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

12 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

13 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

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.”

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

3 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

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.

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Bregman barely clears threshold as Haaland dominates Dem convention

25 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

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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Only two make the cut: GOP delegates narrow gov’s race ahead of June primary

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Republican and Democrat activists gathered in southern New Mexico over the weekend for their respective pre-primary conventions, marking a key step in shaping the candidate fields ahead of the June 2 primary elections. While Democrats met in Mescalero and continued tallying votes through the weekend, Republicans convened in nearby Ruidoso, where delegates made their preferences clear in several major statewide and congressional races.

The Republican Party of New Mexico’s pre-primary convention drew roughly 700 attendees, including delegates, guests, and volunteers. Nearly 450 delegates selected by county parties cast paper ballots for candidates running for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, commissioner of public lands, and the state’s three congressional districts.

Under New Mexico law, candidates must receive at least 20 percent of delegate support at the pre-primary convention to secure automatic placement on the party’s primary ballot. Those who fall short can still appear on the ballot by gathering enough petition signatures from voters.

In the closely watched Republican race for governor, Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull emerged as the clear frontrunner among delegates, receiving 239 votes and easily surpassing the threshold to qualify for the June primary. Businessman Doug Turner, who entered the race just weeks before the convention, also secured ballot access with 104 votes.

Three other gubernatorial hopefuls fell short of the required support. Duke Rodriguez received 39 votes, state Sen. Steve Lanier received 31 votes, and Jim Ellison received seven votes. While they did not qualify through the convention process, some may still pursue ballot access by gathering the required signatures.

In a statement following the convention, Republican Party of New Mexico Chairwoman Amy Barela praised the turnout and the party’s candidates.

“This weekend’s pre-primary convention proved that we have a group of outstanding candidates who will fight for the values New Mexicans care about,” Barela said. “The state of our party is incredibly strong. New Mexico Republicans are more unified than ever before, and we are committed to showing New Mexico voters why Republicans are worthy of their trust this November. It’s time we take our great state back.”

Delegates also weighed in on the state’s congressional races. In the Albuquerque-based 1st Congressional District, Ndidiamaka Okpareke received 98 votes, comfortably qualifying for the ballot and defeating Steve Jones, who received 16 votes.

In the southern New Mexico-based 2nd Congressional District, Gregory Cunningham secured a decisive victory with 114 votes compared to 17 for Jose Orozco. The margin gave Cunningham overwhelming delegate support and made him the only Republican candidate in that race to qualify through the convention process.

Following the vote, Cunningham highlighted the significance of the result.

“Proud to announce that our campaign won a decisive victory at today’s New Mexico GOP Convention with 87% of the vote,” Cunningham said in a statement. “Today’s results mean I am the only NM-02 candidate to earn qualification for the primary ballot and sends a strong message that Republicans are united and ready to take back our district in November.”

In northern New Mexico’s 3rd Congressional District, state Rep. Martin Zamora of Clovis received 167 delegate votes and qualified for the primary ballot as the Republican candidate expected to challenge Democratic U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández.

Republican delegates also selected a clear favorite in the race for lieutenant governor. State Sen. David Gallegos of Eunice dominated the contest with 278 votes, well ahead of Aubrey Dunn, who received 77 votes, and Manuel Lardizabal, who received 61.

Several other statewide candidates ran unopposed at the convention. Ramona Goolsby qualified for the ballot for secretary of state with 408 votes, Samuel Kane secured the attorney general nomination with 412 votes, and Michael Jack Perry qualified for commissioner of public lands with 414 votes.

Meanwhile, Democrats held their own pre-primary convention in Mescalero over the weekend. However, their voting process extended beyond the event itself, and official results were expected to be released Monday.

The conventions represent a critical milestone in New Mexico’s election cycle, as parties formally narrow the field and set the stage for competitive primary races ahead of the general election in November.

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Haaland brings national shame upon NM due to Epstein ties

26 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico is once again in the national spotlight for all the wrong reasons after a bombshell report revealed that Democratic gubernatorial frontrunner Deb Haaland once flew on a private jet connected to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

According to reporting by the New York Post, newly released emails show Haaland was among several passengers who traveled on the aircraft in 2014 while attending a meeting in Washington, D.C. At the time, Haaland was running for lieutenant governor as part of then–New Mexico Attorney General Gary King’s campaign.

The flight itself was reportedly chartered by King’s campaign, but emails uncovered in the reporting indicate that Epstein arranged access to the aircraft.

One email cited in the report allegedly asked Epstein about providing the plane for King’s travel, stating: “Please call Gary King when you have a moment… He said he was returning your call but also wanted to speak to you about possibly using your plane to get him from Santa Fe evening of Sept. 8 so he could make a breakfast in DC on Sept. 9.”

Flight documentation shows the aircraft was chartered by JEGE LLC, a company linked to Epstein and registered in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where Epstein maintained his infamous private island.

The revelation has sparked renewed scrutiny of New Mexico’s long and troubling connections to Epstein, whose activities in the state have been the subject of ongoing investigation.

Epstein, who pleaded guilty in 2008 to charges related to soliciting prostitution — including from a minor — later died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting federal sex trafficking charges.

Haaland’s campaign quickly sought to distance her from the disgraced financier, insisting she had no knowledge of the plane’s connection to Epstein.

“Deb never had any interaction with him and the way in which the plane was chartered was never communicated to her,” campaign spokesperson Hannah Menchhoff said in a statement to the New York Post. The spokesperson added that Haaland considers Epstein a “despicable predator” and supports investigations into crimes associated with him both in New Mexico and internationally.

Still, the story has raised uncomfortable questions for the candidate, who is currently leading in early polling for New Mexico’s 2026 gubernatorial race.

The controversy also draws renewed attention to Epstein’s extensive ties to the state, particularly through the Zorro Ranch property in Santa Fe County. The ranch was sold to Epstein in 1993 by the family of Gary King, whose father, former Governor Bruce King, owned the property before the sale.

State officials have recently reopened investigations into possible criminal activity connected to Epstein’s New Mexico estate.

Gary King has also addressed the matter publicly, saying his campaign — not he personally — handled the logistics of chartering the aircraft. He said he was unaware of the connection to Epstein at the time.

“If I had known in advance that the jet belonged to Epstein, I would have asked my campaign to charter with a different company,” King reportedly said.

King acknowledged meeting Epstein once in 2010 in Santa Fe but claimed the meeting occurred when Epstein offered condolences after the death of Bruce King.

While Haaland’s campaign maintains she had no knowledge of the aircraft’s connection to Epstein, the revelation has nonetheless placed New Mexico politics under an uncomfortable national microscope.

For a state still grappling with the legacy of Epstein’s activities within its borders, the resurfacing of these connections — particularly involving a major gubernatorial candidate — has reignited debate about accountability, transparency, and the lasting shadow of one of the most notorious criminal scandals in modern history.

With the race for governor heating up, the controversy is likely to remain a flashpoint as voters weigh the implications of New Mexico’s continued ties to the Epstein saga.

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From landslide to photo finish: Tuesday elections shake up city halls across NM

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Some New Mexico voters headed to the polls Tuesday for a series of municipal elections across the state, delivering decisive victories in some cities, razor-thin margins in others, and at least one high-profile mayoral upset.

Española: Salazar Unseats First-Term Mayor

In Española, incumbent first-term Mayor John Ramon Vigil was defeated by former City Councilor Dennis Tim Salazar in a race that drew significantly higher turnout than previous municipal elections.

According to unofficial results, Salazar secured 860 votes, or 60.18%, compared to Vigil’s 569 votes, or 39.82%.

Earlier in the evening, unofficial tallies provided by the city clerk showed Salazar with a commanding lead. The Santa Fe New Mexican reported Salazar appeared poised to “handily unseat” Vigil as early numbers showed him leading comfortably over both Vigil and a write-in candidate.

By the time final unofficial numbers were reported, Salazar’s margin had widened into a decisive victory. Outside Española City Hall, Salazar celebrated with family members as supporters gathered to mark the win. Meanwhile, a solemn-looking Vigil was seen speaking quietly with friends and family outside one of the polling locations.

Municipal Judge Joseph Madrid also won reelection Tuesday.

Salazar, a former councilor, now returns to city leadership at a time when Española faces ongoing economic and public safety challenges. The upset marks a significant shift in leadership after just one term for Vigil.

Ruidoso: Crawford Survives by 23 Votes

In contrast to Española’s clear outcome, the mayoral race in Ruidoso came down to just 23 votes.

Incumbent Mayor Lynn Crawford narrowly defeated challenger Joshua Richardson, 720 votes (50.81%) to 697 votes (49.19%), according to unofficial results. All results remain pending canvass by the Lincoln County Commission.

Richardson reportedly led in election-day, in-person voting at the Ruidoso Convention Center. However, Crawford’s early-vote advantage — 263 to 155 — ultimately proved decisive, allowing the 63-year-old mayor to secure a third consecutive term.

Turnout was robust for a municipal election, with 1,435 ballots cast — approximately 27% of the village’s more than 5,000 eligible voters.

Voters also approved a $3 million General Obligation bond for water system repairs and improvements by a wide margin, 1,003 to 369.

In village council races, Everett Brophy led all candidates with 854 votes. Adam Sanchez and incumbent Darren Hooker also secured seats, while incumbent Joe Eby fell short.

Artesia: Youtsey Wins Close Mayoral Race

In Artesia, Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Youtsey won the mayor’s race, defeating challenger Terrance Todd in a tight contest.

Youtsey received 51% of the vote to Todd’s 49%, according to unofficial returns. He will replace outgoing Mayor Jonathan Henry, who currently serves as state representative for the area, and opted not to seek a second term.

Several city council races were also decided, including a narrow 50.4% to 49.5% win for Terry Hill in District 4. Results will be canvassed by the Eddy County Commission.

Rio Rancho: Runoff Ahead

In Rio Rancho, no candidate secured the required majority in a six-person mayoral contest, triggering a runoff election.

City Councilor Paul Wymer led the field with 6,174 votes (46%), followed by Alexandria Piland with 3,540 votes (26%). The two will face off April 14.

Wymer emphasized his development experience and infrastructure priorities during the campaign, while Piland focused on fiscal responsibility and stricter development standards. The winner will succeed outgoing Mayor Gregg Hull.

Incumbent Karissa Culbreath won reelection to the District 5 City Council seat, defeating challenger Calvin Ward.

Clovis: Incumbents Sweep

In Clovis, incumbents dominated city commission races. Megan A. Palla retained District 4 with 61.56% of the vote in the most competitive race. Debbie Zamora won District 3 with 63%, and Juan Garza held District 1 with nearly 80%.

Turnout was low, with just 844 voters participating — roughly 4% of eligible voters.

Elections Brought Change

From decisive upsets to razor-thin margins, New Mexico’s March 3 municipal elections reshaped leadership in several key cities while setting the stage for at least one high-stakes runoff in April.

From landslide to photo finish: Tuesday elections shake up city halls across NM Read More »

Where NM landed in the latest ‘Best States to Live’ rankings

16 Comments / New Mexico, News / By

According to WalletHub’s 2026 “Best States to Live In” study, New Mexico ranks dead last in the nation — a sobering distinction that underscores years of troubling trends in education, health, and public safety.

The annual analysis compares all 50 states across 51 separate indicators, including affordability, economic performance, education and health outcomes, quality of life, and safety. While some states perform strongly in certain categories and poorly in others, New Mexico’s overall placement at No. 50 signals broad, structural weaknesses that continue to drag down the state’s standing nationwide.

WalletHub assigns New Mexico an overall score of 39.68, the lowest in the country. The state’s weakest areas are education and health, where it ranks 48th, and safety, where it ranks 49th — nearly at the very bottom. Those figures reflect longstanding concerns about crime rates, health access, educational attainment, and student performance metrics.

While New Mexico’s economy ranks 33rd — closer to the middle of the pack — and its quality of life sits at 30th, those middling scores are not enough to offset deep problems in the areas that most directly impact daily life. Safety in particular weighs heavily in WalletHub’s methodology, and New Mexico’s near-bottom ranking in that category reflects persistent issues with violent crime and property crime that have plagued communities across the state.

Education and health metrics further compound the problem. Rankings in this category consider factors such as public school performance, high school graduation rates, access to medical care, and overall population health. New Mexico’s placement at 48th suggests that residents face significant disadvantages compared with most of the country when it comes to both schooling outcomes and healthcare access.

Even affordability — often cited as a relative advantage in lower-income states — does not provide New Mexico with a competitive edge. The state ranks 25th in affordability, squarely in the middle nationally. That means New Mexico does not enjoy the strong cost-of-living advantage seen in some other low-ranked states such as Alabama or Arkansas, both of which rank near the top for affordability despite struggling elsewhere.

Other states occupying the bottom tier include Louisiana (49th), Arkansas (48th), and Mississippi (47th). But New Mexico’s combination of low safety rankings and weak education and health outcomes ultimately pushes it to the very bottom of the list.

WalletHub’s findings highlight persistent regional and structural disparities across the United States. States that rank poorly often face overlapping challenges: limited economic opportunity, struggling public school systems, elevated crime rates, and health burdens such as higher rates of chronic disease. In New Mexico’s case, those factors converge in a way that leaves the state trailing every other state in overall livability.

Where a person lives affects nearly every aspect of life — income potential, public safety, educational opportunity, and even life expectancy. By those measures, WalletHub’s 2026 data paints a stark picture: New Mexico faces the steepest uphill climb in the country when it comes to creating a safe, healthy, and thriving environment for its residents.

For a state rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, the ranking serves as a sobering reminder that serious systemic issues remain unresolved — and that meaningful change will require confronting the root causes behind years of underperformance.

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Gaslighting NM: Dems claim legislative victory while crises crush families

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An op-ed penned by Javier Martínez, Reena Szczepanski, Day Hochman-Vigil and Raymundo Lara and published in the Albuquerque Journal and the Los Alamos Reporter paints a glowing picture of the 2026 Legislative Session. But New Mexicans say the self-congratulatory tone ignores a glaring reality: meaningful crime reform once again died under Democrat control, while long-delayed fixes to New Mexico’s health care crisis came only after years of inaction.

“In January, House Democrats laid out plans to make life better and more affordable for New Mexico families,” the leadership wrote, gaslighting that “we have delivered on those promises and more.” They further claimed, “here in New Mexico we know how to get things done.”

Yet on public safety — an issue dominating headlines and deeply affecting communities statewide — many of the most substantive proposals never saw the light of day.

Several crime-fighting measures sponsored by Republicans, including Clovis Rep. Andrea Reeb, were referred to the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee, widely viewed by critics as a legislative graveyard for tougher-on-crime policies. Bills that would have rolled back elements of the state’s controversial cashless bail system, imposed mandatory sentences for certain violent offenders, strengthened penalties for repeat violent felons, and addressed violent juvenile crime were effectively stalled.

Opponents argue that committee referrals were not accidental but strategic — ensuring politically inconvenient proposals never reached a full House vote. Measures aimed at ending so-called “catch and release” practices and holding violent offenders accountable were sidelined, even as Albuquerque and other communities continue to grapple with persistent violent crime rates.

Meanwhile, Democrat leadership touted “real progress on public safety this session with investments and legislation to address the root causes of crime.” But focusing primarily on long-term social programs, while rejecting immediate accountability reforms, leaves law enforcement officers and victims frustrated.

On health care, Democrats highlighted House Bill 99, sponsored by Christine Chandler and others (including nearly all House Republicans), saying it would “bring our laws in line with other states, improve the climate for providers and continue to protect patient safety.”

However, malpractice reform has been debated for years, with medical providers warning repeatedly that rising premiums and lawsuit risks were driving doctors out of New Mexico. Only after the state’s health care system faced severe provider shortages did leadership move to adjust the law — a move critics describe as reactive rather than proactive.

The op-ed also celebrated expanding the Health Care Affordability Fund, joining interstate compacts, and raising medical residency pay. Yet Republican lawmakers note that those steps followed years of warning signs about collapsing rural care networks and overwhelmed urban hospitals.

On immigration, Democrat leaders praised passage of the so-called “Immigrant Safety Act,” asserting it would “make our communities safer.” But removing cooperation agreements with federal immigration authorities will limit tools available to law enforcement in certain cases. It also will threaten to bankrupt Cibola, Otero, and Torrance counties, which have Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities — putting thousands of jobs on the line, millions in economic development being crushed, including gross receipts taxes, and bond ratings will be at stake. The long-term ramifications of the bill, which effectively won’t do anything but crush communities, will be felt by the far-left’s vote on this bill for decades.

The broader concern voiced by critics is not that Democrats passed no legislation, but that they controlled the agenda tightly — advancing far-left priorities and “anti-Trump” bills while systematically blocking stricter criminal accountability measures. When leadership claims, “Because here in New Mexico, we keep our promises,” New Mexicans also ask: promises to whom? The legislative session was surely a win for criminals while hard-working New Mexicans’ livelihoods remain in shambles.

With violent crime still a top voter concern and ongoing strain in the health care system, “real, pragmatic solutions” did not make it across the finish line during the session, despite claims from Democrat leadership.

Gaslighting NM: Dems claim legislative victory while crises crush families Read More »

Smuggling, assaults, and reentry cases: Inside this week’s border numbers

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico released its weekly immigration and border crime enforcement statistics Friday, outlining a significant number of federal charges filed over the past week as part of ongoing border security operations in the state.

According to the report, in the one-week period ending February 27, 2026, federal prosecutors in New Mexico filed criminal charges against more than 220 individuals for immigration-related offenses. These prosecutions were carried out in coordination with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, and other federal, state, and county law enforcement agencies.

The breakdown of charges includes:

  • 72 individuals charged with Illegal Reentry After Deportation under 8 U.S.C. § 1326.
  • 10 individuals charged with Alien Smuggling under 8 U.S.C. § 1324.
  • 61 individuals charged with Illegal Entry under 8 U.S.C. § 1325.
  • 80 individuals charged with Illegal Entry, violation of a military security regulation (50 U.S.C. § 797), and Entering Military, Naval, or Coast Guard Property (18 U.S.C. § 1382). These cases stem from incidents occurring within the newly designated National Defense Area in New Mexico.

Federal officials noted that many of the defendants charged with illegal reentry had prior criminal convictions. Those prior offenses included fleeing the scene of an accident involving death or serious bodily injury, illegal firearm possession by a noncitizen, and prior immigration violations.

One case highlighted in this week’s report involved Jose Cuyuch De Paz, who was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol agents near 505 McNutt Road in Sunland Park after allegedly entering the United States unlawfully on foot. Authorities state that when agents attempted to detain him, De Paz fled into a residential neighborhood, scaling fences and running through backyards. A pursuing agent followed footprints before a fence gave way during the chase, causing both the agent and the suspect to fall. Prosecutors allege that De Paz kicked the agent multiple times during the struggle. A second agent arrived to assist, and De Paz was subdued and arrested. He now faces charges of illegal reentry and assault on a federal officer. Court filings indicate he has denied striking or kicking the agent.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that protecting law enforcement personnel remains a central priority in border enforcement efforts. So far in Fiscal Year 2026, 18 El Paso Sector Border Patrol agents have been assaulted. That follows 88 reported assaults during Fiscal Year 2025. Federal authorities stated that U.S. Border Patrol is working closely with the FBI and federal prosecutors to pursue charges in assault cases in order to deter violence against officers operating along the border.

These prosecutions are part of a broader federal enforcement initiative known as Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice effort aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and targeting violent crime.

Under President Donald Trump’s administration, federal officials have identified border security and public safety as top priorities. In New Mexico, enhanced enforcement at both the border and within the interior of the district has led to arrests of individuals accused not only of immigration violations but also of more serious offenses, including human trafficking, sexual assault, and crimes against children, according to federal authorities.

The District of New Mexico covers all 33 counties in the state and includes approximately 180 miles of international border with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys based in Albuquerque and Las Cruces handle immigration-related prosecutions in coordination with federal, state, and local partners.

Officials noted that the weekly figures reflect only criminal cases filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and do not include individuals processed through civil or administrative immigration proceedings.

Smuggling, assaults, and reentry cases: Inside this week’s border numbers Read More »

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