AGP Executive Report

New Mexico Politics: Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination for governor Tuesday night, taking about 72% of the vote and setting up a November matchup with Republican Gregg Hull, who won the GOP primary in a three-way race. Campaign Focus: Haaland’s pitch centers on lowering costs for healthcare and education, opposing Trump-era Medicaid cuts, and overhauling child welfare, while Hull frames the race as a choice on public safety and the economy. Election Context: New Mexico’s primary also featured a first-ever semi-open system, with Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver calling turnout a success, including a surge of independent voters. Local Governance: In Grants, the City Council heard updates on falling burglaries and graffiti tied to directed patrols, plus parks reopening and public safety spending. Public Safety: New Mexico State Police announced June sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols statewide. National/World: AP reports Iran suspended U.S.-Iran negotiations amid renewed limited fire, as the ceasefire remains fragile.

Primary Election Day in New Mexico: Voters headed to the polls Tuesday for a packed slate, with Bernalillo County officials expecting turnout to break its 2016 record and statewide participation already climbing early in the day. Gubernatorial race focus: People at polling sites said federal politics and public safety are driving choices, with the governor’s primary seen as the biggest decision on the ballot. Rio Grande water: The U.S. Supreme Court gave final approval to the Rio Grande compact settlement among Texas, New Mexico and Colorado, clearing the way for downstream delivery obligations. Border agriculture threat: USDA says the New World screwworm fly has been detected near the Texas-Mexico border and the agency is ready to respond if it enters the U.S. LANL case update: The body of missing Los Alamos lab worker Melissa Casias was found in Carson National Forest, with authorities investigating after a handgun was recovered nearby. Energy and business: A record $4B federal oil and gas lease sale brought major receipts in New Mexico and Texas, while New Mexico also continues pushing broadband planning grants and new tech/data-center activity.

New Mexico Primary Day: Voters head to the polls Tuesday in New Mexico’s semi-open primary, including the governor race between Deb Haaland and Albuquerque DA Sam Bregman, with independents able to request either party’s ballot. Campaign Cash: Fundraising reports show nearly $20 million has poured into the governor bids, led by Haaland’s $12.77 million haul. Public Safety & Access: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez announced the arrest of a Pecos River landowner accused of threatening fishermen with a firearm, a case tied to long-running public access fights. City Hall: Albuquerque City Council passed a revised minimum wage plan raising pay from $12 to $15 over three years, with tipped-worker and inflation-adjustment changes. Los Alamos Mystery: Remains of missing LANL worker Melissa Casias were identified in Carson National Forest; investigators found a handgun nearby and are still determining cause and manner of death.

New Mexico Politics: With Tuesday’s June 2 primary underway, Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver says more than 181,900 eligible voters have already cast ballots, including about 18,500 who are not registered with a qualified party—partly reflecting New Mexico’s first-in-the-nation semi-open primary rules. Gubernatorial Race: Democratic hopeful Sam Bregman tells Source NM he’s “optimistic” he can win the nomination despite trailing Deb Haaland in fundraising and polling, pointing to the new “decline to state” participation rules. Public Lands Campaign: A Washington-based PAC backed by major oil donors has bought TV ads supporting Juan de Jesus Sanchez III in the Democratic primary for commissioner of public lands, according to filings cited by an opponent’s campaign. LANL Missing Worker: New Mexico State Police identified remains found in the Carson National Forest as Melissa Casias, a Los Alamos National Laboratory employee missing since June 2025; a handgun was found nearby and investigators say the case remains under review. AI in Schools: A New Mexico education committee recommends creating a statewide AI oversight body for schools, citing privacy, cheating, and overreliance concerns. Local Business: The Village People YMCA opened on the West Side near Rio Rancho and Corrales, aiming to serve a growing community with a nonprofit, community-focused model.

New Mexico Politics: Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland faces Bernalillo County DA Sam Bregman in the Democratic gubernatorial primary Tuesday, with both candidates pitching different approaches to crime and youth justice. Public Safety & Courts: New Mexico State Police identified the remains found in Carson National Forest as Melissa Casias, a Los Alamos National Laboratory staffer missing since June 26, 2025; officials say a handgun was found near the remains, and the investigation remains active. Albuquerque Local Government: The city is moving ahead with a Bliss Building demolition permit after Lindy’s Diner’s partial collapse, with road closures expected to continue. Education & Tech: State lawmakers are pushing for a statewide plan to govern AI use in schools, citing concerns about privacy, cheating, and overreliance. Economy & Wages: Albuquerque City Councilors propose raising the minimum wage to $15 in 2027 with annual cost-of-living adjustments starting in 2028. Energy & Industry: A Reuters report says SpaceX and the Pentagon are negotiating higher-priced Starshield terminal subscriptions after SpaceX argued the military was paying too little for drone connectivity.

Border & Courts: A man who cut off his ankle monitor and fled after a Colorado sexual assault verdict was sentenced to 100 years after being captured in Chapparal, New Mexico, just short of the U.S.-Mexico border. Local Crime: Clovis police arrested a man charged with murder tied to a deadly church parking lot shooting, and investigators say they recovered the suspected firearm. Elections & State Politics: New Mexico’s contested legislative primaries could shift the House’s political tilt, with moderates and progressives fighting in key Democratic races. UNM Leadership: UNM President Garnett Stokes announced she’s retiring in July after eight years at the helm, citing the relationships she’ll miss. NM Economy & Industry: A new report highlights New Mexico’s push to build a high-tech economy, pointing to sectors like space, aerospace and defense. Water & History: A new book explores how the Rio Grande shaped Albuquerque, tracing the long fight to control flooding and build a city around the river. Arts & Community: San Juan College faculty member Ron Striegel’s novel “Land Shadows” won multiple national literary honors.

Immigration & Courts: A coalition including the ACLU of Texas, Texas Civil Rights Project, and Human Rights Watch sued ICE over alleged abuse at Fort Bliss’s Camp East Montana, citing medical neglect, a measles outbreak, violent force, solitary confinement, and unsanitary conditions. Public Schools Transparency: The New Mexico Supreme Court ordered the release of a 2014 Albuquerque Public Schools investigation into former superintendent Winston Brooks, with some redactions. Rio Grande Water: Elephant Butte Dam began its annual release, sending water downstream toward El Paso after months of dryness in southern New Mexico. Energy & Data Centers: Oracle’s Project Jupiter in Santa Teresa is drawing scrutiny over water use, while federal partners are also working on statewide powerline permit guidance across New Mexico’s national forests. Arts & Community: Albuquerque is set to host a major national arts conference, with leaders pointing to uncertainty in federal arts funding. Sports: UNM added junior college transfer AJ Pierre-Jerome to bolster the Lobos’ front court.

Rio Grande Water: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a settlement ending a 13-year fight over Rio Grande water rights, giving New Mexico a clearer framework for surface deliveries and groundwater use below Elephant Butte and reducing potential taxpayer liability. Quantum Economy: New Mexico won a national economic development award for building a quantum technology sector, citing Sandia-led momentum and new programs meant to attract and grow companies. UAP Files: The Pentagon released new UFO/UAP records, including reports of “orange orbs” and decades of unexplained sightings, with dozens of videos and audio recordings. Mexican Wolf Release: Records show Interior officials delayed the release of Mexican gray wolf Asha after local pushback, highlighting growing rural resistance as wolf numbers rise. Albuquerque Basic Income: Albuquerque leaders touted results from a guaranteed basic income pilot, saying $750 monthly checks helped families save more and even become homeowners. Public Safety & Courts: Albuquerque Police arrested additional suspects in a 2025 Old Town murder, while New Mexico’s Supreme Court continued pushing transparency in public records and juror-related civic reminders. Governor Race: Fundraising and spending in New Mexico’s governor primary surged past $17 million as the June 2 vote nears. Tech & Industry: UPS announced major logistics investment and new Mexico air freight service, and a Yellow Creek Township meeting drew attention to a planned data center and power project.

Rio Grande Water Deal: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a final settlement ending the long Texas v. New Mexico and Colorado Rio Grande dispute, aiming to cut southern New Mexico groundwater pumping and set a long-term water accounting framework. Federal Funding Watch: New Mexico lawmakers voted to keep a bipartisan subcommittee tracking federal program cuts and impacts through 2026, with plans to expand monitoring and coordination with tribes and other changes affecting the state. Native Education Funding: Pueblos, tribes and nations received an initial $30 million from the Indian Education Fund, with $90 million slated over three years to support language and culture programming for Native students. Oil & Gas Bonding: The State Land Office held hearings on tougher oil and gas cleanup bonding rules, with proposals to dramatically raise minimum bonds to prevent taxpayers from covering abandoned wells and spills. Higher Ed Health Coverage: New Mexico higher-education unions say health insurance eligibility rules are leaving many university workers uncovered and are urging lawmakers to fix the gap. Travel Tech in Albuquerque: TSA rolled out a new “touchless” PreCheck ID option at Albuquerque Sunport, using facial comparison to speed security lines. Gubernatorial Primary Money: Deb Haaland outraised Sam Bregman in the final stretch of New Mexico’s Democratic primary, according to campaign filings. Kids Online Safety: Georgia AG Chris Carr backed the Senate version of KOSA while warning the House KIDS Act could weaken states’ ability to protect children online. Prediction Markets Fight: The federal government is suing states over prediction market rules, arguing for exclusive federal control as states push back.

Democratic Primary Fight: Twelve states are jockeying to lead Democrats’ 2028 presidential primary, with New Hampshire’s tradition and Delaware’s “Biden” baggage both in the spotlight as party leaders try to balance diversity, electability, and momentum. Local Governance & Public Safety: Albuquerque families are demanding police reform after the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Jose Armas, with relatives saying they called for help for a mental health crisis—not officers. Energy & County Policy: Chaves County approved outside-consultant requirements for major energy projects, adding fees tied to megawatts for solar, wind, nuclear, storage, and data centers. State Courts & Immigration Enforcement: New Mexico’s attorney general sued Curry and Torrance counties over alleged violations of state law tied to ICE agreements. Environment & Public Lands: The National Park Service is easing some hunting restrictions under Trump administration directives, including changes that could affect recreation across the Southwest, including New Mexico sites. Health & Treatment Access: A new report highlights rising Medicaid spending tied to addiction and medical services across New Mexico communities, while advocates push for more youth treatment options. Film Economy: A slowdown in New Mexico’s film boom is starting to ripple through local jobs and businesses, even as productions like Netflix’s “The Boroughs” keep spotlighting the state. Elections Explained: KUNM breaks down what the New Mexico State Land Office does—especially how oil and gas revenue supports public institutions.

Rio Grande Water Deal: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a settlement ending a 13-year Rio Grande dispute, setting a 57-43 irrigation split favoring New Mexico and limiting groundwater pumping below Elephant Butte—framed by state leaders as a win that protects taxpayers from billions in risk. Immigration Enforcement Clash: New Mexico’s attorney general sued Curry and Torrance counties over ICE agreements, arguing they violate the state’s Immigrant Safety Act and raising concerns about training and potential profiling. Democrats Push Earlier Primary: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and party leaders urged the DNC to move New Mexico’s 2028 presidential primary earlier, arguing the state’s diverse electorate makes it pivotal. Semiconductor Workforce Boost: NNME Southwest was designated a regional node for semiconductor training, linking employers and schools across five states including New Mexico. Local Economy & Community: CreativeCon returns to Albuquerque June 6 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center to help creatives find business resources; and the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Business Alliance relaunched with Albuquerque’s Tavis Malcolm leading. Public Safety: Charges were filed in the I-40 crash that killed BCSO Sgt. Michael Schlattman, alleging careless driving by the semi-truck driver.

Medicare Fraud Crackdown: The New Mexico Association for Home & Hospice Care backed federal efforts to curb fraud in Medicare home health and hospice, but warned a six-month CMS enrollment moratorium must stay targeted so compliant providers and patients aren’t harmed. Water Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court approved a settlement to reduce Rio Grande groundwater pumping and retire some irrigated water rights, aiming to stabilize water delivery from New Mexico to Texas. GOP Party Fight: A judge ordered New Mexico GOP chair Amy Barela to step down ahead of the state’s June 2 semi-open primary, citing alleged bylaw violations. Immigrant Safety Lawsuit: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez sued Torrance and Curry counties over alleged “illegal ICE agreements,” seeking to block and end them under the state’s Immigrant Safety Act. Disaster Recovery: New Mexico opened a state-run Disaster Recovery Center in Las Vegas for Hermits Peak Calf Canyon fire and flood victims, offering case management and help with rebuilding permits. Local Culture: “Fantastic Animals from Mexico” brings alebrijes and nahuales to Albuquerque’s Central Avenue for the summer. Space & Tech: Virgin Galactic’s Unity returned to service for pilot training for its next-generation spacecraft.

Immigration Enforcement Clash: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez sued Torrance and Curry counties and their sheriffs over “287(g)” ICE agreements, arguing they violate the state’s new Immigrant Safety Act. Party Politics in the Courts: A New Mexico judge ordered Republican Party of New Mexico chair Amy Barela to step down, siding with candidates who said she broke party rules while running for office. Housing Pressure in Albuquerque: A Legislative Finance Committee report says homelessness has risen in Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe, with Bernalillo County’s unhoused population doubling from 2022 to 2024 despite hundreds of millions spent. Healthcare Staffing Push: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham expanded New Mexico’s loan repayment for doctors, raising relief to $75,000 over four years (up to $300,000 total) to address a statewide provider shortage. Energy and Water: A uranium company’s finalized plan for mining near Mount Taylor includes pumping groundwater and treating it before releasing it into the Rio San Jose, drawing renewed scrutiny. Internet Safety Fight: New Mexico lawmakers reviewed youth nicotine addiction strategy gaps, while national AG coalitions pressed Congress to strengthen online protections for children.

Aviation Milestone: Hermeus, based out of Spaceport America, says its Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 demonstrator hit Mach 1.21 on its third flight—an early step toward Mach 3 and a potential military push for faster unmanned aircraft. Drought & Wildfire: New Mexico is now under a statewide drought declaration as wildfire risk climbs and river flows stay low, with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ordering fireworks limits and water-saving steps. Local Politics: A City Council hearing drew backlash over a proposed “Slavery and Freedom Museum” in Albuquerque, with residents arguing about history, funding, and community impact. Tech & Kids Online: The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear Meta’s bid to block Vermont’s social media addiction case, keeping the fight over teen safety alive. Energy & Water: The U.S. is also moving to repurpose Cold War plutonium into nuclear fuel, while Utah finally sees $35M in federal drought project funding flow again.

Nuclear Fuel Push: The Trump administration is moving to let companies get weapons-grade plutonium for nuclear fuel, selecting five firms for “advanced negotiations,” including Oklo partnering with Newcleo—sparking fresh alarms from nonproliferation critics. Border Wall Fallout: The Tohono O’odham Nation says a DHS contractor building a secondary border wall destroyed part of the Las Playas Intaglio, a 1,000-year-old geoglyph in Cabeza Prieta. Social Media Court Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Meta’s bid to stop Vermont’s lawsuit over Instagram’s alleged addictive design for teens, keeping the case alive. Local Politics/Tech Tension: Rep. Gabe Vasquez is urging Socorro County to consider a temporary data-center moratorium as residents and New Mexico Tech face mounting opposition. Crime: An Albuquerque teen, Andres Herrera, was sentenced to 40 years for two 2023 murders. Energy/Space: Rocket Lab completed its Motiv Space Systems acquisition, boosting Mars robotics capabilities.

UFO Files: The Pentagon released a second batch of declassified UFO materials, including dozens of new videos and hundreds of pages of reports—fueling fresh debate and renewed calls for transparency, with some claims pointing to sightings near sensitive sites, including Sandia, New Mexico. Local Economy: Albuquerque city councilors are pushing to raise the city minimum wage from $12 to $15, with an immediate start proposed for Jan. 1, 2027. Drought & Wildfire: New Mexico has declared a statewide drought as wildfire counts rise and water supplies tighten, prompting water-saving steps and restrictions like a fireworks ban. Politics: New Mexico’s Democratic governor primary is set, with Deb Haaland facing Bernalillo DA Sam Bregman, while other contested state and federal races heat up. STEM & Education: UNM’s business school won a 2026 STEM award for a rural student connectivity project aimed at closing the tech and opportunity gap.