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 most to real New Mexicans.

This week, we discuss a plethora of topics, such as:

Protecting the 2nd Amendment (SB17): Senator Brantley breaks down the "Stop Illegal Gun Trade and Extremely Dangerous Weapons Act." We discuss why this bill is seen as an unconstitutional overreach, targeting law-abiding sportsmen and small business owners while failing to address the root causes of crime.

The War on NM’s Economy: New Mexico’s farmers, ranchers, and energy workers are the lifeblood of our state. We explore the fight against extreme environmental regulations that threaten to stifle growth and burden the families who have stewarded this land for generations.

SNAP Accountability: Restoring faith in government starts with oversight. Senator Brantley discusses her push for an expanded audit and guardrails of the state’s SNAP program to cut out waste, fraud, and abuse—ensuring that every dollar intended for those in need actually reaches their plates.

Whether you're concerned about your right to bear arms, the future of your family ranch, or how your tax dollars are being managed, this episode provides the "inside the Roundhouse" perspective you won't get from the mainstream media. Senator Brantley brings her vast experience and leadership to show how we can build a stronger, more accountable New Mexico.

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 economy and public safety to the local impact of major policy shifts. As the session heats up, he shares essential insights into what New Mexicans need to be watching and why your voice in the legislative process is more important than ever.

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-term economic growth. 

Tune in for this insider preview on what’s ahead at the Roundhouse and what it means for the future of our state.

🎙️ 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 impacting charter schools and why they matter for students and families across New Mexico.

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 increasingly difficult to achieve.

Together, they examine New Mexico’s growing healthcare crisis, unpacking how we got here and why being a small state should never mean settling for subpar care. The discussion breaks down the real-world impact of policies like HB27, passed in 2021, and how changes to punitive damages have altered the landscape for physicians, contributing to a worsening doctor shortage and longer wait times for patients.

Dr. Roybal also offers insight into why doctors are leaving New Mexico, the challenges providers face on the front lines, and what must change if we want to restore access to quality healthcare for families and communities across the state.

Tune in for a candid, informative discussion that highlights what’s at stake—and why New Mexico deserves a healthcare system that works for both patients and providers.

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 he shares his perspective on the mission and responsibilities of the State Land Office.

Together, these three dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping New Mexico’s landscape today—from wildfire prevention and habitat restoration to the evolving balance between agriculture, energy production, and conservation. The conversation also explores green energy development, the vital role of oil and gas in our state’s economy, and why these issues deserve thoughtful, practical dialogue rather than political division.

Grounded in real-world experience and a shared commitment to stewardship, this episode offers an in-depth look at what it means to leave New Mexico better than we found it. Tune in for insight, context, and a meaningful discussion about the future of our land and the people who rely on it.

Check out Michael's website: https://perry4nmland.com/
Instagram: @michaeljackkperry

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 change in these political environments.

From grassroots momentum to transformative reform efforts, we compare and contrast the political landscapes of both states, highlighting where meaningful change is already happening and where the next big wins for taxpayers, families, and job creators could emerge. David brings valuable insights from his work across the region, offering a forward-looking conversation on how states like ours can truly thrive and prosper when real solutions and community-driven leadership come together.

Tune in for an informative discussion that sheds light on the real potential for prosperity—even when it seems impossible. 

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 what’s holding New Mexico back from reaching its full potential and discuss how common sense solutions can put our state on a stronger path.

We also dive into the positive impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill, exploring how it empowers New Mexico taxpayers, encourages economic freedom, and opens doors for long-term prosperity. Sarah highlights AFP-NM’s statewide Protect Prosperity & Defend Taxpayers Tour, aimed at engaging communities, educating residents, and building momentum for a more prosperous New Mexico.

Tune in for insight, inspiration, and a clear look at the opportunities waiting for New Mexico, should we choose to let prosperity win.

In this deeply moving episode of The Chile Wire, we sit down with Sam and Raul Vigil, who share their family’s heartbreaking story of loss and resilience. Sam’s wife and Raul’s mother, Jacqueline Vigil, was tragically murdered outside her Albuquerque home—a loss that shook their family and community to its core.

The Vigils open up about their painful journey for justice and how local policies, including Albuquerque’s sanctuary city stance, have allowed repeat offenders to remain on our streets. They reflect on how President Trump’s administration stepped in, deploying federal resources that ultimately led to the arrest and conviction of Jacqueline’s killer.

Through their story, Sam and Raul deliver a powerful message about the urgent need for accountability within New Mexico’s justice system. They speak not only from grief, but from hope—encouraging others who have suffered at the hands of crime to come together, raise their voices, and advocate for change that protects families and restores safety to our communities.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the human cost of failed policies—and the strength it takes to turn tragedy into purpose.

In this episode of The Chile Wire, we sit down with Megan Rosker, Director of Admissions and Outreach at the May Center for Learning, to explore the organization’s powerful mission to ensure every child in New Mexico has the opportunity to read, learn, and thrive. Megan shares how the May Center is leading the way in addressing literacy challenges across our state—by providing specialized support for students with dyslexia and other neurodivergent learning profiles, and by training teachers to recognize and meet the needs of all learners.

From reshaping classroom instruction to advocating for early intervention and teacher empowerment, this conversation shines a light on what it takes to build a high-quality and effective education system in New Mexico.

🎧 Tune in to learn how the May Center is transforming the future of literacy—one student, one teacher, and one community at a time.