Mark Ronchetti

Last month we heard the first peep out of former Republican candidate for New Mexico governor Mark Ronchetti since his November loss to Michelle Lujan Grisham — he was suing consultants for that campaign and his 2020 failed bid for senate. But, after holding rallies and appearing on Fox News and local televised debates during last year’s campaign, he still hadn’t taken the mic again — until now. The former TV meteorologist is launching a podcast that premiers Tuesday.

Two-time Republican candidate for New Mexico office Mark Ronchetti hasn’t been heard from much since losing the governor’s race to Michelle Lujan Grisham in November. But now, the Santa Fe Reporter’s Andrew Oxford reports, the former TV meteorologist is involved in a lawsuit related to that 2022 campaign as well as his failed 2020 bid for U.S. Senate.

These midterm elections saw a swell of support nationally for Democrats by younger voters. KUNM's Jeanette DeDios talked to young voters at the University of New Mexico polling station to find out what issues brought them out. She sat down with News Director Megan Kamerick.

New Mexicans have signaled their approval of Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s first term by sending her back to the governor’s mansion for four more years. Lujan Grisham made protecting access to abortion a centerpiece of her campaign after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham praised President Biden’s pledge this week to codify abortion protections in federal law if the Democrats secure a majority in congress. She characterized the move as a commitment to “echo” the work being done here in New Mexico, and tells KUNM she "absolutely" would pursue codifying the right to an abortion in state law if reelected.

The race for governor remains competitive between Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and her Republican challenger Mark Ronchetti. While Libertarian candidate Karen Bedonie is polling in the single digits, her support could affect the election’s results.

With early voting in the 2022 general election set to begin on Oct. 11, the race between incumbent Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and her Republican challenger, former meteorologist Mark Ronchetti, is in its final stretch. The campaigns have paid particular attention to a few key issues: crime, the economy and education.

With the right to an abortion now up to each state, and numerous surrounding states imposing total or partial bans, New Mexico has become a safe harbor in the Southwest for those seeking and providing abortion care. The issue has become a significant one in the race for governor.

When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Republican candidate for governor Mark Ronchetti called for “measured dialogue on the issue of abortion” to reach “policies that are more mainstream and reflect our shared values.” The Democratic Party of New Mexico launched a website Wednesday calling the candidate’s recent messaging on the issue an inauthentic shift to a more moderate stance. Ronchetti's campaign denies that there has even been a shift in the candidate's position.

Donald Trump repeatedly denied credentials to media organizations whose coverage he deemed “unfair.” In a move seemingly out of the former President’s play book, the campaign of Republican Mark Ronchetti, who’s running for governor, denied local outlet Source New Mexico access to an event over the weekend featuring the candidate along with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. Rep. Yvette Herrell.