Deb Haaland, former Secretary of the Interior and current candidate for New Mexico governor, recently concluded her “Lift Up New Mexico Tour,” visiting 15 rural communities throughout the state. This follows an earlier 19-stop launch tour, bringing her campaign visits to all 33 counties within six months.
During her travels, Haaland focused on affordability as a key concern raised by voters. She attributed some of the financial strain on families to recent reductions in support systems enacted by the Trump administration. Earlier this year, Haaland outlined an economic agenda aimed at supporting local businesses and creating new opportunities for residents.
At events such as those in Shiprock and Española, Haaland addressed issues including healthcare access, education quality, crime rates, and economic development. She expressed concerns about federal legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—signed into law by President Donald Trump—which she said would cut Medicaid when nearly half of New Mexicans are eligible for it. Haaland also advocated for higher pay for educators and school staff.
“When we are asking doctors to come to our state to serve. … They want to bring their families to a place that’s safe,” she said. “Likewise, doctors want to bring their families to a place where our education is very strong.”
Haaland discussed her personal experiences with affordability challenges: “I know what it feels like to put groceries back at the checkout line as a single mom,” she said. “I want to make sure we bring industry here, to raise wages.”
She highlighted that almost 40% of New Mexico’s population relies on Medicaid—the highest rate in the country—and warned that changes in healthcare funding could increase premiums for those with Medicare or private insurance. “There’s a crisis on the horizon – many rural hospitals across the state are at risk of closing,” Haaland said. “I grew up in a rural community. I know how devastating this bill will be for the thousands of New Mexicans who will lose their healthcare, and spoiler alert: it’s not just about health care. It’s about the economy at large. As Governor I will do everything in my power to stop it.”
“Let’s be clear: this bill isn’t just bad for New Mexicans on the margins, it will mean all of us have to pay more for our healthcare—all so out-of-state billionaires could get an even bigger tax cut,” Haaland added.
Her proposed response includes using New Mexico’s budget surplus to maintain healthcare coverage through appropriations for the Health Care Affordability Fund and hiring more guides for insurance enrollment through BeWell NM.
Haaland has received endorsements from healthcare professionals, rural leaders, and working families statewide.
In Ruidoso, she toured areas affected by recent floods and helped distribute meals alongside relief workers.
On economic issues like tariffs affecting local industries—including coffee roasting—Haaland met with business owners impacted by increased costs due to import tariffs.
Regarding bipartisanship in government, Haaland noted: “We should all care about communities in our state. When I was in Congress, I was the most bipartisan member of my class. I got several bills signed by Donald Trump. I want to work with anyone who wants to move our state forward…I can bring people together.”
During her visit to Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire burn scar sites, she again cited concerns over cuts to Medicaid being considered by federal officials and their potential detrimental effects on rural communities.
