Around the Roundhouse

The Santa Fe New Mexican

The Santa Fe New Mexican’s weekly podcast hosted by state government and lead politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón features the policies, politics and personalities at the state Capitol during New Mexico's 2025 legislative session.

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S2 · E30
Thursday · 25 min
Forward Party candidate Harry Montoya discusses run for Santa Fe County magistrate judge
Harry Montoya has been a Democrat and a Republican. The former Pojoaque School Board member and Santa Fe County Commissioner says he doesn’t feel like he fits into the mold of either party anymore and is now running as a member of the newly formed Forward Party in his campaign for Santa Fe County magistrate judge. Montoya, who is facing Democrat Michael Roybal in the general election, joins the latest episode of “Around the Roundhouse” for a conversation with Santa Fe New Mexican politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón on his background, his interest in the magistrate judge role and his decision to run as a Forward Party candidate. Long in the political sphere, Montoya says a continued passion for public service has driven him to pursue the magistrate judge position. He discusses what the magistrate court is and shares his thoughts on what qualities a judge should bring to the job. Montoya also talks about the Forward Party movement, saying he feels the party offers the opportunity to put narrow ideologies aside and work for progress for the people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E29
August 20 · 32 min
Republican Ramona Goolsby shares her priorities in campaign for N.M. secretary of state
Ramona Goolsby has been a family nurse practitioner, an officer in the U.S. Army Reserves, a staff accountant for a CPA firm, a small business owner and manager of a ranch. She says she’s not a politician, but she hopes her varied experiences will appeal to voters as she campaigns to be New Mexico’s secretary of state. The Rio Rancho Republican is running against Doña Ana County Democrat Amanda López Askin in the November general election. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Goolsby joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to speak about her background, share why she’s decided to run for secretary of state and discuss her top priorities. Goolsby speaks on her concerns about the state’s voter rolls and says she would like to launch a voter roll cleanup task force. Chacón later asks Goolsby questions about her position on voter ID requirements and the SAVE America Act, as well as if she agrees with Donald Trump’s claims that the 2020 election was rigged. The episode ends with Goolsby talking about what led her to come to New Mexico and about her Master Cattleman certification. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E28
August 13 · 32 min
From opioid settlement transparency to banking deserts, think tank CEO talks policy issues in N.M.
Patrick M. Brenner is founder, president and CEO of the Southwest Public Policy Institute, a New Mexico-based public policy think tank with a stated mission to deliver data-driven research, advance government transparency and safeguard consumer choice across the Southwest. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Brenner joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to talk about a range of topics including what his think tank does, how it is funded and some of the policies the institute is currently focused on. Brenner also discusses what led him to depart the Rio Grand Foundation, an Albuquerque-based think tank, and eventually create his own. Brenner touches on issues including opioid settlement transparency, New Mexico’s Inspection of Public Records Act, banking deserts, housing affordability and more. A former Republican, Brenner also speaks about what led him to leave the party and offers some thoughts on New Mexico’s gubernatorial race. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E27
August 7 · 30 min
Former game warden Michael Perry touts decades of experience in campaign for state land commissioner
Michael Perry grew up in Roswell with an interesting aspiration for a child — he wanted to be a game warden. One of his grandfathers was a director with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and took Perry quail hunting all over the state. After studying wildlife science at New Mexico State University, Perry followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and served as a game warden for the department for more than two decades. Perry now has a new goal — to become the New Mexico state land commissioner. Formerly an assistant commissioner over state lands at the State Land Office, Perry is the Republican nominee for state land commissioner. He is running against Democrat Juan de Jesus Sanchez III to succeed outgoing State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Perry joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to share his positions on policy issues facing the State Land Office and to discuss the path that led him to this point. Chacón begins the episode by asking Perry about his stance on the withdrawal of state lands from mining leases around Chaco Culture National Historical Park initiated by Garcia Richard. He also asks Perry about his thoughts on Garcia Richard’s denial of an application to run a portion of a natural gas pipeline for Project Jupiter through state trust land. Perry then responds to a question about a proposal to increase oil and gas bonding on state lands. Questions then turn to Perry’s campaign and how he plans to break a long drought of Republicans in statewide races. Perry says his decades of experience with the state Department of Game and Fish and the State Land Office give him an edge over his younger opponent. The interview ends with questions about Perry’s roots in New Mexico, his professional background and his passion for the state. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E26
July 30 · 32 min
New Mexicans to decide if state legislators will receive salary; proponent says ‘now is the time’
New Mexico is the only state in the country with an unpaid Legislature, but that could change come November. Voters in the upcoming general election will consider a constitutional amendment that would pave the way for state lawmakers to receive a salary for the first time in New Mexico’s history. Retired state government attorney Clifford Rees served House Democrats as a technical expert on the proposed amendment during the 30-day legislative session earlier this year and is a proponent of efforts to modernize the Legislature. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Rees joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to share his insight on the amendment, discuss the potential amount legislators would receive and talk about what he thinks may have held up past efforts to pay legislators. Rees worked for four different state agencies as an attorney, spending the bulk of his career at the New Mexico Department of Health before retiring as general counsel of the state Department of Finance and Administration in 2005. He has volunteered his time and expertise over the last four years to research and speak on the process to modernize the New Mexico Legislature. While legislators don’t receive a salary, they do receive per diem for meeting attendance, mileage reimbursements and pensions. Rees discusses how their pensions work and says that the constitutional amendment to pay legislators a salary would have no impact on their pensions. Rees argues that paying lawmakers would expand the pool of people who are able to serve and says proponents of the amendment need to make the case that constituents as well as legislators would benefit by its passage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E25
July 24 · 26 min
State Sen. Jay Block praises Hull, belittles Haaland in N.M. governor's race
In the same interview where he discussed his friendly interactions with current Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Republican state Sen. Jay Block’s words regarding the Democratic candidate running to replace her weren’t quite as cordial. A strong backer of GOP candidate Gregg Hull, Block said “my dog would make a better governor than Deb Haaland, by far,” while speaking with Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón in the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast. The senator from District 12, which represents Rio Rancho and northwest Albuquerque, Block touted Hull’s tenure as mayor of Rio Rancho and said he would “bring a lot of common sense to the office of governor.” Block was critical of Haaland’s policy positions and how she has handled her campaign. He said he was optimistic about Hull’s chances despite Haaland's large lead in campaign contributions. Block’s tune wasn’t all negative when opining about New Mexico Democrats. Addressing the state of leadership in the Senate, Block said Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth did a “phenomenal job” in his position. He said Wirth, who recently announced he is relinquishing the role of majority leader, was willing to work with Republicans and was able to calm the chamber when dealing with contentious issues. Block also praised Democratic Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, who he said has “been incredible for the Senate for eight years” and “has really gained the respect of both sides.” He shared his thoughts on the upcoming meeting of the Democratic Party of New Mexico’s State Central Committee, which will choose a new candidate for lieutenant governor after New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, who won the nomination in the June primary, dropped out due to unspecified health concerns. Later in the episode, Block speaks about his current level of support for President Donald Trump. He also shares what legislation he plans to bring forth for the 2027 60-day session, including a renewed push for a New Mexico version of DOGE — the Department of Government Efficiency. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E24
July 17 · 28 min
On Trinity Test anniversary, downwinders advocate Tina Cordova continues fight for New Mexicans
The world’s first detonation of a nuclear weapon took place on July 16, 1945, in the Jornada del Muerto desert southeast of Socorro, New Mexico. In the decades since the Trinity Test explosion, thousands of New Mexicans have been plagued by illness and cancers related to their over-exposure to radiation.   The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act was passed in 1990 to provide payments to individuals who developed cancers and other serious diseases due to exposure to radiation for nuclear testing, but it wasn’t until last year that New Mexicans residents became eligible to receive compensation. On the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Tina Cordova speaks with Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to discuss her decades of work with the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium to fight for compensation and acknowledgment for New Mexico’s downwinders. Cordova, who co-founded the organization with the late Fred Tyler in 2005, has made it her life’s work to advocate for New Mexicans who have suffered negative health effects due to radiation exposure from nuclear testing. Since New Mexicans became eligible to receive claims under RECA last year, Cordova said about 4,000 people have applied for compensation and about 500 claims of $100,000 have been paid out. She said it is estimated that there could be 50,000 eligible claimants in the state. Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico recently announced a bill that would expand RECA. The proposed measure would extend the deadline to apply for claims, broaden the locations for eligible claimants, increase the amount of compensation for each claimant from $100,000 to $150,000, and broaden the list of qualifying cancers.   Cordova shares her perspective on how the story of New Mexico’s downwinders has gained traction over the years and speaks on the work that is still ahead. She also talks about why she felt it took so long for New Mexicans to become eligible for compensation through RECA. Visit trinitydownwinders.com for assistance on how to apply for RECA compensation. Cordova will be involved in a couple of upcoming events related to the Trinity Test. At 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, she will be among the speakers at an interfaith remembrance of the Trinity Test with Archbishop John Wester at St. Michael’s High School in Santa Fe. At 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium will hold its annual candlelight vigil at Tularosa Veterans Memorial Park to pay tribute to those who have died due to the negative impact of exposure to radiation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E23
July 9 · 30 min
Santa Fe County sheriff looks back on ‘Rust’ case, discusses DEA controversy and future of AI use
A local who was elected Santa Fe County sheriff in 2018, Adan Mendoza’s eventful two-term tenure has included efforts to improve staffing, managing the department through the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple stints under the national media microscope. Mendoza’s time in office will concluded at the end of the year when he will likely be succeeded by current Santa Fe police Chief Paul Joye, who won the Democratic primary in June and faces no Republican challenger in the November general election. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Mendoza joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to reflect on his time in office, discuss his department’s involvement in the Rust case, offer his thoughts on his likely successor and share his plans for the future. Mendoza, who has worked in law enforcement for 27 years, begins by discussing efforts to modernize the department’s policies. He also talks about the use of artificial intelligence in law enforcement. Asked how the department has been able to improve its staffing levels and retention, Mendoza points to implementing a “4/8/40” work schedule that gives employees full-time pay for working four eight-hour days each week, allowing for an extra eight hours of administrative leave to devote to their mental or physical well-being. Mendoza then shares his support for Joye, who he endorsed in the primary race for county sheriff, and discusses his own future. He said he’s interested in the role of Santa Fe’s police chief and will be applying for the position. Chacón later asks Mendoza to offer his thoughts on the recent story that the federal Drug Enforcement Administration knowingly allowed New Mexico to be flooded with fentanyl. Mendoza is then asked about his time in the national spotlight as his department worked the case for the on-set shooting of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and the discovery of the bodies of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, at their Santa Fe home. Chacón brings up a judge’s dismissal of the involuntary manslaughter case of Alec Baldwin, largely over a box of ammunition that was entered into evidence under a different case number than all other evidence related to the shooting of Hutchins. Mendoza said he bears responsibility for the handling of the evidence since it took place under his department. Mendoza is finally asked what he will miss the most and least when he moves on from his sheriff’s role, and shares thanks to the community for the chance to serve. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E22
July 3 · 41 min
'So horrific': NM Epstein truth commission member speaks on breadth of potential crimes, support for survivors
Even before legislation was passed to form New Mexico’s “truth commission” to investigate the activities and potential crimes of Jeffrey Epstein in the state, Marianna Anaya said she spent time digging through the publicly released files related to the financier and convicted sex offender. With a background in advocacy for sexual assault survivors, the Albuquerque state representative said a pitfall in the past was that people didn’t listen to survivors, thinking allegations were “too out of this world to believe.” With what’s been learned through the Epstein files, Anaya said “the things that happened to survivors are so horrific that there’s nothing that’s off the table.” In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast,” Anaya joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Clara Bates to discuss how she became one of the four members of the bipartisan truth commission, the progress of the panel so far, and the breadth of potential crimes committed in the state related to the Epstein case. Anaya shares her history as an organizer, activist and lobbyist, and how decision to run for the state House came in the spur of the moment following a narrow defeat of paid family and medical leave legislation she had been supporting. The Democrat then speaks on her involvement in the truth commission, and how her advocacy for victims of sexual assault has informed her work on the panel. She says she’s proud of the work of the bipartisan commission, which she said has avoided making their work political and has remained focused on seeking justice for survivors. Bates asks Anaya about The New Mexican’s recent reporting on Epstein having a private ambulance at Zorro Ranch and possibly a dental office. Anaya said there has been testimony from survivors that some woke up in medical settings in New Mexico. She then goes over the types of potential crimes committed in the state related to Epstein, including sex trafficking, medical crimes and financial crimes. Anaya is also asked about the one year the commission has to come up with a full report for the Epstein investigation. She said members have never thought one year was enough time, and that she hopes the Legislature will be able to extend the life of the commission at the end of the year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E21
June 26 · 42 min
GOP Lt. Gov. nominee David Gallegos talks governor's race, Trump and bringing balance for rural NM
State Sen. David Gallegos won a three-man race for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor earlier this month and will be the running mate for gubernatorial candidate Gregg Hull on the GOP ticket in November’s general election. A longtime resident of the town of Eunice in the Permian Basin, Gallegos said if he and Hull win he’d use the office to bolster the voices of rural New Mexicans. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Gallegos joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to chat about the governor’s race, lay out his priorities and discuss his position on President Donald Trump’s policies. Gallegos, who worked for 30 years in the natural gas industry and is now a manager for his family’s construction company, said he is developing a good relationship with Hull, the former mayor of Rio Rancho. He said the two bring a balance to the GOP ticket, with Hull offering a perspective on urban New Mexico and Gallegos bringing an understanding of a rural way of life. Gallegos offers his perspective the situation regarding the Democratic ticket, which saw Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver recently suspend her campaign for lieutenant governor due to health issues. A handful of people are now vying to step in and be the running mate for Deb Haaland. Chacón later questions Gallegos about strife among the state’s Republican Party leadership, and how it impacts the party’s candidates. Gallegos also shares his thoughts on Trump, saying New Mexico Democrats have prevented the state from receiving federal funds due to being uncooperative with the administration’s policies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E20
June 18 · 31 min
Sen. Peter Wirth discusses decision not to seek reelection and reflects on legislative legacy
Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, made headlines Tuesday with the announcement that he will not seek reelection in 2028 for a sixth term in the Senate and that he will relinquish his position as floor leader. “An important part of leadership is knowing when to hand the baton to the next generation,” Wirth said Wednesday in an interview with Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Wirth joins Chacón to discuss his decision to step away from the Senate (after serving out his remaining two years) and talk about his legacy over 22 years in the Legislature. In the interview, Chacón asks Wirth about what it takes to serve in the role of floor leader, a position Wirth has held since 2016. He also asks Wirth about the toll the position has taken over the years, and if he knows of any legislators who may be lining up to step into the role. Wirth then discusses what he has planned for the future, after he serves out his remaining time in office, and is asked if he could see himself returning to politics at some point. Chacón asks Wirth about legislation he is most proud of during his more than two decades in the Senate. Wirth also asks about the state’s large investments in programs like early childhood education and behavioral health, and when New Mexico may see a return on investment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E19
June 11 · 37 min
NM CD2: Republican Greg Cunningham on the border, Trump, and big money in the race
All eyes will be on the midterm elections come November as control of Congress is up for grabs, and a national spotlight will once again be on New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District. Republican Greg Cunningham is vying to unseat incumbent Democrat Gabe Vasquez, who defeated Yvette Herrell in tightly contested races in 2022 and 2024. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Cunningham joins Santa Fe New Mexican politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to discuss the high-profile race, his professional background and his positions on issues impacting New Mexicans. He shares how he decided to join the U.S. Marine Corps and what drew him to become a member of the Albuquerque Police Department. Chacón asks Cunningham about his thoughts on some of President Donald Trump’s policies, including the creation of a military border zone along the U.S.-Mexico border. Cunningham also talks about Trump’s tariffs and tax policies, and his views on the war with Iran. Cunningham is asked to share his thoughts on Vasquez’s performance during his two terms in office, and explains how he differs from the incumbent. He also discusses the importance of the race and the money that’s expected to pour in to support the two candidates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E18
June 5 · 31 min
Republican nominee Gregg Hull says 'we've got a message for everybody' in race for N.M. governor
From slinging newspapers, to shipping solar cells for the International Space Station, to leading the third-largest city in New Mexico, Gregg Hull’s professional experiences in the state have run the gamut. The former three-term mayor of Rio Rancho is now eyeing New Mexico’s highest office. Hull secured the Republican nomination for governor with a double-digit victory in Tuesday’s primary election and will face Democratic nominee Deb Haaland in November’s general election. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Hull joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to discuss his primary win and what his priorities are for the state as he pursues the governor’s seat. Hull says he plans to have his campaign focus on the issues rather than on attacks of his opponent. Public safety, affordability, education and roads are some of his top priorities, he said. Facing an opponent who has higher name recognition as a former congresswoman and interior secretary, Hull says he plans to continue to travel across the state to connect with voters and listen to the issues they are facing in their communities. In speaking about his time as mayor as Rio Rancho, Hull talks about how the growing city has addressed water issues through an aquifer recharge plan that he hopes more commutes along the Rio Grande adopt. Chacón asks Hull about if he will seek an endorsement from President Donald Trump, and how he plans to appeal to independents and Democrats who voted for Sam Bregman, who Haaland defeated in the Democratic primary. Hull also speaks about why he feels he outperformed his primary opponents in Northern New Mexico, and how he thinks he can carry that momentum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E17
May 21 · 39 min
'I'd like to see more hope': GOP write-in U.S. Senate candidate Larry Marker shares vision for New Mexico
A self-described “America First” candidate for U.S. Senate, Larry Marker first has some work to do to get on November’s general election ballot. The Republican with roots in Hobbs and Roswell needs to get at least 2,531 voters to write his name on the June 2 primary ballot to advance as his party’s official candidate. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Marker joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to discuss his views on policy and share thoughts on the state of the Republican Party in New Mexico, which has had challenges putting forth candidates in statewide races. With a professional background in oil and gas production, farming, ranching, manufacturing and construction, Marker says one of his priorities is loosening regulations that he says are hurting small businesses. Marker goes on to share his thoughts on Donald Trump, saying he agrees with many of the president’s policies, including those involving immigration, but that he isn’t sure if he’d get along with Trump on a personal level. Chacón also asks Marker about his feelings toward incumbent Sen. Ben Ray Luján, who is seeking his second term. Marker says he thinks Luján is leaning too hard into the “welfare-type programs” and not doing enough to support a capitalist agenda that promotes economic opportunities. Marker is also asked his position on abortion, and how he feels his stance could impact his electability. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E16
May 15 · 28 min
Secretary of state candidate Amanda López Askin touts experience combatting election deniers in N.M.
New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District has been one of the most hotly contested seats in the country, drawing a national spotlight in recent races to fill one of the state’s three seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Amanda López Askin says she experienced that increased attention firsthand shortly after she took over as county clerk in Doña Ana County, the district’s most populous county, just before the 2018 election. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, López Askin speaks with Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón about how she has been dealing with election deniers since 2018 when Democrat Xochitl Torres Small edged Republican Yvette Herrell to win the seat, and why she thinks her time running elections in Doña Ana County has prepared her as she seeks her party’s nomination for New Mexico secretary of state in the June 2 Democratic primary. She is running against Santa Fe County Clerk Katharine Clark as the two vie to succeed Maggie Toulouse Oliver. Born and raised in Las Cruces, López Askin begins the episode by discussing her background and what led her to decide to run for secretary of state. Before becoming a county clerk, she worked in the mental health field and advocacy in adolescent health and suicide prevention. She also talks about her experience being involved in the local animal rescue community and fostering over 200 dogs, which she said has earned her the nickname of “the Dog Lady” in her community. Chacón asks López Askin about her position on the Republican-backed SAVE Act, and she addresses some misinformation she feels is put forth in discussions about the legislation. López Askin also is asked about criticism over not having results the same night as an election. She responded that “there is no such thing as late election results, there’s accurate results,” adding that she prioritizes “accuracy over expediency” and communicating with the public. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E15
May 7 · 26 min
Sen. Harold Pope Jr. says ‘it’s about the people’ in race for N.M. lieutenant governor
A U.S. Air Force veteran and the first African American elected to the New Mexico Senate, Harold Pope Jr. is pursuing a new avenue of leadership as he seeks his party’s nomination for lieutenant governor. The Albuquerque Democrat is running for statewide office for the first time in a race against Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver in the June primary. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Pope joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to share why he decided to run for the position and offer an explanation of how he would approach the role. Pope, who says he recognizes he is an underdog in the race, feels he has a good shot to win and said he will “listen to what people want” and not just whatever his party puts forth when it comes to supporting legislation at the Roundhouse. In a position that is often in the shadow of the governor, Pope also said he would like to take on a more prominent role than past lieutenant governors. Born and raised in Pueblo, Colo., Pope shares his story of entering the Air Force after high school and speaks on his family’s background, which has Northern New Mexico ties. He also talks about his current pursuit of a doctorate in education from Vanderbilt University, which he feels will help him in his position as vice chair of the Senate Education Committee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E14
April 24 · 34 min
'Is this just a gotcha?': Rep. Rebecca Dow speaks after Supreme Court ruling keeps her on ballot
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.
S2 · E13
April 17 · 36 min
In run for secretary of state, ‘election nerd’ Katharine Clark says she’ll fight against overreach
Katharine Clark’s third day in office as Santa Fe County clerk was January 6, 2021, the day the U.S. Capitol was attacked by supporters of Donald Trump in an effort to overturn the presidential election. Clark said the election denialism spurred by Trump has defined an era of being an election official as those who administer elections have had to battle a barrage of misinformation. Calling overreach by the executive branch the biggest threat to New Mexico elections, Clark said she is running to be New Mexico’s secretary of state to fight back against Trump and preserve ballot access. She’s running in the Democratic primary against Doña Ana County Clerk Amanda López Askin. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Clark spoke with Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón about her record as Santa Fe County clerk and what her plans would be if she succeeds Maggie Toulouse Oliver as secretary of state. Chacón first questions Clark about a complaint filed in March that Clark had violated the state’s election code by releasing absentee and early voting data before polls closed in four recent elections. Clark said the Secretary of State’s Office results website, where county clerks upload their county’s voting data, doesn’t release results until after polls close. Clark then talks about the efforts she’s taken as county clerk to fight against Trump and executive overreach. She also discusses voter ID at the polls and what she considers confusion over the Republican-backed SAVE Act, which she calls “the most unreasonable bill I’ve ever heard about for elections.” Clark shares information about her background, including time growing up in Spain as part of a military family and what she gained while starting her career as a union organizer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E12
April 9 · 30 min
How Epstein exploited New Mexico land leases: Commissioner says ‘there were people protecting him’
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.
S2 · E11
April 2 · 30 min
Juan De Jesus Sanchez III seeks to bring long-term vision to New Mexico's State Land Office
A 13th generation New Mexican with a 5-month-old daughter, Juan De Jesus Sanchez III says he’s running for state land commissioner with an eye toward the future. The farmer and conservation advocate who lives in Valencia County was the first candidate to announce an intention to succeed Stephanie Garcia Richard as leader of the State Land Office and he received the most votes from delegates at last month’s Democratic Party of New Mexico’s preprimary convention. He's running in the primary against state Rep. Matthew McQueen of Galisteo and Jonas Moya, a former state director of the Farm Service Agency. In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Sanchez joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to share his background and discuss what his priorities would be if elected to office. Sanchez has spent years working with water as a former natural resource specialist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a technical advisor for the New Mexico Acequia Commission. He said he’s “trying to bring more of a long-term vision” to the State Land Office and wants to “protect areas that are sacred and special to us.” Chacón asks Sanchez about his thoughts on greater oversight of leases to private land owners considering Jeffrey Epstein was allowed to lease public land through the State Land Office for grazing purposes until the agency canceled the leases in 2019, when Epstein was indicted in New York and arrested on charges of child sex trafficking. Sanchez, a former political director and deputy campaign manager for U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, speaks about how he plans to balance the pursuit of revenue while considering environmental stewardship. He also talks about wanting to decentralize the State Land Office and ensure there are jobs throughout the state by working with universities to open satellite offices that would allow the department to have employees on the ground across New Mexico. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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