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Dems’ Lt. Gov. Election; Estancia Water Crisis

July 24, 2026

This week on New Mexico in Focus, we look ahead to this weekend’s election of a new Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor. New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver first won the nomination in June’s primary election but resigned several weeks later, citing health challenges. Host Nash Jones sits down with Democratic Party of New Mexico Communications Director Daniel Garcia and State Central Committee members Martin Chavez and Colton Dean to talk through how the process works. 

A 20-year ban on new oil and gas developments within 10 miles of the Chaco Cultural National Historic Park could soon be reversed. The U.S. Interior Department opened two weeks of public comment this month, on its environmental assessment of the proposal to revoke the drilling ban. 

Late last month, Estancia officials declared a water emergency. On top of that, the town has had to navigate the crisis without its mayor, who went on leave back in April. Mountainair Dispatch reporter and editor Todd Brogowski breaks down for Nash the details he’s uncovered around how bad things are and where they stand now. 

The Endangered Species Act has protected at-risk animals and their habitats from harm for more than 50 years. Now, a new rule change from the Trump administration meant to favor the logging and drilling industry would strip away those decades of protections. KUNM reporter Bryce Dix speaks with Nash on what this rule change could mean for the state and the threatened Mexican Spotted Owl. 

Host: Nash Jones 

Segments: 
 
NM Dems to Vote on Lieutenant Governor Nominee 
Host: Nash Jones 
Guests: 
Daniel Garcia, Communications Director, Democratic Party of New Mexico 
Martin Chavez, State Central Committee Member, Former Mayor of Albuquerque 
Colton Dean, State Central Committee Member, Adelante Progressive Caucus Chair 

Feds Consider Removing Ban on Chaco Oil Drilling 
Host: Nash Jones 
 
Water Crisis in Estancia 
Host: Nash Jones 
Guest: 
Todd Brogowski, Editor and Reporter, Mountainair Dispatch 

Local Impact of Weakened Endangered Species Protections 
Host: Nash Jones 
Guest: 
Bryce Dix, Reporter, KUNM