The Chile Wire

In this week’s episode of the Chile Wire, we sit down with House District 53 candidate Ben Luna to talk about the story behind his campaign and what’s driving his run for office.Ben shares his personal background, the experiences that shaped his values, and the path that led him to step into the political arena. Representing the community of Chaparral, New Mexico, he discusses the unique challenges facing the district and why he believes now is the time to bring new leadership and a strong voice to Santa Fe.We also dive into his priorities, what he hopes to accomplish if elected, and how he plans to advocate for the people of District 53. From local concerns to broader policy goals, Ben lays out his vision for better representing and delivering results for his community.Tune in for a candid conversation about leadership, service, and the future of Chaparral.

This week on The Chile Wire, host Abenicio Baldonado sits down with Ndidiamaka “Didi” Okpareke, a pharmacist, small business owner, mother, wife, and Republican candidate for New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District.In an era where many feel the "American Dream" is slipping away, Didi’s story serves as a powerful reminder of what is possible through faith, hard work, and a commitment to community. A graduate of Sandia High School and the UNM College of Pharmacy, Didi isn't just a candidate—she’s a mother and a local entrepreneur who sees firsthand the challenges facing New Mexico families.In this episode, we dive deep into: • Who is Didi? We go beyond the campaign trail to learn about her roots, her journey as a healthcare professional, and the values that guide her. • Family & Community: Didi discusses why her role as a "mom on a mission" is the driving force behind her run for Congress and how we can restore the foundations of our local communities. • The American Dream: Hear Didi’s inspirational perspective on why New Mexico is still the "Jewel of the Southwest" and what it will take to ensure the next generation has the opportunity to thrive here. • A New Trajectory: From tackling the healthcare provider shortage to improving our education system and public safety, Didi shares her vision for a stronger, more prosperous New Mexico.Whether you’re concerned about the future of our state’s economy or looking for a leader who understands the daily realities of New Mexicans, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.Visit Didi's website:https://www.didiforcongress.com/

New Mexico has become the Wild West of medical procedures for minors—and parents are being systematically locked out of the room.This week on The Chile Wire, Abe sits down with Jodi Hendricks, Executive Director of New Mexico Family Action Movement, to pull back the curtain on a few bombshell investigations that should send a shiver down every parent's spine.We are diving deep into the dark reality of how New Mexico’s current laws allow minors from across the country to access life-altering abortion and gender-affirming care with zero parental notification or consent. While Santa Fe politicians tout these policies as "progress," the investigation reveals a much more sinister landscape: a system that effectively creates a safe-haven for predators and a conduit for human trafficking.In this episode, we discuss:The Investigation: The shocking findings that show how easy it is for out-of-state minors to be funneled into New Mexico for procedures without a single phone call home.Parents in the Dark: How the state is actively stripping away parental rights, leaving families powerless during the most personal and permanent decisions a child can make.The Human Cost: The lifelong physical and emotional impacts these rushed, un-vetted decisions have on minors.The Accountability Gap: Why are the entities facilitating these procedures not asking more questions? Are they providing care, or are they providing cover for those who mean children harm?New Mexico is being marketed as a "sanctuary," but for whom? Join us as we expose the loopholes that are putting vulnerable children at risk and leaving parents as the last to know.Podcast Resources-New Mexico Sentinel Investigation:https://www.nmsentinel.com/2026/03/12/undercover-video-shows-how-new-mexico-clinic-helps-texans-circumvent-abortion-ban-even-for-underage-pregnant-teens/Townhall Media Investigation:https://townhall.com/tipsheet/kyleolson/2026/03/10/drag-queen-staffs-school-clinic-explains-rebranding-of-gender-affirming-care-to-avoid-federal-scrutiny-n2672551Universal Childcare Study:https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/11/05/universal-child-care-can-harm-children

This week on the Chile Wire, we sit down with Senator David Gallegos to discuss his recent candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico and what’s driving his campaign.Senator Gallegos shares the story behind his commitment to public service, the values that have shaped his leadership, and the priorities he believes are critical to moving our state forward. From strengthening public safety and supporting small businesses to protecting families and expanding economic opportunity, he lays out a clear vision for New Mexico’s future.Tune in for an in-depth conversation on his background, his motivation to run, and what he hopes to accomplish if elected as New Mexico’s next Lieutenant Governor.

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.