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The 2026 Legislative Session Begins

January 23, 2026

This week on New Mexico in Focus, we head to Santa Fe for the start of this year’s 30-day legislative session. 

In her final State of the State address, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham acknowledged the work done by Sen. Peter Wirth. The Senate Majority Leader is working to quickly pass several measures during the first week of the session, including several medical compact bills and a change to the state’s civil commitment law. Host Nash Jones spoke with Wirth in his Roundhouse office about the so-called “rocket docket.” Also, Jones asks where Wirth stands on a few high-profile proposals, including Senate Democrats’ shift to supporting a ban on ICE contracts for immigrant prisons in our state. 

Republican Sen. Nicole Tobiassen sat on a bipartisan working group that prepared medical compact legislation for the session and is a co-sponsor of a Senate proposal to join the compacts. Tobiassen spoke with Nash about that push, New Mexico’s doctor shortage and her first-hand experience failing to find medical treatment for her husband. 

Capital and Main reporter Jerry Redfern speaks with Missi Currier, president and CEO of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association. Currier tells Jerry which bills she’s keeping an eye on this year. Also, following years of ill-fated bills that sought tougher regulations on her industry, Jerry asks why during last year’s session she said the oil and gas industry was “out of favor” in New Mexico.

Host: Nash Jones

Segments: 
NM Sen. Wirth on the Legislative ‘Rocket Docket’ 
Correspondent: Nash Jones 
Guest: NM Sen. Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe; Senate Majority Leader 

NM Sen. Tobiassen on Addressing the State’s Doctor Shortage 
Correspondent: Nash Jones 
Guest: NM Sen. Nicole Tobiassen, R-Albuquerque 

Oil and Gas Bills the Industry is Watching Out For  
Correspondent: Jerry Redfern 
Guest: Missi Currier, President and CEO, New Mexico Oil and Gas Association 

NM Sen. Wirth on Bill Banning State Contracts with ICE 
Correspondent: Nash Jones 
Guest: NM Sen. Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe; Senate Majority Leader