Politics

30 counties shift right: Trump’s monumental NM breakthrough

16 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Alamogordo Police Officer Anthony Ferguson’s murderer convicted

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The Office of the Twelfth Judicial District Attorney announced on Friday, November 8, that Dominic De La O has been found guilty of first-degree murder and multiple other charges by an Otero County jury in connection with the fatal shooting of an Alamogordo police officer.

In addition to the murder charge, De La O was convicted of tampering with evidence, aggravated fleeing from law enforcement, criminal trespass, and two counts of resisting, evading, or obstructing an officer.

The verdict came after the jury heard testimony from 21 witnesses for the prosecution, who presented details about the events that occurred on July 15, 2023. 

According to the evidence presented, an officer from the Alamogordo Police Department initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of 9th Street and Puerto Rico Avenue in Alamogordo, New Mexico. While two passengers exited the vehicle and approached the officer with their hands raised, De La O took the driver’s seat and sped away.

During the subsequent pursuit, De La O collided with a light pole and attempted to flee on foot while armed with a sawed-off shotgun. He then turned and fatally shot Officer Anthony Ferguson. Ferguson was airlifted to the University Medical Center in El Paso but tragically died from his injuries on July 16, 2023.

The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Scot D. Key, with support from Deputy District Attorney Mikel Ward and Assistant District Attorney Ryan Suggs. “Key expressed his gratitude to the law enforcement community and all justice partners for their unwavering dedication and commitment to seeking justice in this case,” according to the official statement.

De La O will remain in custody until his sentencing, which is set for November 12 at 9:00 a.m. He faces a maximum sentence of life without parole, in addition to eight years and 361 days.

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

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On Thursday, far-left Democrat New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver scoffed at voters asking why New Mexico does not have voter ID requirements.

The X account, “Mrs. Gen X,” who shared Elon Musk’s post about “[t]he few states that didn’t go red are mostly ones without voter ID requirements. Must be a coincidence,” quoted the post and tagged Oliver, writing, “#NewMexico needs voter ID!”

Oliver replied, “Correlation does not equal causation.”

In response to Mrs. Gen X’s post, the account “TDog73” wrote, “There’s a reason why she never posts on here anymore. She knows and she’s scares s—less,” to which Mrs. Gen X replied, “As she should be! Does she think coming back at me did her favor?! FAFO. Fired up & ready to make #NewMexico voting legit.” 

To that, Toulouse Oliver responded with a laughing/crying emoji,” a grave sign of disrespect to New Mexico voters.

Previously, Toulouse Oliver opposed voter ID bills sponsored by state Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo), labeling the voter security measure as a way to suppress the votes of senior citizens and other groups. 

Block wrote, When I sponsored voter ID (HB110 in 2023 and HB223 in 2024), SOS Oliver claimed Voter ID is ‘voter suppression.’ She defies the 84% of Americans who support Voter ID. Wonder why???? If she believes in “democracy,” then why doesn’t she listen to what the people want?” 

As Block referenced, 84 percent of Americans support requiring “all voters to provide photo identification at their voting place in order to vote,” and 83 percent support requiring “people who are registering to vote for the first time to provide proof of citizenship,” according to a Gallup survey.

“Remind her that when she was [Bernalillo County Clerk], she advocated for [ID] to vote in mrgcd elections.  I was Chair, Dede Feldmans resolution creating [a] task force.   I still have everything. She was a piece of work,” wrote the account “NoFarmsNoFood” on X. 

Toulouse Oliver’s vehement opposition to requiring an ID to vote underscores the debate over securing New Mexico’s elections, especially given the high and unusual number of anomalies that have plagued the state’s elections in the last decade. 

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NM Dems now want ‘bipartisanship,’ unity after incessant hate

36 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Following President-elect Donald Trump’s incredible and historic victory in the election to become the 47th president of the United States, winning both the electoral and popular vote, New Mexico Democrats are taking a drastic turn from their partisanship.

After the Democrats’ decisive defeat, New Mexico Democrat politicians are trying to urge Republicans to now come to the table after leftists have gone on years-long tirades, legal battles, witch hunts, and attacks against Republicans, specifically supporters of President-elect Trump.

Sen. Martin Heinrich, who is now in the minority in the U.S. Senate, tried to have his cake and eat it, too, saying he wants Republicans to work with him to find “common ground,” while also bashing Trump, claiming he has an “extreme and divisive agenda.”

Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham released her own word salad statement, imploring unity with Republicans, who she has demeaned for six years as governor.

“With the election in the rear-view mirror, I encourage all New Mexicans––regardless of political affiliation––to come together and work in a bipartisan way to build on our successes and continue solving our shared challenges,” she wrote.

After the governor’s statement, state Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo) wrote, “No. Expect the greatest possible amount of resistance every single step of the way these next two years. You have treated us like garbage for six long years, called us lizard people, bashed our sheriffs, snatched our rights, raised our taxes, killed our jobs, locked down our families, abused taxpayer dollars, settled sex assault claims, and bashed anyone who disagrees with you — even members of your own party — with hate and vitriol. Expect your agenda to stall and die on the vine because it’s time for ALL Republicans (and hopefully some Democrats) to unite to crush your extremist agenda, which has poisoned our once-great state. But we will heal our land. #MAGA”

In a different post, state Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) wrote, “New Mexican Democrat politicians need to pause for just a moment and reflect on the high number of people who voted for Trump here in our state. It was not a Kamala landslide by any means. Nearly half the people didn’t vote for her. That means that a large number of New Mexicans voted not only for Trump but also against everything Kamala stood for,” adding, “Americans are not on board with the radical progressive agenda that is consistently being pushed and marginalizes the moderate democrats, especially in New Mexico. I seriously hope you remember this when drafting bills for this next session.”

Far-left Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller wrote following Harris’ defeat a similar message to that of Heinrich and Lujan Grisham, writing, “As Mayor, I will always stand up for and serve every resident of our city. While many are anxious about what a second Trump presidency will mean, in [Albuquerque] we will continue to work together, respect one another, and fight for a better future for our families.” 

Other leftist politicians, such as New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martinez and New Mexico House Majority Whip Reena Szczepanski, defended Harris’ campaign and attempted to run cover for the lame-duck former Democrat nominee, while others, such as Rep. Melanie Stansbury attempted to inflame voters with the same tropes that led to their presidential election defeat, claiming Trump and his supporters are a “threat to democracy” and women’s rights.

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Trump wins presidency but narrowly misses historic New Mexico flip

40 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a surprisingly strong showing, 45th President Donald Trump came closer than any Republican presidential candidate in recent memory to flipping New Mexico, a state that has been a Democratic stronghold for over two decades. 

Though ultimately falling short of victory in the state, Trump’s narrow loss in the state represents a seismic shift, giving Republicans renewed hope for future success in New Mexico. His performance signaled growing support for the GOP, driven by solid backing from rural and suburban areas and a deepening appeal among independent voters, losing the state by only around 5.5 points as opposed to 10 points in 2020 to Joe Biden. 

Despite narrowly missing in New Mexico, the 45th President will return to the White House for a second term after an incredible election night victory. As of 7:55 a.m., Trump leads Kamala Harris nationally with 277 electoral college delegates, while he is leading in the popular vote.

While Trump fell just shy of capturing New Mexico’s five electoral votes, the state witnessed significant Republican victories down-ballot. In a hotly contested race for New Mexico’s U.S. Senate seat, Republican Nella Domenici mounted a formidable campaign against incumbent Democrat Martin Heinrich. Domenici, leveraging her family’s political legacy and a platform focused on energy independence, economic revitalization, and conservative values, came within striking distance of Heinrich. Ultimately, Heinrich retained his seat by a slimmer margin than expected, with preliminary results showing a tight contest ending with Heinrich at 55% and Domenici at 45%.

Another key race saw far-left incumbent Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez defeat Republican former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell in New Mexico’s Second Congressional District. Herrell’s narrow loss proved how powerful extreme Democrat gerrymandering for political power can be in a state fully dominated by the far-left in the Legislature. 

Herrell wrote on X following the news, “The results tonight weren’t what we hoped for, but I’m so grateful to the incredible people of #NM02 for their support over the years. With @realDonaldTrump back in the White House, our country’s future is bright. Let’s come together and Make America Great Again!

Both of New Mexico’s other U.S. Reps. Melanie Stansbury and Teresa Leger Fernandez were reelected by 12-point margins.

However, nationally, Republicans lead in the fight to keep the U.S. House in GOP hands, while Republicans successfully flipped the U.S. Senate with pickups in Montana, Ohio, and West Virginia.

The GOP also made marginal gains in the state Legislature, picking up seats in both chambers. While Democrats retained their majorities, the Republican advances marked a significant step toward a more competitive political landscape. The party’s growth in traditionally blue districts has sparked optimism among New Mexico conservatives who see these results as evidence of a potential shift in voter priorities and political alliances.

According to the New York Times, at the current moment, Republicans have officially picked up one legislative seat to boost their minority from currently 25 seats in the New Mexico House of Representatives to 26 seats, with some races too close to call at the moment.

Republican Kim Skaggs narrowly trails incumbent state Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces), who is the chairman of the powerful New Mexico House Appropriations and Finance Committee. Small currently has 51% to Skaggs’ 49% with 95 percent of the vote in. Democrat State Rep. Kathleen Cates in the metro area narrowly leads challenger Ali Ennenga 52% to 48%, Democrat Sarah Silva narrowly leads Republican Elizabeth Winterrowd in a Las Cruces-area House seat by a margin of 50.2% to 49.8%, and incumbent Democrat State Rep. Charlotte Little leads Republican Nathan Brooks 52% to 48% in the Albuquerque-area district.

Republicans, however, successfully flipped the 28th House District, which was picked up by former State Rep. Rebecca Dow against Democrat Rep. Tara Jaramillo.

In the state Senate, Republicans had similar growth, picking up one seat as of this morning, per the New York Times, to boost their 15-seat minority to 16 seats. Republican Sandoval County Commissioner Jay Block flipped a Democrat seat 53% to 47% in the Rio Rancho area, and former state Sen. Gabe Ramos flipped an open Democrat seat in Silver City, while Republicans held onto open seats currently filled by GOP members. 

The constitutional amendments on the ballot increasing veteran property tax exemptions passed by wide margins, while a change to the New Mexico Constitution removing the UNM Law School dean from the Judicial Nominating Commission only barely passed with a 51% to 49% margin. 

Trump’s narrow loss in New Mexico and the GOP’s legislative gains indicate that the state may be closer to becoming a battleground than ever before. For New Mexico Republicans, this year’s election represents the most hopeful political moment in decades, suggesting that future races could bring even more change and opportunities to flip the state red.

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It’s Election Day! Which races could redefine NM politics in 2024?

3 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As New Mexicans head to the polls Tuesday, voters are preparing to cast ballots in critical races that will influence the future direction of both the state and the nation, with Republicans setting their sights on flipping many legislative seats. From a fierce congressional contest to pivotal state legislature seats, this election offers conservative voters the best chance in decades to flip the state. Here’s what New Mexico voters need to know as they make their final decisions.

Spotlight on the Key Races

With the U.S. Presidency up for grabs, 45th President Donald J. Trump is within the margin of error in New Mexico against Democrat Kamala Harris, according to polling, with the best shot at flipping the state in 20 years.

In New Mexico’s Second Congressional District, incumbent Democrat Gabe Vasquez faces a strong challenge from Republican former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell. The race is expected to be close, with Vasquez and Herrell presenting sharply different views on topics such as immigration reform, energy policies, and economic growth, with Vasquez’s lengthy rap sheet and far-left voting record a sticking point of the campaign.

The U.S. Senate race currently held by far-left Sen. Martin Heinrich is one of the closest in recent history. According to recent polling, Republican Nella Domenici is just a single point away from clinching the seat. 

New Boundaries in State Senate Races

This year’s Senate election will be the first conducted under newly redrawn district lines implemented after recent redistricting. This shift has left several seats in a tighter balance between Democrats and Republicans, even though some districts remain solidly partisan. While Democrats have fielded candidates in 33 of the state’s Senate districts, Republicans compete in 24.

Several notable races with slim performance margins include:

  • Senate District 9: With no incumbent, far-left Democrat and “DACA” recipient Cindy Nava and Republican Audrey Trujillo are vying for the seat, which has a slight Democratic tilt based on voting patterns. This district spans Sandoval County and parts of Albuquerque’s Paradise Hills neighborhood, making it a closely watched race.
  • Senate District 12: Following significant redistricting changes, this district leans Republican, providing Sandoval County Commissioner Jay Block with a potential advantage over Democrat Phillip Ramirez. The district, once in Albuquerque’s downtown, now covers parts of Rio Rancho, shifting the voter demographic.
  • Senate District 18: Democrat state Rep. Natalie Figueroa and Republican Kurstin Johnson compete for an open seat that retains a modest Democratic lean in Albuquerque. However, the recent boundary shifts may influence its competitiveness.
  • Senate District 20: Incumbent Democrat state Sen. Martin Hickey is fighting to hold onto his seat in a district that is closely divided between parties. Hickey’s strong Republican opponent, Wayne Yevoli, aims to shift the balance in this Foothills region of Albuquerque.
  • Senate District 29: With a new layout spanning from Los Lunas to Socorro, this race has Republican Sen. Joshua Sanchez and Democrat Tina Garcia competing in what is now a slightly Republican-leaning district.

Key House Races to Watch

The New Mexico House of Representatives, already operating under redistricted lines from 2022, will also see its fair share of competitive seats. Democrats previously won 10 of the 12 House districts decided by narrow margins, but many key races are expected to be nail-biters, including the following:

  • House District 17: Democrat Cynthia Borrego and Republican Joshua Neal are competing for a district with moderate Democratic leanings.
  • House District 28: Incumbent Democrat Pamelya Herndon is defending her seat against Republican Marcie May.
  • House District 53: Far-left radical Sarah Silva (D) is running against Elizabeth Winterrowd (R) in a district that could swing.
  • House District 68: Democrat Charlotte Little and Republican Nathan Brooks are vying for a district with one of the slimmest partisan margins.

How to Vote: Locations, Options, and Deadlines

New Mexico voters can verify polling locations on the New Mexico Secretary of State’s website or by contacting their local county clerk’s office. Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 5. 

If voters still have their absentee ballots but have not yet turned them in, they can hand-deliver them to a polling location or a drop box.

Voters are encouraged to check their sample ballots in advance to be familiar with all races and any ballot measures. If voting absentee, double-check that your ballot is signed and submitted correctly.

Resources and Reminders

For comprehensive election details, including sample ballots, polling place information, and voter ID requirements, visit the New Mexico Secretary of State’s website at NMVote.org.

New Mexico voters have a vital opportunity to shape the future of their communities and the state. Making an informed vote on November 5 ensures every vote counts.

It’s Election Day! Which races could redefine NM politics in 2024? Read More »

Who’s really behind NM’s 2024 candidates? Documentary sounds alarm

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With the November election approaching, Will For Prosperity Ministries, a prominent advocacy organization, has appealed to New Mexico voters to critically assess candidates endorsed by Emerge New Mexico, a far-left group known for supporting progressive female candidates in the state. 

In a press release, the organization called for awareness about the policies championed by these candidates, which they claim could undermine parental rights and reshape the values of New Mexico communities. There are currently 21 candidates with Emerge alumni opposition, and the group already almost has more numbers than the minority party legislators, according to the group.

“The decisions we make in November will reverberate through our families, impact our children’s education, and shape the very foundation of our society,” said a representative from Will For Prosperity Ministries. “The Emerge candidates are pushing for policies that will dramatically alter how our children are educated, the values they learn, and the degree of influence parents have in this critical process.”

The group’s statement urged residents to visit saveourchildrendocumentary.com to get a deeper understanding of these policies and their potential impacts. The website features a trailer titled “Save Our Children from Emerge,” highlighting concerns about the organization’s influence.

A primary goal of the group’s #SaveOurChildren initiative is to provide parents and voters with insights into the Emerge platform, which they say aligns with a “radical Marxist ideology.” 

Launched on September 7, 2024, this initiative has since united residents from diverse backgrounds who feel strongly about protecting children from what they call “progressive overreach.” The campaign has sparked discussions across various social media platforms, including a video posted on Rumble by the group’s spokesperson outlining their concerns.

“As a parent, a voter, and a proud New Mexican, we call upon you to join us in forging a future for our children that reflects our values—not the political agendas of foreign governments,” added a spokesperson. “It’s crucial for all New Mexicans to understand the implications of their vote and make informed decisions in this pivotal election.”

Supporters of the #SaveOurChildren movement have expressed worry about the progressive changes they say could be introduced into local education systems and communities should the Emerge-backed candidates win. “Our movement is gaining momentum, and we are steadfast in our commitment to empower parents with the knowledge they need to defend their families,” the statement continued.

In its closing, Will For Prosperity Ministries emphasized the importance of New Mexicans staying engaged and informed. Those interested in learning more or scheduling an interview can contact the organization directly through their website, www.willforprosperity.com. Additional resources and insights are available upon request for those seeking a deeper look into Emerge New Mexico’s role and influence.For further details, watch the full trailer on Rumble here.

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Record turnout in NM early voting ahead of high-stakes Tuesday election

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As early voting wrapped up on Saturday, New Mexico saw a substantial turnout, with 663,874 ballots cast. According to the New Mexico Secretary of State’s office, this figure represents about 48.2% of the state’s registered voters. Comparatively, the 2020 election saw a turnout of 928,230 voters or 68% of eligible voters. Early voting numbers for 2024 suggest that 71.5% of the 2020 turnout has already been reached, indicating significant interest in the election.

The breakdown of the early voting turnout by party affiliation shows that Democrats cast 307,311 ballots (46.2%). Republicans followed with 243,376 votes, making up 36.6% of the total. Voters registered as Decline to State (DTS) or Independents (Declined to State voters) accounted for 104,904 ballots, or 15.8%, while Libertarians and other parties contributed smaller portions, with 5,301 (0.79%) and 2,982 (0.44%) ballots, respectively.

Analyzing the early voting turnout by county reveals an engaged Republican base in key counties. For example, Republicans in higher-population counties outpaced Democrats in participation percentages in Chaves, Eddy, Lea, Otero, and Sandoval counties. This trend highlights areas where the GOP may have gained momentum compared to past elections.

Adding to the intrigue, recent polling shows a tightening race in New Mexico. As we previously reported, a recent Rasmussen poll suggests that 45th President Donald Trump has gained considerable ground against incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris in New Mexico, hinting that the state may be more competitive than in recent cycles. 

Mid-October analysis by Piñon Post editor and state Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo) using leftist polls shows the Trump campaign’s path to victory, factoring Democrat and Republican vote flipping from the past presidential election and margins in polls that showed a larger disparity between Harris and Trump in the Land of Enchantment. The recent Rasmussen poll, which came out after Block’s analysis, shows an even closer race, with Trump leading, according to vote-switchers’ figures.

According to the Republican Party of New Mexico, “Republicans continue to outpace and dominate in the Same Day Registration counts. As long as Republicans are in the deficit of voters, Voter registration needs to remain a top priority in every county!”

Historically, New Mexico has leaned blue in presidential elections, but the recent surge in Republican and Independent early voting turnout could signal a shift. The Rasmussen poll positions New Mexico as a closer race than anticipated, which has generated interest from national political observers who traditionally view the state as a secure Democratic stronghold.

If these early voting patterns hold and Election Day turnout continues to surge, New Mexico may be on track for one of its highest voter turnouts in recent history. Both parties are mobilizing to make a final push, with Republicans aiming to capitalize on their strong showing in early voting and Democrats looking to secure their base. As the final votes are cast, all eyes will be on New Mexico, which could be pivotal in shaping the national political landscape.

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NM poll: Trump gains ground on Harris just days before election

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With less than a week until Election Day, 45th President Donald Trump is within striking distance of Kamala Harris in New Mexico, according to a new survey by Rasmussen Reports and American Thinker.

While Harris maintains a meager five-point lead in New Mexico with 49% of likely voters compared to Trump’s 44%, the gap is significantly smaller than her predecessor Joe Biden’s double-digit margin in 2020. Trump’s recent visit to New Mexico has reinvigorated his supporters, with many believing he could flip the state for the first time in 20 years.

During Trump’s Albuquerque rally, he addressed key issues resonating with New Mexico voters, including the economy and border security, both of which remain top priorities for New Mexicans. According to the survey, 27% of New Mexico voters identified the economy as their most pressing concern, followed by 18% who cited border security. These issues, where Trump has historically polled strongly, may help him make further inroads in the state.

The Rasmussen survey also highlighted significant demographic trends in New Mexico. Trump holds a 10-point lead among male voters in the state, with 51% backing Trump compared to 41% for Harris. 

New Mexico is just one of several states where the Rasmussen poll indicates a close race. Trump leads by two points in Arizona and five points in Georgia, showing strong support in critical battleground states. 

Although New Mexico is not traditionally viewed as a key swing state in recent history, Trump’s recent campaign efforts suggest he aims to rally support in less conventional territories to expand his appeal beyond his base.

Andrea Widburg, managing editor at American Thinker, commented on the poll’s findings, particularly around border security. “A majority of New Mexicans, about 52%, agree that the situation at the border could be described as an ‘invasion,’” Widburg said. The sentiment echoes Trump’s own campaign messages, underscoring his commitment to strengthening border enforcement.

Energized by his Albuquerque rally, Trump’s campaign hopes this late surge in support can turn what once seemed like a secure lead for Harris into a competitive contest.

The Rasmussen poll margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. 

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Trump fires up massive crowd at ABQ rally as NM on the cusp of flipping

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As the 2024 presidential election enters its final days, 45th President Donald Trump made a powerful campaign stop in Albuquerque, New Mexico, rallying almost 10,000 supporters with a message of economic resurgence, energy independence, and a new vision for American prosperity. According to reports, rallygoers began arriving as early as 3:00 in the morning.

With only days remaining until Election Day, Trump was joined by local Republican leaders, including U.S. Senate candidate Nella Domenici and U.S. House candidate Yvette Herrell, who echoed his call for a political transformation in New Mexico.

Attendees included former Gov. Susana Martinez, a once-vocal critic of Trump, many state representatives and senators, former Acting Director of National Intelligence, and Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, among others. 

In a historically blue-leaning state, Trump’s decision to visit Albuquerque highlights his campaign’s belief that New Mexico is ripe for a political shift. Trump’s rally drew an enthusiastic crowd, many of whom cheered as he pledged to “end the inflation nightmare” and “unleash American energy.” Trump energized the crowd by promising, “We’re going to drill, baby, drill,” drawing applause from attendees concerned about New Mexico’s economy and its reliance on the oil and gas industry. As the nation’s second-largest oil producer, New Mexico could face economic consequences under policies that limit fossil fuel production, and Trump assured voters he would protect their jobs while Kamala Harris vows to destroy fracking.

Throughout his speech, Trump emphasized his rising support among Hispanic voters, a demographic he referred to as “entrepreneurial as hell” and “hardworking,” adding that his campaign would set records with Hispanic support in the state. “Hispanics love Trump, and I love them,” he proclaimed, underscoring his goal to make inroads with a voter base traditionally loyal to the Democrat Party.

Democrat New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and other Democrats responded critically, with the governor dismissing Trump’s speech as “rambling and incoherent.” However, it is unlikely the far-left Democrat even watched the very well-dictated speech. 

She accused him of attempting to divide the community, pointing to his stance on cracking down on illegal immigration and his criticisms of abortion up-to-birth, as both Lujan Grisham and Harris support. 

Trump, however, turned these criticisms around, calling for stronger border security to protect communities from crime, particularly crimes associated with illegal immigration. “One of the biggest reasons we will win this state is because of the border,” he said, vowing to address the concerns of New Mexico residents who have seen the effects of immigration firsthand.

Nella Domenici, daughter of the late former U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, used the rally to connect Trump’s vision to New Mexico’s challenges. “It’s time to bring back Donald Trump and bring back a Domenici,” she said, calling for a return to conservative values that prioritize border security, economic growth, and traditional energy production. Domenici urged supporters to keep pushing until the final votes are cast, as she believes the state is “on the cusp” of flipping red.

Former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell, a Republican candidate for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, focused on the importance of national security, pledging that Republicans would “close the southern border once and for all.” Like Trump, Herrell emphasized energy independence and economic stability, topics she believes are at the forefront of New Mexico voters’ concerns.

Trump’s Albuquerque rally was a high-energy affair meant to boost Republican enthusiasm in the state as polls show the state’s performance neck-and-neck between Harris and Trump. According to a campaign insider who spoke to Politico, Trump’s strategy is to “create an adrenaline blast” in states like New Mexico and Virginia, places not typically considered battlegrounds but where Trump’s message might sway undecided voters or Democrats frustrated with the current administration’s policies.

As Election Day nears, Trump and his allies are determined to show that Democrat policies have underserved New Mexico, a state they argue could be ready for a red wave. Trump’s visit wasn’t just about rallying supporters; it was a bold statement that his America First message has struck a chord even in traditionally blue-leaning states.

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