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

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.