Previewing the 2026 Legislative Session | Full Episode

This week on New Mexico in Focus, host Nash Jones speaks with three seasoned statehouse reporters about the upcoming legislative session. Jones asks the panel how lawmakers plan on balancing the state's $11 billion budget during the short 30-day session. Also, with this being the last regular session for the termed-out Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, the panel considers how the outgoing governor will push to pass policies before her time in Santa Fe ends.

Last week, Democratic House Speaker Javier Martínez spoke with Nash Jones about what his caucus expects to get done in the upcoming session. This week, Martínez gives us an update on how a few bills lawmakers passed last year and the year before are showing up today.

For years as a reporter for Capital and Main, Jerry Redfern has documented the short lives of oil and gas reform bills introduced at the Roundhouse. This year, Jerry will continue his coverage with the news site, while also joining In Focus each week to keep viewers updated on his reporting in Santa Fe. This week, Jerry tells Executive Producer Jeff Proctor what he expects to see at this year's session.

As we enter the final regular session for Gov. Lujan Grisham, we lay out the long list of candidates who have filed to succeed her.

Host:
Nash Jones

Segments:

2026 Session Preview: State Budget and Policy Priorities
Correspondent:
Nash Jones
Guests:
Julia Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief, Source New Mexico
Daniel Chacón, State Government Reporter, Santa Fe New Mexican
Dan Boyd, Capitol Bureau Chief, Albuquerque Journal

Speaker Martínez on Fate of 2025 Legislation
Correspondent:
Nash Jones
Guest:
NM Rep. Javier Martínez, D-Albuquerque; House Speaker

Oil and Gas Reform Bills Expected in 2026 Session
Correspondent:
Jeff Proctor
Guest:
Jerry Redfern, Oil and Gas Reporter, Capital and Main

2026 Session Preview: Gov. Lujan Grisham’s Final Regular Session
Correspondent:
Nash Jones
Guests:
Julia Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief, Source New Mexico
Daniel Chacón, State Government Reporter, Santa Fe New Mexican
Dan Boyd, Capitol Bureau Chief, Albuquerque Journal

00:00 Intro
00:44 2026 Session Preview: State Budget and Policy Priorities
22:20 Speaker Martínez on Fate of 2025 Legislation
32:25 Oil and Gas Reform Bills Expected in 2026 Session
42:15 2026 Session Preview: Gov. Lujan Grisham’s Final Regular Session
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