The New Mexico State Land Office has announced a historic achievement, auctioning oil and gas leases at a new 25% royalty rate for the first time, a change championed by Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard. The new state law, which took effect on June 20, allows the State Land Office to offer its […]
New Mexico State Government
Sen. Pope enters 2026 race for lieutenant governor
By Connor Currier New Mexico Senator Harold Pope has officially entered the race to become the state’s next lieutenant governor. His candidacy comes after current lieutenant governor Howie Moralesโ announcement that he will not seek re-election in 2026. Morales, who has served in the role since 2019, spent the past seven years working alongside Governor […]
Peeing gets partisan: Republicans challenge new Roundhouse restroom policy
The legislature’s Facilities Review Subcommittee voted last week to convert a shower into a gender-neutral restroom and build a dedicated lactation room on the fourth floor of the New Mexico State Capitol. The project will also include an adult changing table for people with disabilities. But Senate Republican Leader Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) said in a […]
More than 8,400 New Mexicans registered to vote in first week of automatic system
More than 8,400 New Mexicans have registered to vote or updated their voter information in the first week since the state launched automatic voter registration at Motor Vehicle Division offices, according to state officials. The milestone demonstrates early success for the new system that automatically registers eligible voters when they renew or apply for driver’s […]
Veterans workshop to offer benefit assistance, legislative Q&A in Rio Rancho
New Mexico veterans are invited to a special workshop on July 16, hosted by the Legislative District Offices of Sen.Craig Brandt, Rep. Catherine Cullen and Rep. Alan Martinez. The event, taking place from 3-5 p.m., is designed to provide valuable resources and information regarding veteran benefits. Representatives from the Department of Veterans Services will be […]
New Mexico delegation condemns โBig, Ugly Billโ
By Jesse Jones New Mexico representatives denounced a new federal bill as a โbig, ugly abominationโ that slashes healthcare, food, and education aid while handing massive tax breaks to billionaires, condemning it as an immoral betrayal of American families. During a press call, U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury, Teresa Leger Fernรกndez and Gabe Vasquez said the […]
Gov. Lujรกn Grisham prepared to call special session to fight Trump bill impacts
President Trump is getting his โbig, beautiful bill” and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said she is prepared to โfight like hellโ to protect New Mexico from its impact. Lujan Grisham issued a fiery statement Thursday following the passage of the Republican “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” in the U.S. House of Representatives, condemning the budget […]
NM lawmakers presented with tough choices amid federal cuts to Medicaid, SNAPย
By Patrick Lohmann, Source NM A top budget adviser to New Mexico lawmakers Wednesday laid out the most detailed look he could muster on what the Senate budget reconciliation bill could mean for New Mexico, particularly when it comes to federal spending on health care and food aid here. Legislative Finance Committee Director Charles Salleeโs […]
State legislators Block and Hernandez open new office in Rio Rancho, tout greater accessibility
Rio Rancho residents now have a new option for bringing their concerns to a pair of state legislators. Sen. Jay Block and Rep. Joshua Hernandez are the latest lawmakers to open in-district legislative offices. In 2023, the Legislature approved funding for in-district offices, which New Mexico hasnโt had since gaining statehood in 1912. At a […]
New Mexico veterans to receive lifetime access to State Parks starting July 1
Starting July 1, New Mexico resident veterans will be eligible for a lifetime pass granting free day-use and camping access to all New Mexico State Parks, thanks to a new law signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham earlier this year. House Bill 161, passed during the 2025 legislative session with bipartisan support, aims to expand […]

