Around the Roundhouse

Earlier this week, the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled in favor of state Rep. Rebecca Dow when it reversed a state district court ruling that had disqualified Dow’s nominating petitions and would have kept the Republican from Truth or Consequences off the ballot in the June primary. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Dow joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to share her thoughts on the case, the ruling and her hopes for her party in the 2026 election. Dow discusses issues with the secretary of state’s nominating petitions online platform and her view that there should be changes to the nominating petitions filing process. She also addresses the party politics she feels were behind the complaint filed against her. Unopposed in the Republican primary for the House seat, Dow says she expects her race against Democratic challenger David Mooney to be one of the most competitive in the state. She then talks about what she wants to continue to pursue if elected to a fifth term, including reform of the state’s Children, Youth and Families Department and giving a voice to rural New Mexicans. Dow also shares her thoughts on the governor’s race, expressing optimism about all three of the Republican candidates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephanie Garcia Richard took over as New Mexico state land commissioner in 2019 and later that year put an end to a decades-long lease that allowed Jeffrey Epstein to use over 1,200 acres of state land around his Zorro Ranch property south of Santa Fe. Epstein, though his company Cypress Inc., leased the land for livestock grazing, but the State Land Office canceled those leases in part on suspicion that they had been obtained through “illegitimate means for purposes other than ranching or agriculture,” Garcia Richard said of the cancellation. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Garcia Richard speaks with Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón about the failings that allowed the sex offender and financier to lease state land and what her office has done to try to ensure something like that will never happen again. Garcia Richard begins the interview by discussing what the State Land Office is, and the many legitimate grazing lease agreements it has with ranchers throughout the state. She said there were people in state and federal government, including the King family and the late Gov. Bill Richardson, who played a role in protecting Epstein and his use of the state land. She also said the State Land Office had lacked a culture of due diligence and wasn’t making sure some of its lessees were in compliance with their agreements. Chacón goes on to ask Garcia Richard about the Trump administration’s recently announced plans to end protections in the 10-mile buffer zone surrounding Chaco Canyon National Historical Park. She shares her concerns about the move, saying “this is a disaster, plain and simple,” and discusses what efforts her office is taking to try to disrupt what the Trump administration is attempting to do. Garcia Richard also talks about the construction of a border wall as it relates to state land. She said the Trump administration has continually been breaking laws along the border, both environmental and regarding the acknowledgment of land status. With her final term as state land commissioner months away, Garcia Richard also speaks on the office’s accomplishments during her time in office, and shares what her priorities are for the duration of her term.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With 24 years of experience in the FBI and well over 30 years in law enforcement, New Mexico state Rep. Bill Hall has spent much of his life in the pursuit of justice. Now, the retired FBI agent is part his home state’s investigation into criminal acts of abuse that took place at Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch south of Santa Fe. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Hall joins Santa Fe New Mexican senior politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to offer insight on the progress the so-called Epstein “truth commission” has made thus far, what it’s next steps are and what hurdles the committee faces as it seeks to uncover what happened at Zorro Ranch. One of four members of the bipartisan commission, which was formed during New Mexico’s recent legislative session, Hall said he admires his state for “stepping up” to take on a massive fact-finding mission aimed at pursuing allegations of abuse that were never fully investigated while Epstein was alive. In the episode, Hall address the challenges of investigating such a sprawling case with allegations of criminal activity and corruption that took place many years ago. "This is a big endeavor. I don't know how it'll look over time, but we're willing to take the challenge on,” he said.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonas Moya has a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to do it. Over the weekend, the Democratic Party of New Mexico held its pre-primary convention where party delegates voted to designate candidates for the June ballot. Candidates needed to receive at least 20% of the vote to earn a spot on the ballot. Those who failed to meet the threshold need to submit additional petition signatures by next week to run in the primary. As a Democratic candidate for state land commissioner, Moya received about 7% of the vote at the convention. On Thursday, Moya said he needs about 1,700 more signatures to qualify for the primary. On the latest episode of “Around the Roundhouse,” Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón speaks with Moya about why he’s decided to keep fighting to stay in the race and discuss what his priorities would be if he were to be elected state land commissioner. A fourth-generation rancher from Tucumcari, Moya is a former Joe Biden-appointed state director of the Farm Service Agency. He talks about his experience working in the agency and his other relevant experience. Moya shares what he would focus on if elected, including addressing an incoming “tidal wave” of retirees at the State Land Office, building and diversifying revenue streams, and using state land for affordable housing projects. He also talks about how he would address dumping on state land.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An opportunity to connect with survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein prior to the State of the Union address Tuesday had a powerful impact on Andrea Romero, a New Mexico state representative who co-sponsored a resolution to create a so-called “truth commission” to investigate Epstein’s activities at Zorro Ranch in southern Santa Fe County. The Santa Fe Democrat, who was a guest of U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury at the State of the Union, shared her experience in the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, saying the survivors told her that out of Epstein’s operations in various states, “New Mexico was basically the worst.” During the episode, Romero speaks with Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón about the formation of the Epstein “truth commission,” its mission, its members and how it plans to operate as it creates its reports over the next year. “This isn’t about politics, it’s about bringing justice to survivors,” Romero said. Romero also discusses the recently completed legislative session and two pieces of contentious legislation she co-sponsored — the Clear Horizons Act and a bill that would have banned the sale of some “extremely dangerous weapons” in New Mexico. Both bills failed to pass.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With just over a week left in New Mexico’s 30-day legislative session, a handful of bills have been passed and signed into law but there’s still a lot up in the air for lawmakers. Some of the bills passed so far have had bipartisan support, but others have faced strong opposition by the Republican minority in both chambers. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to offer her take on the good, the bad and the ugly of the session so far. The Magdalena Republican starts with sharing her support for the interstate compacts for doctors and social workers, and the medical malpractice reform bill that is still working its way through the Legislature. Armstrong also discusses her opposition to the passage of House Bill 9, a bill to ban local governments in New Mexico from contracting with the federal government to detain undocumented immigrants and others with pending civil immigration cases. She later talks about Senate Bill 17, a gun control bill Republicans have called unconstitutional. Chacón asks Armstrong about Republicans’ hopes of picking up seats in the Legislature in the upcoming election. She discusses what it’s been like being in the minority party, saying “we’re really sick and tired of being pushed around” and that better balance is needed in the Roundhouse. Armstrong ends the podcast by talking about her House district, which is the largest in the state and very rural. “I probably have more cows and elk than I do people. I kind of like it like that,” she says.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cristina Parajón’s first day at the Roundhouse as a lawmaker got off to a bit of an awkward start when the  sergeant-at-arms initially wouldn’t let her in her seat in the House chamber because he thought she looked too young to be a legislator. With some notable early legislative successes, the now 28-year-old is relishing the opportunity to have a seat at the table and is making a name for herself at the Capitol. The Albuquerque Democrat, who is the youngest woman serving in the Legislature, helped pass a bill last year that allows semi-open primaries in New Mexico. It allows voters who don’t state a party affiliation to cast a ballot in a Democratic or Republican primary without changing their registration. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Parajón joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to discuss her path to the Roundhouse, her early legislative victories and her priorities for the current 30-day session. Born to a Nicaraguan father and a Taiwanese-American mother who are both medical professionals, Parajón took an interest in health care access and housing issues at an early age. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Harvard, a master’s degree in business and economics, and is now in her second year of law school. Parajón was appointed to represent House District 25 in 2023 and won the seat in an election the following year. Chacón asks her about the legislation she’s helped pass thus far and how she views the opportunity to be a voice for younger generations of New Mexicans. Parajón also discusses some of her priorities for the current session, including a constitutional amendment to pay legislators a base salary and a bill that would continue a pet food manufacturer fee that helps fund statewide spay and neuter programs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Residents in communities across New Mexico have felt the impact of a physician shortage that has led to patients facing long wait times and a struggle to schedule appointments. A bipartisan group of state legislators has been working to help improve access to health care through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which would allow fully licensed physicians in one member state to obtain licenses more quickly in other member states. State Sen. Linda Trujillo, D-Santa Fe, is a lead on the bill that will be introduced as the 30-day legislative session opens next week. She joins the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast to speak with Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón about the importance of the bill, the changes that have been made since last year, and her level of confidence that the bill will reach the governor’s desk. Trujillo discusses other bills she’s been working on, including legislation that deals with nontraditional health care options being included in health coverage plans, a bill addressing human trafficking and a juvenile justice bill. Chacón asks Trujillo, a member of the Legislative Finance Committee, if she anticipates a battle over child care funding between legislators and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The LFC’s budget plan that was released last week didn’t fully fund the governor’s free universal child care initiative. Trujillo also talks about how she preps for the legislative session, what the transition has been like going from the House to the Senate, and how her background as superintendent of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department has helped her now that she’s back in the Legislature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duke Rodriguez officially launched his candidacy for governor of New Mexico earlier this month by making the announcement in newspaper advertisements across the state. A former state human services Cabinet secretary who is now among New Mexico's most successful cannabis entrepreneurs, Rodriguez is the latest of three Republicans to announce a run for the highest office in the state. In this week’s episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Rodriguez joins Santa Fe New Mexican senior state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to explain why he has decided to run for governor, respond to questions about his residency in New Mexico and discuss his personal and professional background. Chacón questions Rodriguez on his voting history in New Mexico and Arizona. He also asks Rodriguez if he voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, and to share his thoughts on the president’s second term in office. Rodriguez, the president and CEO of the Ultra Health cannabis firm, speaks to what led him to enter the cannabis industry. He also discusses how he plans to finance his campaign with the Republican primary just over five months away.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists with the state of New Mexico delivered what Rep. Nathan Small, chair of the Legislative Finance Committee, called a “very sobering" revenue forecast to lawmakers Monday, with projections of total new money being revised down to $105.7 million from an August projection of $484.8 million. For a state that has been awash in new money in recent years, the latest forecast pointed to a change in momentum. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Legislative Finance Committee Director Charles Sallee speaks with Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to provide more information on the downward revenue projections. Sallee, who has worked with the Legislative Finance Committee since 2005, said that while the projections are directionally bad, the state still has “enormous capacity to do good for New Mexicans.” Sallee addresses the reasons behind the downward revisions of the revenue forecast and contextualizes the projected revenues compared to prior years. Sallee also discusses how the state’s trust fund strategy helps support the general fund in an environment with lower oil prices and a dip in revenues. Chacón asks Sallee if there’s a possibility of lawmakers deciding to raise taxes, and asks what his advice to lawmakers is heading into the upcoming 30-day legislative session.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fresh face in state politics, Cam Crawford was elected vice chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico in April and is working to build momentum for Democrats in an already blue state. On the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, the 20-something firefighter and substitute teacher joined Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to speak about his background and his goals for the party. The son of a police officer and a nurse, Crawford said he visited New Mexico as a teen and knew he wanted to live in the state. Crawford now works as a full-time firefighter for Santa Fe County and is a substitute teacher with Santa Fe Public Schools. He also serves on the city of Santa Fe’s public safety committee. Crawford speaks with Chacón about what drove him to public service and how it informs his politics. He also offers his perspective on the struggles in the state’s public education system, saying “Our teachers are not OK.” Chacón questions Crawford about friction within state Democratic Party leadership that occurred not long after the election of Sara Attleson as state party chair and Crawford as the vice chair. Julie Rochman, who was elected treasurer, abruptly resigned the month after the election, citing a culture of exclusion. Crawford shared his perspective of the matter and said the party is united in its goals. One of those goals, Crawford said, is to win back young voters. Crawford noted that the Democratic Party has lost some younger voters in recent years and said one of his priorities is to work to bring them back. So far, he’s held town halls on the campuses of the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University. Crawford said he also wants to make sure the party has a presence in each one of the state’s 33 counties and to articulate its agenda to support working families.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Garcia earned a decisive victory in Santa Fe’s crowded mayoral race Tuesday night and has made a commitment to voters to improve transparency and accountability at City Hall. He’s already making moves to prepare to take the reins, putting in place members of a transition team and discussing priorities for his first months on the job. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Garcia speaks with Santa Fe New Mexican senior politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón about what the past couple of days have been like since his win and the pressure to deliver on his promises to Santa Feans, and deliver quickly. Garcia talks about who he has chosen so far for his transition team as he prepares to succeed two-term Mayor Alan Webber. He says some of his early priorities will include increasing resources to add more police officers and to restore the city’s parks department, and improving Santa Fe's Planning and Land Use Department. Chacón asks Garcia what he feels made him stand out from other candidates to voters and how he plans to deal with the brighter spotlight that he will face as the city’s top official. Garcia also discusses his approach to leadership, emphasizing a desire for holistic decision making that brings all viewpoints to the table.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ken Miyagishima has run in 14 elections and won 11 of them, including being voted mayor of Las Cruces for four consecutive terms that he served from 2007-2023. The self-described political moderate has an uphill battle to translate his election success to the statewide level as he faces two candidates in the Democratic primary for New Mexico governor who have greater name recognition and far more campaign funds. But Miyagishima says he still likes his chances. In the latest episode of “Around the Roundhouse,” Santa Fe New Mexican senior state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón speaks with Miyagishima about background, his priorities for the state and how he plans to break through to voters against two more well-known candidates in Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman. Miyagishima discusses his upbringing in a military family, how the Vietnam War got him started in politics and his 30 years serving in public office. He then talks about the need for medical malpractice reform in New Mexico and what he calls a crisis of a lack of medical professionals in the state. He shares what he would do to improve the situation, including pushing for punitive damage caps, working on interstate compact agreements and forgiving a greater amount of student loans for doctors. Miyagishima touches on some of his other ideas, including a plan he says could reduce the price of new homes in New Mexico by 25% through utilizing the nonviolent state prison population in apprenticeships, as well as his public safety plan that would involve the creation of a new unit — the New Mexico Metro Police — to assist larger cities with local policing. Miyagishima also talks about what he feels sets him apart from his two opponents, how he would plan to approach border issues under the Trump administration, and his aim to replicate Las Cruces’ Community of Hope framework to address homelessness across the state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.