In a televised debate on KOAT-TV, Republican senatorial candidate Nella Domenici and Democrat incumbent Martin Heinrich discussed key issues affecting New Mexico. The debate covered topics such as inflation, drug overdoses, abortion limits, immigration, education, and energy.
Nella Domenici criticized Senator Heinrich's performance in her opening remarks by assigning him an F grade. She emphasized the impact of his policies on New Mexicans in her closing statement: “At the end of the day, results matter,” Domenici stated. “His report card is an F, and we all live that report card every day. We live it when we go grocery shopping. We live it when we put gas in our cars. We live it when we help our neighbor’s son who has fentanyl. We live it when we can’t get our grandmother into the hospital. We need new leadership in this state. I’m ready to be that leader.”
Leticia Muñoz, Executive Director of the Republican Party of New Mexico, commented after the debate: “Martin Heinrich spent the entire debate justifying his failed record that has delivered abysmal results for New Mexico families. Just like Kamala Harris, Heinrich’s empty promises hold no weight." Muñoz further criticized Heinrich's long tenure and its outcomes: "Despite being in office for two decades, New Mexico continues to worsen, ranking last in education and child welfare and first in drug overdoses, crime, and poverty."
Muñoz also accused Heinrich of working against New Mexico's interests by targeting the oil and gas industry and gun rights while leaving borders open to illegal activities: "Not only has Martin Heinrich not delivered for New Mexico," she said, "but he has actively worked against New Mexico’s best interests by trying to end our oil and gas industry, take away law-abiding citizens’ guns, and keep the border wide open to fentanyl and the cartels."
She concluded with a call for change: "It’s time for a new day in New Mexico," Muñoz declared. "Nella Domenici is the strong, independent leader needed to change the failing status quo. The choice is clear. It’s time to fire Martin Heinrich and elect Nella Domenici this November!”