The Chile Wire

This week on The Chile Wire, Abe sits down with Corey Zimmerman, Republican candidate for New Mexico House District 26. A hospice chaplain, pastor, and longtime advocate for families, Corey shares his journey from ministry to politics and explains what motivated him to step into the race.The conversation covers New Mexico's healthcare crisis, physician shortages, public safety concerns, education reform, workforce development, and the vital role oil and gas plays in funding the state's future. Corey also discusses his vision for servant leadership, supporting trade careers, reducing barriers for healthcare providers, and bringing greater accountability to government.Can New Mexico reverse its doctor shortage, improve educational outcomes, and create more opportunities for families and businesses? Tune in for an in-depth conversation about the challenges facing House District 26 and Corey Zimmerman's plan to help move New Mexico forward.🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Chile Wire!

One week after New Mexico’s primary election, host Abe Baldonado sits down with State Representative Rod Montoya for an in-depth conversation about the biggest surprises from election night, what Gregg Hull’s decisive Republican primary victory means for the general election, and why Republicans believe unity is critical heading into November.Abe and Rep. Montoya break down the primary results, including Hull’s strong performance in Bernalillo County, the collapse of Sam Bregman’s gubernatorial campaign, and what the election revealed about the growing divide within New Mexico’s Democratic Party. They also discuss the role of independent voters, the future of the Republican Party in New Mexico, and the importance of rallying behind GOP candidates up and down the ballot.The conversation then turns to Democratic nominee Deb Haaland. Drawing from campaign ads, interviews, and public appearances, Abe and Rep. Montoya examine Haaland’s record, leadership style, energy policy positions, and preparedness to serve as governor. They argue that New Mexico voters deserve a serious debate about the state’s future, particularly on issues such as crime, education, parental rights, government spending, and the state’s dependence on oil and gas revenue.The episode concludes with a discussion about Emerge New Mexico, progressive political organizing in the state, and the broader ideological battle shaping New Mexico politics ahead of what both guests describe as a pivotal 2026 general election.Whether you're a political junkie, a New Mexico voter, or simply interested in the future of the Land of Enchantment, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Tune in for a candid, wide-ranging discussion on the stakes, strategies, and challenges facing New Mexico in the months ahead! 🎙️🌶️

In this episode of The Chile Wire, host Abenicio Baldonado sits down with Michael and Kimberly Perry for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of New Mexico’s land, resources, and communities. Michael Perry, a former Assistant Commissioner of State Lands, longtime wildlife and habitat professional, and current County Commissioner, brings decades of front-line experience to the discussion as he shares his perspective on the mission and responsibilities of the State Land Office.Together, these three dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping New Mexico’s landscape today—from wildfire prevention and habitat restoration to the evolving balance between agriculture, energy production, and conservation. The conversation also explores green energy development, the vital role of oil and gas in our state’s economy, and why these issues deserve thoughtful, practical dialogue rather than political division.Grounded in real-world experience and a shared commitment to stewardship, this episode offers an in-depth look at what it means to leave New Mexico better than we found it. Tune in for insight, context, and a meaningful discussion about the future of our land and the people who rely on it.Check out Michael's website: https://perry4nmland.com/Instagram: @michaeljackkperry

In this episode of the Chile Wire, host Abenicio Baldonado sits down with Sarah Hetemi, State Director for Americans for Prosperity–New Mexico (AFP-NM), for a forward-looking conversation about New Mexico’s present and future.Sarah shares AFP-NM’s priorities and vision for a state where opportunity thrives, families prosper, and bureaucratic barriers to growth are removed. Together, we break down what’s holding New Mexico back from reaching its full potential and discuss how common sense solutions can put our state on a stronger path.We also dive into the positive impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill, exploring how it empowers New Mexico taxpayers, encourages economic freedom, and opens doors for long-term prosperity. Sarah highlights AFP-NM’s statewide Protect Prosperity & Defend Taxpayers Tour, aimed at engaging communities, educating residents, and building momentum for a more prosperous New Mexico.Tune in for insight, inspiration, and a clear look at the opportunities waiting for New Mexico, should we choose to let prosperity win.

In this episode of The Chile Wire, we sit down with Megan Rosker, Director of Admissions and Outreach at the May Center for Learning, to explore the organization’s powerful mission to ensure every child in New Mexico has the opportunity to read, learn, and thrive. Megan shares how the May Center is leading the way in addressing literacy challenges across our state—by providing specialized support for students with dyslexia and other neurodivergent learning profiles, and by training teachers to recognize and meet the needs of all learners.From reshaping classroom instruction to advocating for early intervention and teacher empowerment, this conversation shines a light on what it takes to build a high-quality and effective education system in New Mexico.🎧 Tune in to learn how the May Center is transforming the future of literacy—one student, one teacher, and one community at a time.