What happens when a contractor who has spent his career solving problems decides New Mexico's biggest project is fixing state government?

This week on The Chile Wire, Abe Baldonado sits down with House District 44 candidate Adam Prior to discuss why he's running for office and why he believes New Mexico is at a turning point.

Prior shares how witnessing the fall of the Berlin Wall and visiting the Dachau concentration camp shaped his views on government power, how the COVID-19 shutdowns ultimately pushed him into politics, and why he believes state leaders have made New Mexico less affordable for families and small businesses.

The conversation dives into some of the state's biggest issues, including:

• Government overreach and individual liberty
• Taxes, regulations, and the challenges facing small businesses
• New Mexico's healthcare and doctor shortage
• Crime, public safety, and judicial accountability
• Education reform and workforce development
• Why independent voters could decide the future of New Mexico

From personal stories—including surviving a heart attack—to his vision for restoring opportunity and economic growth, Prior explains why he believes it's time for a different direction in Santa Fe.

Don't miss this in-depth conversation on the policies, priorities, and principles shaping the 2026 election.

Visit Adam's website:
https://www.adamprior4nm.com/

With independent voters becoming one of the fastest-growing voting blocs in New Mexico, how can Republicans and conservatives earn their support without expecting party conversion?

This week on The Chile Wire, Abe Baldonado sits down with former independent U.S. Senate candidate Mira O'Connell to discuss what independent voters are actually looking for in today's political climate. Drawing from conversations with New Mexicans across the state, Mira shares why so many voters are becoming Independents or walking away from both major parties, what campaigns consistently get wrong, and why candidates must prioritize listening over labels.

From grassroots campaigning and voter engagement to the importance of common-sense leadership, civil discourse, and reaching beyond the party base, this episode offers a candid conversation on the future of New Mexico politics. If Republicans hope to win statewide races again, earning the trust of independents and disaffected Democrats may be the key, and this discussion explores exactly how to do it.

This week on The Chile Wire, Abe sits down with Corey Zimmerman, Republican candidate for New Mexico House District 26. A hospice chaplain, pastor, and longtime advocate for families, Corey shares his journey from ministry to politics and explains what motivated him to step into the race.

The conversation covers New Mexico's healthcare crisis, physician shortages, public safety concerns, education reform, workforce development, and the vital role oil and gas plays in funding the state's future. Corey also discusses his vision for servant leadership, supporting trade careers, reducing barriers for healthcare providers, and bringing greater accountability to government.

Can New Mexico reverse its doctor shortage, improve educational outcomes, and create more opportunities for families and businesses? Tune in for an in-depth conversation about the challenges facing House District 26 and Corey Zimmerman's plan to help move New Mexico forward.

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