The Chile Wire

What happens when a contractor who has spent his career solving problems decides New Mexico's biggest project is fixing state government? This week on The Chile Wire, Abe Baldonado sits down with House District 44 candidate Adam Prior to discuss why he's running for office and why he believes New Mexico is at a turning point. Prior shares how witnessing the fall of the Berlin Wall and visiting the...

With independent voters becoming one of the fastest-growing voting blocs in New Mexico, how can Republicans and conservatives earn their support without expecting party conversion? This week on The Chile Wire, Abe Baldonado sits down with former independent U.S. Senate candidate Mira O'Connell to discuss what independent voters are actually looking for in today's political climate. Drawing from co...

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...

New Mexico is home to more than 32,000 young people who are neither in school nor in the workforce—but there are leaders working to change that. In this episode of The Chile Wire, Abe sits down with Caz Martinez, head administrator of Sendero Prep in Las Cruces, to discuss how his school is helping reengage students who have fallen behind and reconnect them with purpose, opportunity, and career su...

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, i...

One week before New Mexico’s June 2 primary, Abe Baldonado sits down with gubernatorial candidate Duke Rodriguez for a wide-ranging conversation on the issues shaping the race for governor. From crime and healthcare to education, homelessness and government spending, Rodriguez shares why he believes New Mexico is “not a poor state, but a poorly run state” and outlines the reforms he says are neede...

This week on The Chile Wire, we sit down with Jahnelle Garcia, a nurse practitioner, small business owner, and candidate for House District 27, to talk about what led her to step into the political arena and run for office in this year’s election. Drawing from her experience in healthcare and business, Garcia shares a firsthand perspective on the challenges facing New Mexico families and why she b...

What does it take to turn frustration into action—and can a business-minded approach help reshape New Mexico’s future? This week on The Chile Wire we sit down with Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Turner to discuss his roots in Albuquerque, his career in business and public affairs, and why he’s stepping into the 2026 race for governor. Turner shares how his experience as a business owner a...

What does it take to lead one of New Mexico’s fastest-growing cities—and can that leadership translate statewide? This week on The Chile Wire, we sit down with former Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull, a 2026 gubernatorial candidate, to discuss his path from small business owner to public office and his vision for the future of New Mexico. Former Mayor Hull shares how his experience in the private secto...

This week on The Chile Wire, we sit down with Greg Cunningham, a candidate for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, to explore the man behind the campaign. Greg joins us to discuss how his decades of service—first as a decorated Marine Corps combat veteran and later as a detective with the Albuquerque Police Department—have shaped his perspective on leadership and public safety. We dive into t...

What happens when a new generation of voices decides they’ve seen enough of the status quo in Santa Fe? This week on The Chile Wire, we sit down with rising influencer Elias Sisneros to discuss his journey into the heart of New Mexico politics and policymaking. Elias shares his candid concerns about the current direction of our state government and emphasizes the critical importance of holding ele...

This week on The Chile Wire, we sit down with Lieutenant Governor candidate Manny Lardizabal for a conversation on faith, leadership, and the future of New Mexico. Manny shares his background as a ministry leader and small business owner and investor, offering insight into the experiences that have shaped his approach to public service. He also opens up about what motivated him to step into the ra...

Tune in to this week’s episode of the Chile Wire as we sit down with Jose Orozco to discuss the growing urgency to flip Congressional District 2. This discussion makes the case for unseating incumbent Gabe Vasquez, highlighting what is described as a pattern of neglect toward the district and policies that have been unfriendly to New Mexicans.  Drawing from his time traveling across the district,...

In this week’s episode of the Chile Wire, we sit down with House District 53 candidate Ben Luna to talk about the story behind his campaign and what’s driving his run for office. Ben shares his personal background, the experiences that shaped his values, and the path that led him to step into the political arena. Representing the community of Chaparral, New Mexico, he discusses the unique challeng...

This week on The Chile Wire, host Abenicio Baldonado sits down with Ndidiamaka “Didi” Okpareke, a pharmacist, small business owner, mother, wife, and Republican candidate for New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District. In an era where many feel the "American Dream" is slipping away, Didi’s story serves as a powerful reminder of what is possible through faith, hard work, and a commitment to community....

New Mexico has become the Wild West of medical procedures for minors—and parents are being systematically locked out of the room. This week on The Chile Wire, Abe sits down with Jodi Hendricks, Executive Director of New Mexico Family Action Movement, to pull back the curtain on a few bombshell investigations that should send a shiver down every parent's spine. We are diving deep into the dark real...

This week on the Chile Wire, we sit down with Senator David Gallegos to discuss his recent candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico and what’s driving his campaign. Senator Gallegos shares the story behind his commitment to public service, the values that have shaped his leadership, and the priorities he believes are critical to moving our state forward. From strengthening public safety and...

In a state where rural values often clash with Santa Fe's legislative agenda, few voices are as clear and consistent as Senator Crystal Brantley. This week, we sit down with Senator Brantley for a candid look at the high-stakes battles unfolding at the Roundhouse. From the defense of constitutional rights to the protection of our state’s economic backbone, we’re diving into the issues that matter...

Inside the Roundhouse with Rep. Rod Montoya- what truly matters to New Mexicans when the cameras are off and the floor sessions end? This week, we’re joined by State Representative Rod Montoya to discuss the current legislative session and discuss the real priorities of his constituents. Rep. Montoya doesn’t hold back as he breaks down the critical issues facing New Mexico families today—from the...

This week on Chile Wire, we sit down with House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong for a candid conversation on the House Republicans’ top priorities heading into the 2026 legislative session. Leader Armstrong breaks down the major issues expected to dominate the session and highlights several key pieces of legislation that could set New Mexico further behind—hindering businesses and threatening long-...

🎙️ This Week on the Chile Wire Podcast, we’re joined by Jamie Gonzales of Public Charter Schools of New Mexico for an inside look at the top priorities for charter schools heading into the 2026 legislative session. Jamie also highlights standout charter schools across the state that are raising the bar for student outcomes and innovation. 🎧 Tune in to learn more about the critical issues impactin...

In this episode of The Chile Wire, host Abenicio Baldonado sits down with Dr. Nathaniel Roybal, a native New Mexican and specialist in treating complex retinal disease, for an important conversation on the state of healthcare in New Mexico. Dr. Roybal shares his mission to see New Mexico be a state that provides timely, high quality care to patients across the state—and why that goal has become in...

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...

This week on the Chile Wire, host Abenicio Baldonado sits down with David From, Regional Vice President for Americans for Prosperity and host of the American Potential podcast. Together, we dig into what it looks like to advance prosperity in two of the nation’s so-called deep blue states, Illinois and New Mexico, and explore the unique challenges and opportunities that come with driving policy ch...

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...