Around the Roundhouse

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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