New Mexico News Insiders

New Mexico voters are making decisions that could shape the state's political future for years to come. What's at stake in the 2026 midterm election? Chris and Gabby host KRQE Political Analyst and professional pollster Gabe Sanchez to break down the biggest races on the ballot. Gabe shares insight on the high-stakes governor's race between Deb Haaland and Gregg Hull, and the state's competitive congressional showdown in District 2. We also examine the statewide races, what polling reveals about the political landscape, and why Democrats hold every elected statewide office heading into Election Day. Could that shift? Plus, voters are weighing potential changes to the state constitution, including whether New Mexico should move to a full-time, paid Legislature. What could that mean for how state government operates? Whether you're tuning in before the results are in or catching up after Election Day, we're looking beyond the ballot, examining the numbers and decisions that will shape what comes next for New Mexico. Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at [email protected] or [email protected]. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:30 p.m. MST on KRQE Xtra (channel 13.2 over the air).

New Mexico's next governor will help shape the state's future. What would New Mexico's future look like under each candidate? Chris and Gabby host Democratic candidate Deb Haaland, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior under President Joe Biden, and Republican candidate Gregg Hull, longtime mayor of Rio Rancho. We ask both candidates tough, specific questions about their experience, priorities, and plans for leading New Mexico. Haaland and Hull both discuss their approaches to governing, plans for CYFD, potential tax cuts, how to address the cost of living, and how each of them would deal with plans for major data centers like Project Jupiter. How would their policies and priorities impact New Mexicans' everyday lives? Listen to both conversations and decide for yourself who should lead the state's highest office. Election Day in New Mexico is Tuesday, November 3rd. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. We'll have live Election coverage showing statewide results on air and online at KRQE.com. Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at [email protected] or [email protected]. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:30 p.m. MST on KRQE Xtra (channel 13.2 over the air).

New Mexico is home to an estimated 9,000 black bears. This year, more of them are crossing paths with people. By early August, the New Mexico Department of Wildlife had received 230 bear reports, up from 159 in 2025. So what's driving the increase? A dry winter and unusually dry, hot summer have made it harder for bears to find natural food, pushing them closer to neighborhoods. In August, a 67-year-old man was killed in a bear attack on the Navajo Nation. It was the state's first fatal bear mauling in more than 20 years. To learn more about this anomaly year for bear encounters, Chris and Gabby host Nick Forman, bear biologist and Assistant Chief of Wildlife with the New Mexico Department of Wildlife. Forman explains what's behind this year's surge in encounters, how recent rainfall could impact bear behavior, and how wildlife officials are responding. What should you do if you encounter a bear? From securing food sources to keeping windows closed at night, Forman shares practical tips to help keep families and New Mexico's bears safe. Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at [email protected] or [email protected]. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:30 p.m. MST on KRQE Xtra (channel 13.2 over the air).

The Rio Grande ran dry in parts of New Mexico once again this year, and water managers warn this could be a glimpse of more challenges ahead. Despite recent rains, New Mexico is facing an increasingly limited water supply while demand continues to grow. So who gets the water when there isn't enough to go around? Chris and Gabby host Jason Casuga, Chief Engineer and CEO of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, to talk about the state of the Rio Grande, and what happens when the river can't meet all of the demands placed on it. We also discuss the Rio Grande Compact, which involves three states' long-standing agreement to share water, and what it means if New Mexico fails to meet its court agreement. Casuga explains how water decisions New Mexico makes now could shape the state for generations. How much water will the river have in the future? What can you do about it today?  Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at [email protected] or [email protected]. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. on KRQE Fox (channel 13.1 over the air), and Wednesdays at 10:30 p.m. MST on KRQE Xtra (channel 13.2 over the air).

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller won an unprecedented third consecutive term. But after eight years in office, what's different this time around? In this episode of New Mexico News Insiders, Mayor Keller joins Chris and Gabby to talk about some of the continued challenges facing Albuquerque. Keller discusses tackling crime under APD's new leadership, homelessness, behavioral health, city finances, economic growth, and the future of Albuquerque's water supply. He says his vision for a third term is rooted in an "abundance over scarcity" mindset, looking for opportunities to grow rather than focusing on what communities and government may lack. We also ask Keller to look back: What progress does he believe the city has made under his leadership? What remains unfinished? And what does he want people to see by the end of his third term? Watch Mayor Keller's State of the City address here  Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at [email protected] or [email protected]. Give us a follow on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/insiders and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:30 p.m. MST on KRQE Xtra (channel 13.2 over the air).