Where to next for New Mexico?

Shocking RGF and many others, New Mexico largely stayed the same politically after the November election. Republicans (seem to) have picked up one house and one senate seat each, but given overwhelming numbers in Santa Fe that won’t affect Democrats much. Trump gained in overall vote totals while winning both the popular vote and the election, but lost New Mexico. Yvette Herrell lost by thousands more votes than she did in 2022 and the other races for Congress weren’t competitive.

All bonds passed, judges were retained, and Las Cruces voters even adopted a gross receipts tax hike. Judging by these results, New Mexicans aren’t just happy with the Democratic Party’s dominance, but are happy with its dramatic moves to the political left in recent years (including this one).

So, MLG will serve out her next to years in office as a “lame duck.” Paid Family Leave will undoubtedly be on the agenda and stopping it will be even more difficult than before. A modest tax cut will be on the table (possibly to the GRT), but other tax hikes will likely be considered as will more gun control. The State budget will likely remain flush (unless planned Trump’s massive oil and gas production increases have a massive, negative impact on prices).

It will be a tough two years at the Roundhouse, but MLG has already enacted most of her agenda thanks to a friendly Legislature. What will she do next? Will she actually continue to push anti-crime legislation (much to the chagrin of her party)? Only time will tell.

Will ANYTHING move New Mexico to the right? Democrats seem to be moving towards Deb Haaland as the next candidate for Gov. Will the Republicans have a credible candidate to oppose her in two years?