AGP Executive Report

Border-Wall Dispute: New Mexico’s State Engineer is challenging a federal waiver that would exempt border-wall water wells from state laws, potentially disrupting the state’s lawsuits over the wells. Election 2026: Early voting is underway statewide. Ballots include seven statewide questions, and New Mexico Democrats accuse Senate Republicans of violating a new law on AI campaign misinformation. Flood Response: Doña Ana County declared a disaster after late-September flooding caused at least $17 million in estimated damage; officials expect the total to rise. Energy Oversight: Attorney General Raúl Torrez is challenging a federal commission’s review of the proposed Project Jupiter gas pipeline, calling the study inadequate for permitting. Governor’s Race: Republican nominee Gregg Hull is pitching a gradual end to the state income tax, while a recent KOB poll put Democrat Deb Haaland ahead by six points.

Election Watch: Early voting is underway statewide, with Bernalillo County voters able to cast ballots through Oct. 17 and online/mail registration deadlines set for Oct. 20 (ballots due by 7 p.m. Nov. 3). Gubernatorial Race: Republican nominee Gregg Hull unveiled a four-step plan to gradually eliminate New Mexico’s personal income tax, while Democrat Deb Haaland says she’d place a moratorium on new large-scale data centers and push a public option to expand healthcare. Campaign Rules & AI: New Mexico Democrats asked the State Ethics Commission to investigate whether Senate Republicans’ AI-generated images violate the state’s anti-misinformation law. Courts & Public Safety: A federal appeals court reversed kidnapping convictions tied to a Taos County compound case, vacating charges for some defendants and setting up further proceedings. Local Governance: Albuquerque City Council advanced a zoning package that removes formal recognition and appeal standing from neighborhood coalitions, aiming to cut red tape. Southern NM Flooding: Doña Ana County declared a flood disaster after back-to-back storms, with early damage estimates at least $17 million. Energy & Environment: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez challenged the federal review of a gas pipeline tied to Project Jupiter, arguing regulators ignored the data center’s emissions. Health & Accountability: Bernalillo County DA Sam Bregman launched a dashboard tracking how judges rule on pretrial detention motions, sparking debate over whether it’s a fair measure.

Meta Penalty Fight: A Santa Fe judge is set to rule this month on New Mexico’s bid for up to $40B in penalties against Meta after a Cambridge Analytica-era data privacy case; the state wants tens of billions while Meta argues for a cap around $3.45B, with liability already decided by a jury. Election Access: Early voting starts in New Mexico as county clerks mail absentee ballots to 62,000+ permanent absentee voters and open first in-person early voting sites, with expanded locations beginning Oct. 17. Cannabis Enforcement: New Mexico regulators have opened more than two dozen criminal cases tied to cannabis and hemp since January, including an unlicensed Torrance County grow found with 21,000+ pounds of cannabis and Los Alamos checks raising safety concerns. Housing & Growth: Albuquerque broke ground on La Curva Apartments in West Old Town, targeting the “missing middle” between subsidies and homeownership, with 70 units expected in 2027. Public Safety & Courts: An Albuquerque mother faces prosecution under Bennie’s Law after her unsecured gun was accessed by her 14-year-old son and a friend was accidentally shot. Balloon Fiesta: Day 4 opened with the green flag flying and a full Tuesday schedule as Albuquerque’s skies stay packed.

Election Countdown: Early voting starts Tuesday in Bernalillo County, with absentee ballots going out to more than 62,000 permanent absentee voters and clerks warning about possible disruptions like electioneering and intimidation. Campaign Economics: KOB polling puts inflation at the top of voters’ minds, while Gov. race polling shows Deb Haaland leading Gregg Hull; Hull meanwhile is pushing a four-step plan to phase out New Mexico’s personal income tax. State Watchdog Race: New Mexico’s state auditor contest pits incumbent Joseph Maestas against Republican Joshua Lawrence, both centering fraud and government accountability. AI & Misinformation Fight: New Mexico Democrats ask the State Ethics Commission to investigate Senate Republicans’ use of AI-generated images, arguing they may violate a 2024 law requiring disclaimers. Energy & Environment: Environmental groups appeal to extend the life of the Navajo Nation-owned Navajo coal mine to 2136, warning of higher costs and pollution. Federal Legal Pressure: New Mexico joins a coalition suing over Trump fuel-economy rollback, arguing it will raise gas demand and costs. Public Safety Tech: Albuquerque is working to add more speed cameras, saying they’ve already reduced average speeds at existing sites.

New Mexico Senate Leadership: Senate Democrats chose Sen. Linda Trujillo as majority leader in a Sunday caucus shakeup, with Sen. Cindy Nava as whip and Mimi Stewart nominated for president pro tem—setting up a January 60-day session focused on affordability. Election Watch: A KOB 4/SURVEYUSA poll finds Deb Haaland leading Gregg Hull for governor, 47% to 41%, with independents and favorability numbers shaping the race. Permitting Fight: A proposed federal “permitting reform” deal would cut the lawsuit timeline for energy projects to 150 days instead of six years, with New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich’s office involved and environmental groups warning it would weaken major protections. AI & Data Centers: NMSU economist Chris Erickson says data centers are propping up the economy, even as counties consider moratoriums and lawmakers debate ratepayer impacts. Local Flood Recovery: Candidates Gabe Vasquez and Greg Cunningham hit Doña Ana County flood damage, with farmers warning the harm could last beyond this year’s crops. Open Government: A New Mexico group sued the state Livestock Board official, continuing pressure on transparency. Community & Civic Info: The League of Women Voters of Central New Mexico released a nonpartisan guide to help voters navigate candidates, constitutional amendments, and bonds. Balloon Fiesta: Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta continues with live coverage and stories from first-timers and new pilots.

NM Senate Leadership Shakeup: Senate Democrats picked Sen. Linda Trujillo as majority leader and named Sen. Cindy Nava as whip, part of a broader caucus retooling ahead of the January 60-day session. Synthetic ID Fraud: A new scam warning says AI-made “synthetic identities” are now a mainstream threat, with criminals able to stitch together stolen data and deepfake materials to open accounts and commit fraud. Drug Trafficking Arrests (Chaparral): In separate cases, federal and local investigators allege men sold large quantities of meth and fentanyl pills to undercover agents in southern New Mexico, including a Chaparral suspect facing charges tied to a kilogram-scale meth deal. Road & Flood Recovery: NMDOT says U.S. 60 west of Socorro has partially reopened for cars after flood damage, while repairs continue and restrictions remain for oversized vehicles. Health Care Deadline Pressure: Five Democratic governors, including New Mexico’s Michelle Lujan Grisham, warn Medicaid work-rule paperwork may not be ready in time and could cost expansion adults coverage starting January. Meta Accountability in NM: A Santa Fe jury verdict found Meta liable for nearly 44 million consumer-law violations tied to the Cambridge Analytica-era data breach, setting up major penalties. Balloon Fiesta Mentorship: Fiesta Flight Plan pairs beginner pilots with veteran balloonists to build skills and handle the paperwork needed to fly safely at Albuquerque’s event.

Election 2026: A record number of Native Americans are running for the 2026 midterms, with attention on whether Deb Haaland’s New Mexico governor bid and other Native candidates can make history in the Senate and beyond. Campaign Trail: Haaland’s questionnaire and stump message emphasize overhauling child welfare, pausing new large-scale data centers for accountability, and protecting healthcare—while her Republican opponent Gregg Hull leans on local visibility and contrasts fundraising gaps. Public Safety: Albuquerque police charged Leigh Cleveland under Bennie’s law after a 14-year-old allegedly shot a friend in a bathroom; investigators say multiple handguns were not secured. Open Government: The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government sued the NM Livestock Board over claims the agency redacted three investigative reports “in their entirety.” Land & Public Access: Opinion pieces and local columns clash over Sandia Pueblo’s push to regain stewardship of about 10,000 acres from federal management, with critics warning about public access and trail conditions. Community Spotlight: Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta continues to draw crowds, including Route 66 centennial-themed events and a rare helium cluster balloon.

Balloon Fiesta Coverage: Albuquerque’s 54th Balloon Fiesta kicked off with hundreds of balloons filling the sky, a dawn drone show, and a mass ascension—plus a cluster helium balloon “like Up” debuting for the first time. Public Safety & Accountability: The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government sued the NM Livestock Board after it allegedly redacted three investigative reports “in their entirety,” arguing state law doesn’t allow that kind of withholding. Gun Safety Law: Albuquerque charged Leigh Cleveland under Bennie’s Law after her 14-year-old son accidentally shot a friend; police say guns weren’t locked or secured. City Legal Costs: Albuquerque released long-delayed litigation reports showing more than $14 million in settlements over 100 lawsuits, including claims tied to civil rights and sunshine law. Privacy & Courts: New Mexico asked a judge to fine Meta $35B–$40B after a Cambridge Analytica-related jury verdict. Rural Health: Gila Regional Medical Center was named a hub for a new $15.2M rural healthcare initiative covering seven southern counties.

Meta Penalty Fight: New Mexico asked a judge to order Meta to pay $35B–$40B in penalties after a jury found the company misled users about Facebook privacy in the Cambridge Analytica fallout. Local Government & Public Safety: Albuquerque banned cryptocurrency kiosks after officials warned of widespread fraud targeting seniors; the city is still working out how to remove the machines. Water & Border Policy: The Trump administration says it can override New Mexico water rules for border wall work, tied to unpermitted wells—prompting a state lawsuit still pending. Balloon Fiesta Watch: Albuquerque kicked off the 2026 Balloon Fiesta with a green flag for day one, while officials warned visitors about ticket scams and prepared for a major travel surge at Sunport. Public Safety & Crime: Florida ordered license plate reader removals on state roads after privacy concerns, even as local officials argued for proper use. Drug Enforcement: Las Cruces and federal partners wrapped a five-week operation with 237 arrests, 17 firearms seized, and 400+ grams of meth. Politics & Elections: A key New Mexico House race in the 1st District pits Rep. Melanie Stansbury against GOP challenger Ndidiamaka “Didi” Okpareke.

Border Water Clash: DHS says it can override New Mexico water rules for border wall work, even as contractors drill unpermitted wells—prompting a state lawsuit and fresh alarms from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. Election Watch: In NM’s bluest 1st Congressional District, Rep. Melanie Stansbury faces Republican newcomer Ndidiamaka “Didi” Okpareke. Local Tech & Fraud: Albuquerque banned cryptocurrency kiosks after officials warned seniors are being targeted by high-fee, scam-linked ATMs. Balloon Fiesta Logistics: Albuquerque’s Sunport and Balloon Fiesta officials are gearing up for travel surges and warning visitors about ticket scams and inflated third-party resale prices. Public Records: A watchdog group sued a New Mexico Livestock Board official over alleged improper redactions in an investigation into former employees. Federal Courts/Policy: States including New Mexico sued over Trump-era “pocket rescission” funding clawbacks, while other coalitions challenge rollbacks to fuel economy and power-plant emissions rules. Law Enforcement: U.S. Marshals and local partners wrapped a five-week operation with 237 arrests and major firearm and meth seizures. Privacy/Meta: New Mexico is seeking up to $40B from Meta after a Cambridge Analytica-related privacy verdict.

Meta Penalties Fight: New Mexico asked a judge to order Meta to pay $35B–$40B after a Santa Fe jury found the company willfully misled users about Facebook privacy in the Cambridge Analytica fallout. Balloon Fiesta Prep: Albuquerque-area schools will host “Balloons Aloft” launches Friday as an unofficial kickoff to the Balloon Fiesta, with security rules and prohibited items spelled out for attendees. Native Missing Persons Task Force: In governor interviews, GOP Gregg Hull and Democrat Deb Haaland both backed reviving or creating a task force to address high rates of missing and murdered Indigenous people, with Hull emphasizing law-enforcement coordination and Haaland calling for stable funding. Education Oversight: Yazzie/Martinez plaintiffs say New Mexico’s education remedial plan still lacks timelines, responsibilities, benchmarks, accountability, costs, and long-term funding, and doesn’t fully align with state education laws. Flood Response: Acting Gov. Morales signed statewide emergency orders and the governor’s office released up to $3.75M for flood response as heavy rains spread. Wildfire Health: Congress is considering a bipartisan Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act aimed at respirator development, decontamination time, and improving workers’ comp for smoke-related illness.

AI Regulation Push: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez and Rep. Linda Serrato unveiled a “Frontier Artificial Intelligence Safety and Accountability Act,” aimed at rogue AI after an OpenAI-linked incident at UNM, with proposed reporting and oversight requirements. Meta Penalties Fight: After a Santa Fe jury found Facebook violated New Mexico consumer law, the state asked a judge to fine Meta $35B–$40B, while Meta urged $345M–$3.45B and signaled an appeal. Data Center Ratepayer Backlash: U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján urged utility regulators to protect ratepayers from data-center cost burdens, arguing current ratemaking can shift expenses onto everyone. Permitting Deal Watch: A bipartisan Senate permitting reform framework cleared the spotlight, but wind and solar language remains a sticking point. Energy/Climate Court Battle: States and cities, including New Mexico, sued over EPA’s repeal of power-plant emissions limits for coal and gas. Local Governance & Public Safety: A Socorro County dispute over transporting a homeless woman during storm conditions highlighted tensions between county and city leadership. Election Notes: La Plata County ballots will go out early under a Colorado change, with local races drawing less attention than statewide contests.

Flood Response & Risk: Eastern New Mexico and eastern plains communities are still digesting major rain impacts, including Clovis calling the Sept. 24 storm a “1,000-year event” after flooding tied to a lineman’s death and Portales reporting a housing deal stuck in legal limbo after council postponements. Local Housing & Land Use: Portales’ proposed retail-residential annexation near Walmart remains paused pending legal review, with city leaders saying the project isn’t “dead” but needs the property owner to move it forward. Public Safety & Accountability: Clovis disciplined a police sergeant over alleged policy violations tied to a confidential informant relationship, with findings sent to the state law enforcement certification board. Election Administration: New Mexico voters head to the polls Nov. 3 for secretary of state, with candidates Ramona Goolsby and Amanda López Askin facing questions on election integrity and administration. Consumer Protection: A Santa Fe judge is set to determine penalties after a jury found Facebook liable in New Mexico for deceiving users about privacy protections. Energy & Infrastructure: Franklin Energy and New Mexico Gas Company are partnering to expand residential and small-business energy efficiency programs. Nuclear & Tech Economy: The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History added two Albuquerque-area finance/innovation leaders to its board, while New Mexico also faces broader national fights over data centers and permitting.

Flood Response: Acting Gov. Howie Morales signed five emergency orders releasing up to $3.75M for flood response and recovery as monsoon rains and Hurricane Polo remnants triggered evacuations, road closures, and dam-breach fears across multiple counties. Southern NM Storm Damage: Hatch Valley residents got evacuation notices lifted after flooding near Rincon and concerns around the McLead Flood Control Dam, while officials urged caution on debris-choked roads. AI Regulation: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez is set to propose a 2027 framework for “frontier AI” requiring safety risk disclosures, incident reporting, advance notice for major training runs, independent audits, and enforcement tools. Election 2026: Two secretary of state candidates—Ramona Goolsby and Amanda López Askin—spar over how they view the 2020 presidential outcome. Ethics & Politics: A truth-finding commission on Jeffrey Epstein’s ties to New Mexico faces fresh GOP accusations over a taxpayer-funded PR firm doing political opposition research. Energy/Permitting: A bipartisan “Four Corners” permitting reform deal aimed at speeding federal approvals and lowering energy costs cleared a major hurdle in the Senate. Opioids/Fentanyl: U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján shared documents tied to allegations of “fentanyl walking” in Albuquerque, as DOJ investigations and state legal challenges continue. Meta/Facebook: A New Mexico jury found Meta liable in a Facebook privacy case, adding to the state’s ongoing fight over social media data misuse.

Hurricane Polo Aftermath: Polo made landfall in Mexico’s Baja California Sur as a Category 3, then weakened while still threatening life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides; early reports say little serious damage and no injuries, with power outages and flooded streets reported. New Mexico Housing: Albuquerque opened Somos, a 70-unit affordable senior complex in the International District, funded through a mix of federal, state, municipal, and private dollars. Medicaid Pressure on Care: New federal rules could force about three dozen states, including major Medicaid states, to cut provider payments by $50B+ total, raising fears of fewer doctors and hospitals serving Medicaid patients. NM Federal Election Watch: Coverage highlights the 2026 U.S. House District 2 race, with Rep. Gabe Vasquez facing Republican Greg Cunningham after redistricting. Meta Privacy Fallout: A New Mexico jury found Meta misled users about privacy protections in the Cambridge Analytica case, adding to potential penalties and broader scrutiny of tech practices. NM Policy & Ethics: Think New Mexico pushed stricter legislative ethics rules aimed at closing loopholes for dark money and conflicts of interest. Energy Permitting: Senate permitting talks would shorten how long opponents can sue energy projects to 150 days instead of six years, a major shift for project timelines. Animal Health: Texas screwworm cases have dropped to one active case, but New Mexico has reported an additional case amid ongoing monitoring and movement restrictions. Drug Safety: A veterinary tranquilizer (medetomidine) is being cut into street opioids, complicating overdose reversals and detox efforts.

Quantum & Economic Development: New Mexico launched the Roadrunner Quantum Lab in Albuquerque, aiming to connect Sandia and Los Alamos with private firms and steer major investment into quantum computing. Public Safety & Weather: A statewide flood watch is in effect as moisture from Hurricane Polo and another Pacific system threatens flash flooding, with 1–4 inches possible and burn scars raising the risk. Energy & Jobs: DOE selected XGS Energy for federal funding to advance a deep geothermal appraisal well in New Mexico, targeting power that doesn’t rely on water. Courts & Consumer Protection: A federal judge blocked New Mexico’s PFAS “forever chemicals” product labeling rule, dealing a blow to the state’s PFAS Protection Act. Tech Accountability: A New Mexico jury found Facebook liable for deceiving users about privacy protections in the Cambridge Analytica case, with penalties now up to the judge. Local Justice: A Shiprock man was indicted on four counts tied to alleged sexual assaults involving a minor. Elections: Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election begins Oct. 6, with absentee ballots also available.