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$4 Billion Windfall From Oil and Gas Lease Sale — But They’re Refusing to Spend It. Here’s Why That’s Actually Smart.

Juan Oliveros
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$4 Billion Windfall From Oil and Gas Lease Sale — But They’re Refusing to Spend It. Here’s Why That’s Actually Smart.

New Mexico officials are channeling the state’s record share of a federal oil and gas lease sale into savings instead of immediate spending, a sharp departure from the boom-and-bust cycles that have long shaped the state’s energy-dependent economy. Fiscal watchdogs hailed the decision as prudent stewardship in an era of volatile energy markets.

The decision comes after the Bureau of Land Management’s May 2026 lease sale in the Permian Basin earned more than $4 billion in high bonus bids — eclipsing previous records and flooding state coffers with hundreds of millions of dollars in its portion of the proceeds. Rather than channeling the windfall into new programs, infrastructure projects or tax relief, Officials are putting the money in dedicated trust funds for future use.

“America is sitting on some of the richest energy resources in the world, and President Donald J. Trump is committed to putting those resources to work for the American people,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “This over $4 billion lease sale is another sign that President Trump’s American Energy Dominance Agenda is delivering results. By cutting costs and removing barriers to development, we are unleashing American energy, strengthening national security, creating jobs and generating significant revenue for taxpayers and local communities.”  

A History of Volatility

New Mexico’s economy has long been a roller coaster ride of oil and gas. The industry props up tens of thousands of jobs and funds a substantial share of the state budget, from education to public safety. According to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, oil and gas revenues, including leases, royalties, and taxes, have contributed as much as one-third of New Mexico’s state revenues over the past decade.

But industry downturns, particularly in 2014-2016 and again during the early pandemic, forced the state to slash budgets for education, public safety, and other services.

Channeling lease sale revenues into trust funds aims to break that pattern. It treats the bonus payments — upfront payments from energy companies for drilling rights — as a strategic investment rather than reliable operating income. Royalties from actual production would support the general fund.

Officials say the strategy would make the state more financially stable. “Despite the external challenges New Mexico will face in the years ahead, our state has the resources to remain stable and on solid footing,” said Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Sec. Wayne Propst. “Our healthy additional revenue provides the capacity for a special session, giving lawmakers the ability to address funding gaps in essential services that we’re already seeing.”

The decision also arrives amid shifting federal energy policy. The lease sale benefited from provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which lowered the federal royalty rate for new onshore production from 16.67 percent to 12.5 percent. This change was intended to spur drilling and investment but has been criticized by environmental groups for reducing long-term public returns. New Mexico receives a significant share of federal lease revenues from lands within its borders. But the state now finds itself in the unusual position of managing the windfall.

Broader Implications of Directing Oil and Gas Lease Sale into Savings

State Land Office officials have similarly directed recent revenues from state-managed lands into the Land Grant Permanent Fund (LGPF), which serves as the largest permanent education endowment and a long-term support for public education. That track record of channeling energy revenues into trust funds rather than annual budgets provides a model for the latest federal windfall.

New Mexico’s choice highlights an evolving approach in how resource-rich but fiscally vulnerable states manage their fortunes amid a worsening climate and global energy crises. The state is betting that fiscal restraint today will yield greater resilience tomorrow.

No Insurance? No Doctor? No Problem. Massive Free Back-to-School Vaccination Clinics for All Kids Statewide

Juan Oliveros
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No Insurance? No Doctor? No Problem. Massive Free Back-to-School Vaccination Clinics for All Kids Statewide

New Mexico health officials urged parents to take part in the wide‑reaching immunization campaign before the first school bells ring in the fall. The vaccination initiative aims to shield children from preventable diseases.

The “Got Shots?” initiative is a collaborative effort by the New Mexico Department of Health, the New Mexico Primary Care Association, and the New Mexico Immunization Coalition. It will offer free vaccinations at more than 60 locations across the state from June 13 through Aug. 29. The program targets children from birth through age 18. Officials said they will not turn away any child, regardless of insurance or immigration status.

Health officials encouraged parents to bring their child’s existing vaccination records and insurance card if they have one. The coverage, however, is not required. Many participating sites — including public health offices, community health centers and some private practices — are offering evening and weekend hours to align with work schedules of the parents. “Back-to-school vaccinations play a vital role in protecting children and communities from many serious diseases, and getting vaccinated helps protect you and your loved ones’ health,” said Andrea Romero, the immunization program section manager at the Department of Health.

The campaign comes as schools across the state prepare to implement immunization requirements for the next academic year. Health officials note that timely immunizations not only achieve established regulatory benchmarks. They also help prevent outbreaks of diseases such as measles, whooping cough, and polio. These diseases have seen worrying resurgences in parts of the country in recent years.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirm that on-time immunizations are critical. Measles requires 90–95 percent coverage, pertussis (DTaP) around 80–85 percent, and polio 92–95 percent to meet regulatory thresholds and prevent outbreaks. Falling below these benchmarks has led to a reemergence of measles, whooping cough, and polio in parts of the U.S. and worldwide.

An interactive map and clinic finder is available on the state’s vaccine portal at vaccine.doh.nm.gov. Families can also call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for assistance in locating a site or scheduling care.

The program builds on similar successful summer efforts in previous years. Partnerships with managed care organizations, including Presbyterian and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, help ensure far-reaching availability.

Officials advised parents to check with individual vaccination clinics ahead of time. Some of these clinics may require appointments, while others operate on a walk-in basis. With summer barely underway, officials say there is enough time to catch up on any missed doses before August.

5 Destinations in New Mexico That Will Completely Recalibrate Your Soul. (No, Seriously—Number 2 Doesn’t Even Feel Like Earth).

Juan Oliveros
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5 Destinations in New Mexico That Will Completely Recalibrate Your Soul. (No, Seriously—Number 2 Doesn’t Even Feel Like Earth).

New Mexico does not whisper its beauty. Its travel destinations announce it in the distinct scent of piñon smoke on a clear evening, in the impossible whiteness of shifting gypsum dunes, and in the quiet dignity of centuries-old adobe walls that have lasted through generations. Oftentimes, its flashier neighbors overshadow New Mexico. But this vast, underappreciated state rewards those willing to venture beyond the familiar.

Here are five destinations that together tell the story — and will likely stay in your memory long after your travels to this American Southwest state end.

1. Santa Fe: Where Cultures Converge in Adobe and Art

Traditional adobe building in Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Image: Adobe Stock)

Low-slung adobe buildings glow terracotta under the relentless sun of the state’s capital. Santa Fe’s historic Plaza has been a crossroads for more than 400 years. It is a place where Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo traditions have layered into a singularly American one.

Wander Canyon Road’s maze of art rooms, linger over a green chile cheeseburger or posole that bites back just enough, and pay a visit to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, the artist who taught the world to see the desert’s stark sensuality. Even on busy weekends, the city retains an almost meditative serenity — helped, perhaps, by its elevation at 7,000 feet. Come for the culture. Stay to witness the evening glow over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

2. White Sands National Park: A Landscape That Feels Like Another Planet

New Mexico’s White Sands National Park. (Image: Danita Delimont/Adobe Stock)

Two hours south, everything fades into a stark whiteness. White Sands National Park protects the largest gypsum sand field on Earth, a rippling sea of alabaster as it shifts and sings with the wind. Visitors glide down the slopes on plastic sleds, their trails erased overnight, or hike the gentle Alkali Flat Trail while the sun sets, painting the dunes in rose and gold.

Landscape view of the Milky Way rising over White Sands National Park. (Image: Adobe Stock)

It is a place of profound stillness with hidden life — yucca and desert-adapted animals thrive here. At night, the Milky Way decorates the dome overhead with a clarity rare in the Lower 48. Few landscapes on the continent feel so purely sculptural that it doesn’t feel like Earth.

3. Albuquerque: Urban Energy Grounded in Deep History

Ancient symbols and shapes are carved into dark volcanic basalt rock at Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque New Mexico. (Image: PhotoSpirit/Adobe Stock)

Albuquerque, the state’s largest city, offers a grounded, lived-in pulse. Its Old Town glows from a 1706 plaza. The real thrill, however, comes from rising 4,000 feet above the city on the Sandia Peak Tramway, or gliding quietly above the Rio Grande Valley in a hot‑air balloon, especially during October’s renowned International Balloon Fiesta, with skies crowded by vibrant balloons.

Petroglyph National Monument on the west mesa reveals centuries-old rock carvings left by ancestral Puebloans. And a long stretch of historic Route 66 delivers classic neon nostalgia. Albuquerque doesn’t try to be precious; it simply is — a working, cosmopolitan hub offering outstanding regional dishes and easy access to trails and wilderness.

4. Taos: Artistic Soul and Living History

View from the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge in Taos, New Mexico. (Image: Adobe Stock)

North of Santa Fe is the high-desert town of Taos. The town has drawn artists, writers, and free spirits for generations. Its main draw for many visitors is Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where storied adobe houses have been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years. Respectfully visiting this community offers a direct link to Indigenous strength and tradition.

The Rio Grande Gorge beyond the pueblo slashes dramatically through the landscape. And the surrounding peaks call to adventurers, skiers, and river rafters. Even if you do nothing but sit on a bench in the historic plaza and witness the shifting light over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Taos delivers that subtle sense of having slipped outside the ordinary.

5. Carlsbad Caverns National Park: A Cathedral Beneath the Desert

Big Room in Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. (Image: Sceninc Media/Adobe Stock)

Carlsbad Caverns National Park lies in the southeastern corner of the state, one of America’s most spectacular underground wonders. It is home to more than 119 caves, including the famous Big Room — a sprawling cavern that could swallow six football fields.

Walkways lead through stalactites, stalagmites, and delicate draperies formed drop by drop over thousands of years. Tens of thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats, at sunset, spiral out of the main entrance in a tornado — one of the great wildlife wonders in the national park system. Pair it with a visit to nearby Guadalupe Mountains National Park for a fuller view of this rugged corner of the Chihuahuan Desert.

New Mexico’s distances are real, but it is so worth it. An evenly timed expedition stitching these places together unveils a region still perceived as uncharted beside more publicized destinations. Rent a reliable vehicle, bring layers for sharp temperature swings, and don’t be shy to ask locals for their favorite green chile spot.

After all, New Mexico doesn’t just show you landscapes. Its travel destinations recalibrate your sense of scale, time, and beauty — and leaves most visitors quietly planning their return.

Have you explored New Mexico’s destinations? Share your favorite hidden corner in the comments.

Wolf in Wolf’s Clothing? New Mexico Accuses Kalshi of Disguising Sports Betting as Finance

Juan Oliveros
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Wolf in Wolf’s Clothing? New Mexico Accuses Kalshi of Disguising Sports Betting as Finance

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed a lawsuit against Kalshi, a U.S.-based prediction market platform. The court filing accuses the company of circumventing state gambling laws by offering unregulated sports betting disguised as financial trading.

The state prosecutor filed the lawsuit in New Mexico’s First Judicial District Court, arguing that Kalshi’s activities constitute a “public nuisance.” It alleges the platform is driving compulsive gambling behavior in a state already facing an excessive share of gambling addiction. According to the filing, New Mexico’s rate of gambling problems is nearly four times the national average.

Torrez said Kalshi has operated beyond the scope of state gaming regulations. The framework, he explained, governs where and how gambling is allowed, subject to negotiated terms and licensing rules. “Kalshi has ignored that framework entirely while offering online sports betting within the state,” Torrez said in a statement. “We are filing this lawsuit to protect the integrity of our laws, our regulatory system, and most importantly, consumers.”

Kalshi’s “event contracts,” which allow users to wager on outcomes such as sports results, are illegal forms of gambling under a 1953 state law, the state prosecutor alleges. The law generally prohibits most forms of wagering except those explicitly authorized under New Mexico’s Gaming Control Act.

The lawsuit, which was filed on Thursday, also claims Kalshi’s platform is actively offering bets linked to real-time sports events, including wagers on NBA games. That kind of activities, prosecutors claim, function inseparably from traditional sports betting.

The legal action adds to growing pressure the company is facing. Three New Mexico pueblos and one tribe filed a separate federal lawsuit last month. They accused Kalshi over intrusion on tribal sovereignty by enabling betting tied to events on Indigenous land. The case remains pending in federal court. It follows a favorable ruling for a Wisconsin tribe in a similar dispute involving the platform.

State officials say the tribal and state cases are separate but complementary. “We respect and support the separate action filed by tribal governments in May to protect their sovereign interests,” said Lauren Rodriguez, chief of staff at the New Mexico Department of Justice. “These efforts are separate but complementary tracks that together defend both the State’s interests and the integrity of tribal gaming in New Mexico.”

A Flesh-Eating Parasite Is Back in Texas. Now Is the Time to Pay Attention.

Juan Oliveros
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A Flesh-Eating Parasite Is Back in Texas. Now Is the Time to Pay Attention.

New Mexico agriculture and health officials urged residents to remain vigilant after federal authorities confirmed a case of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, in South Texas. The development highlights how quickly animal health threats can cross state borders and disrupt agriculture, wildlife, and rural economies.

New Mexico has detected no flesh‑eating parasite within its borders. But officials say the June 3 confirmation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Zavala County, Texas, is a warning that vigilance—not panic—is the most effective defense against a pest once eradicated from the United States. “While New World screwworm has not been detected in New Mexico, USDA’s confirmation of the pest in South Texas serves as an important reminder for everyone to remain vigilant,” said Jeff Witte, secretary of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.

The New World screwworm is not merely a fly. Its larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, including cattle, horses, wildlife, pets, and, in rare cases, humans. Common maggots consume dead tissue, but screwworm larvae burrow into open wounds, causing severe injuries that can become fatal if untreated.

State officials say the greatest danger lies not in the confirmed Texas case, but in delayed detection. They asked livestock producers, veterinarians, hunters, wildlife managers, and pet owners to watch for wounds that fail to heal or contain unusual maggot infestations, which are early signs that could indicate a screwworm infection.

Officials warn people who recently traveled to South Texas or who plan to bring animals into New Mexico from areas near the confirmed detection to monitor for early symptoms. They also encouraged close monitoring of all animals returning from affected regions.

Livestock production remains a backbone of the rural economy in New Mexico. A screwworm outbreak could cause animal losses, costly control measures, and restrictions on animal movement, affecting ranchers and agricultural businesses across the state.

Wildlife officials are also concerned about the possible impact of the deadly parasite on deer, elk, and other wild animal populations. These animals can serve as hosts and may complicate eradication efforts.

Public health experts stress that awareness is critical because the parasite’s spread can often be stopped when infestations are identified and reported quickly. The United States Department of Agriculture eradicated screwworm in 1966 and again in 2016 in Florida Keys deer. But periodic detections near the southern border continue to require constant monitoring.

The message for the public is straightforward: New Mexico remains free of screwworm, but the Texas case is a reminder that biosecurity depends on the eyes and ears of the public. Officials urged residents to acquaint themselves with the signs of the New World screwworm and immediately report suspicious cases to authorities. Early reporting, officials say, remains the best defense against the flesh-eating parasite.

A Single Phone Call Used to Mean Bureaucratic Delays for At-Risk New Mexicans. Not Anymore, With the Restored Hotline.

Juan Oliveros
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A Single Phone Call Used to Mean Bureaucratic Delays for At-Risk New Mexicans. Not Anymore, With the Restored Hotline.

New Mexicans who suspect exploitation, neglect, or abuse of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can call restored hotline and directly reach state investigators starting July 1.

The restored toll-free hotline — 800-445-6242 — connects callers immediately to intake specialists in the New Mexico Health Care Authority’s Division of Health Improvement Incident Management Bureau. It will eliminate the handoffs that officials said could slow responses to some of the most vulnerable individuals. Reports submitted through the agency’s website will route to the same team, cutting out previous bureaucratic steps that caused the delay.

“When someone is trying to report abuse, neglect or exploitation, every minute and every handoff matters,” Kari Armijo, secretary of the Health Care Authority, said in a statement. “Restoring this direct line means families, caregivers and providers can reach the incident management team faster and more reliably. This change strengthens safety protections for some of the most vulnerable New Mexicans.”

Change addresses reporting barriers

The dedicated hotline covers individuals registered in key home- and community-based programs, such as the Developmental Disabilities Waiver, Mi Via Waiver, and Medically Fragile Waiver. It also covers those enrolled in state general fund developmental disability services. The Incident Management Bureau is responsible for evaluating reports. It ensures immediate safety measures, mandates corrective actions by providers, and, where appropriate, refers cases to law enforcement agencies.

State officials are urging providers, advocacy organizations, and partner agencies to update their policies, training materials, and emergency contact lists with the new number. The change seeks to address concerns about reporting barriers in the state’s disability support system. New Mexico, like many states, has struggled with caregiver shortages, long waiver waitlists, and issues with provider supervision that deliver most services.

Restored hotline to reduce friction

The Health Care Authority — which oversees Medicaid, behavioral health and disability support programs — said the restored hotline aims to reduce pressure in a system where delays can have serious consequences. The adjustment appears simple on paper. But it carries practical weight for thousands of New Mexicans with disabilities and their families who depend on strong safeguards to maintain dignity and safety outside institutional settings.

State officials hope the restored hotline will encourage more timely reporting and quicker intervention, strengthening the system that serves some of the most at-risk individuals across the state.

More information and options for online reporting are available on the Health Care Authority’s website. For concerns involving seniors or adults with disabilities outside the specified waiver programs, the Adult Protective Services line remains 866-654-3219.

Edgewood Welcomes Families to Summer Carnival

Victoria Padilla
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Edgewood Welcomes Families to Summer Carnival

The annual Edgewood Carnival returned this week, featuring summer nights with rides, midway games, and food vendors, creating a fun environment for all who participate. The carnival runs every night from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM and carries on a long-lasting tradition of the “small-town carnival,” attracting attendees from across New Mexico.

More than just a place for rides and games, the annual community showcase has become a great place to spend time with family or friends. This community event strengthens our community by providing a neutral space for people to gather and enjoy live entertainment. In addition, many activities at the showcase Edgewood’s identity as a very warm community.

Across New Mexico, other cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe host similar carnivals; however, each differs in the types of rides, food, and games it features. Regardless of the size or type of carnival, they all provide residents a cultural point of reference, giving them the opportunity to celebrate their local heritage while enjoying shared experiences.

These types of events help to boost business by driving traffic and sales, as well as providing families with affordable entertainment. In addition, they promote tourism by attracting visitors from the surrounding areas and by supporting the town’s economy and reputation as an exciting destination.

This celebration illustrates the anchoring of community identity through celebrating cultural traditions. It highlights the importance of continuous events in maintaining cultural vitality and building social connections.

The carnival combines rides, games, food, a strong community spirit, and family-friendly environments, providing not only entertainment but also lasting memories of Edgewood as the center of community spirit.

Blues in the Gallery, August First Friday

Victoria Padilla
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Blues in the Gallery, August First Friday

On the first Friday of each month, the Patio Market will feature an Artist of the Month, along with Blues music, free food and drinks, and drawings for Gift Certificates. You can expect to meet various artists, see their works, and experience the various architectural styles and business of the Patio Market.

By combining art, blues music, and food in a friendly atmosphere, this event strengthens the community by providing an opportunity for interaction between the artist and the audience and by fostering and sustaining a positive appreciation for the local creative scene.

Similar events take place at various locations around town, showcasing local artists through art openings, live performances by local musicians, and more. These events also offer continuing opportunities for Albuquerque residents and visitors to experience the arts.

Cultural exchange and support for local businesses are especially important to artists and audiences alike. Cultural exchange, along with supporting local businesses, improves a community’s overall image through creativity and entertainment.

The event’s combination of art and music illustrates that when different media combine, they create lasting memories. They also demonstrate how local events and activities play an important role in building cultural identity and maintaining local culture.

By combining gallery shows with live blues performances, this event offers more than just entertainment; it fosters community pride and enriches Albuquerque’s cultural landscape.

How a Simple Lemonade Purchase Benefited People Experiencing Homelessness

Gregg Morgan
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How a Simple Lemonade Purchase Benefited People Experiencing Homelessness

Young age is never a hindrance to make a difference. Young learners at Helen Cordero Elementary School proved this through a recent initiative. Their actions remind everyone that every effort makes a big contribution to humanity.

A second-grade class from the school recently turned compassion into action by hosting a lemonade stand. They raised $140 to purchase hygiene supplies for unhoused individuals in Albuquerque.

The students organized a stand outside their school with help from their teacher and school librarian. Families and community members gathered to support the effort.

The youngsters used the money to assemble hygiene kits that included water, undergarments, deodorant, wipes, socks, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. After completing the kits, the school contacted Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) to coordinate the pickup. Responders distributed the supplies to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Service and Teamwork on National Lemonade Day

“We participated in National Lemonade Day on May 9th,” said librarian Jennifer Miller. “Each class got a chance to choose a cause to donate their money to and Ms. Samuelson’s class chose to support unhoused individuals in our community.”

“The project gave students an opportunity to learn the value of service and teamwork while making a meaningful impact,” said 2nd grade teacher Sharon Samuelson. “We’re so proud of them!”

ACS responders and staff recently visited the school to pick up the hygiene kits. They personally thanked the students for their compassion toward community members in need. ACS staff also gave each student a challenge coin in recognition of their selflessness and commitment to helping others.

“We are incredibly grateful for these students,” said ACS Director Jodie Esquibel. “The compassion and empathy they have shown is truly inspiring. These hygiene kits will help our responders provide comfort, dignity, and basic necessities to community members in need. Sometimes the greatest reminders of how to care for one another come from our young people, and these students have set a wonderful example for all of us.”

The lemonade stand highlighted how young students can create positive change through compassion and community support. Indeed, educators should teach these values early so children become more aware of their ability to make a difference. 

Nearly 38,000 Independent Voters Just Flexed Their Muscles in New Mexico’s First Semi-Open Primary: Is This the Future of American Elections?

Juan Oliveros
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Nearly 38,000 Independent Voters Just Flexed Their Muscles in New Mexico’s First Semi-Open Primary: Is This the Future of American Elections?

Nearly 38,000 independent voters participated in the state’s June 2 primary, marking the first time this fast-growing group could participate without switching their registration. The Secretary of State’s office said the number was a modest but symbolically important share of the total 345,469 ballots cast across the state — a 24.53 percent turnout among roughly 1.41 million eligible voters.

New Mexico’s shift to a semi-open primary allowed the state’s more than 380,000 independent voters — or nearly 3 in 10 of the electorate — to request either a Democratic or Republican ballot on Election Day or during early voting. “For the first time in state history, New Mexico’s independent voters had the opportunity to cast a meaningful vote,” Executive Director Nick Troiano of an advocacy group, Unite America, pointed out in a statement following the election. “For too long, hundreds of thousands of New Mexicans were excluded from primary elections they pay for simply because they chose not to join a political party. The new law ends that inequity and gives every voter a voice,” he said.

Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver described the election as a huge success, noting higher overall primary turnout than in 2024. She also highlighted the smooth integration of independent participation. Data suggested unaffiliated voters split their choices, with almost half of those tracked midday on Election Day choosing Democratic ballots.

In 2024, the state legislature approved Senate Bill 16, allowing independents, also known as “decline to state” voters, to choose which party’s primary ballot they want to vote on on Election Day. The measure does not require them to change their permanent party registration. “We had a successful first Semi-open Primary Election thanks to the members of my team, county clerks, and the poll workers who have worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth voting process for all those who participated,” said Toulouse Oliver.

Independent Voters: A Growing Bloc That Finds Its Footing

Independent voters have been one of the fastest-growing segments of New Mexico’s voters. Their ranks surged in recent years, partly fueled by automatic voter registration at motor vehicle offices. But expectations for a swell in independent turnout were tempered. Observers had predicted relatively low turnout in this debut cycle as voters grew accustomed to the option. Before the election, political analyst Brian Sanderoff said, “most of them don’t know they can,” referring to the new rules.

Still, the nearly 38,000 independent ballots exceeded some forecasts, contributing to turnout that exceeded the previous comparable primary in several counties. The state’s most populous Bernalillo County reported higher numbers than in recent election cycles. Officials attributed it in part to the growing electorate.

The participation of independent voters signals that New Mexico’s experiment with greater primary access is already changing the electoral landscape, even if the impact will unfold over multiple election cycles.

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