governor Read More »

AG Torrez moves to crush private investment in NM energy sector

19 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez is once again flexing government power to interfere with private-sector investment—this time targeting the proposed sale of New Mexico Gas Company (NMGCO) to Bernhard Capital Partners, a private-equity firm seeking to purchase the utility for nearly $1.3 billion. Instead of welcoming capital that could modernize the state’s aging energy infrastructure, Torrez is urging the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) to either reject the sale outright or saddle it with a long list of regulatory conditions that would make any future investor think twice before doing business in New Mexico.

In a post-hearing brief filed this week, Torrez insisted the deal poses “real risks of higher rates, reduced transparency, and long-term financial instability,” claiming that regulators must deny the transaction unless it adopts sweeping state-directed mandates. His position mirrors a broader trend within New Mexico’s political leadership—treating private investment as suspect while expanding government control over utilities.

Torrez is calling for expansive new requirements: mandated low-income rate credits, PRC approval for utility asset sales, strict government oversight over internal IT and administrative systems, and the creation of a state-managed “severe weather reliability fund.” He frames these as consumer protections, though New Mexico’s heavily regulated utility environment has already produced high energy costs and slow modernization—problems unlikely to be solved by more bureaucracy.

Meanwhile, Bernhard Capital Partners has pledged more than $87 million in benefits for customers and communities, including $22 million in customer credits, millions in charitable investments, and funding for economic development and workforce initiatives. Rather than acknowledge these commitments, Torrez continues to portray the firm as a threat based largely on ideological opposition to private ownership.

Torrez’s intervention follows a familiar pattern. For years, progressive officials and advocacy groups have opposed private-sector involvement in New Mexico’s energy landscape, insisting that government supervision—despite its failures—is the only acceptable model. His latest filing shows no willingness to consider that private capital could improve service quality, infrastructure reliability, or economic development.

The PRC will now review filings from all parties before issuing a final decision. At stake is whether New Mexico moves toward modernization through private investment or remains locked in a stagnant, government-dominated system that has struggled to keep pace with regional energy needs. Torrez’s aggressive posture suggests he is more interested in expanding regulatory power than improving outcomes for the 549,000 customers who rely on the state’s largest natural gas provider.

AG Torrez moves to crush private investment in NM energy sector Read More »

Medina just gave ABQ a preview of four more years of Keller—and it’s not pretty

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller secured a third term Tuesday night, defeating Republican challenger Darren White in a closely watched runoff election that laid bare deep divisions over public safety and governance in the city. 

Within hours of the election’s conclusion, Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina ignited fresh controversy by posting a message on the official Albuquerque Police Department X account addressed to White: “@darrenPwhite guess I get to retire on my own terms. Have a good life.” The terse post struck many observers as an inappropriate use of an official law-enforcement channel to comment on an election outcome. 

White, a former Bernalillo County Sheriff who ran on a platform centered on restoring law and order, did not hold back in his response. “While you’re using your city Twitter account to spike the political football — too bad the driver you recklessly crashed into and left with permanent, life-changing injuries, doesn’t get to retire on his own terms,” White wrote in a reply that quickly circulated online. His comment revived longstanding criticism of Medina’s leadership and questions about accountability. 

Medina’s social media conduct has drawn fire before. City leaders and residents have previously complained about posts perceived as unprofessional or combative from APD’s X presence, leading to public reprimands from City Council members who said the behavior strained relations with the community. 

The flashpoint over Medina’s conduct comes amid continued scrutiny over a February 2024 crash in which the police chief ran a red light while responding to what he said was nearby gunfire, striking another vehicle and critically injuring the driver, Todd Perchert. An internal investigation found Medina failed to activate his body camera and did not safely operate his vehicle, resulting in letters of reprimand placed in his personnel file. 

Perchert’s life was dramatically affected: the crash left him hospitalized and undergoing significant recovery. A civil lawsuit filed against Medina and the City of Albuquerque alleges that the chief’s actions were reckless and caused severe harm — a suit that a judge recently reinstated for further hearings. 

Critics argue that Keller’s embrace of Medina after the collision helped embolden the chief’s unchecked behavior. In the immediate aftermath of the crash, Keller publicly portrayed Medina’s actions as heroic, a characterization that drew ire from residents and watchdogs who saw the incident as negligence, not valor.

For White and his supporters, the tweet controversy underscores their broader critique of Keller’s leadership. Throughout the election, White hammered Keller for what he described as a permissive approach to homelessness, crime, and enforcement that left Albuquerque feeling unsafe to many residents. Polling and debate coverage showed public frustration with violent crime rates and social disorder, even as Keller cited statistical declines in certain categories. 

As Keller prepares for another four-year term, questions about public safety, accountability, and the tone of official communications will likely remain at the forefront of Albuquerque politics. But one thing is clear: Keller is refusing to fire Medina.

Medina just gave ABQ a preview of four more years of Keller—and it’s not pretty Read More »

1 2 3 4 5 6 … 246
Scroll to Top