The November 8 General Election is less than a month away and with early voting throughout New Mexico has already begun. Voters will have a big decision to make as they decide the next governor of the state.

The names of former KRQE meteorologist Republican Marc Ronchetti, 48, and Democratic incumbent Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, 62, plus that of Libertarian Karen Bedonie, will appear on the November 8 ballot. 

To give voters a closer look at the candidates’ positions, Ronchetti and Gov. Lujan Grisham met for their first direct clash during a televised debate aired during prime time by Albuquerque’s NBC affiliate KOB 4 TV, on Friday, September 30. Normal programming resumed after the debate.

KOB’s veteran reporter Matt Grubbs and anchor Tessa Mentus monitored the event. Bedonie was not invited to participate.

The debate brought to the front strong differences between the two candidates’ stances on key issues like crime and abortion. 

Both candidates, however, concur on some issues. Both support smaller classrooms and stronger literacy programs in New Mexico public schools. Gov. Lujan Grisham spoke of the importance of early childhood education. While not directly disagreeing, Ronchetti plugged his belief that health is as important.

The candidates agree that mental health is a serious issue when it comes to homelessness. About solutions, however, they disagree. “Ronchetti said a state-wide ban on tent cities is necessary while Lujan Grisham said restrictions on panhandling and trespassing would fix the issue,” states an article posted at RioGrandSun.com.

Crime

Ronchetti admonished Gov. Lujan Grisham for appointing judges “soft on crime”. He also accused the governor of not taking “crime seriously”. About the state’s current bail system, Ronchetti said, “There has to be a change here.”

Ronchetti also faulted the governor’s “catch and release” policy. Lujan Grisham responded by talking about funding. She touted that during her tenure some $72 million has been expended to hire new law enforcement officers.

The governor criticized Ronchetti for his general lack of understanding and experience. She noted that he has never attended a legislative session. “Lujan Grisham repeatedly highlighted her experience and suggested Ronchetti had only superficial plans for tackling complex problems,” states an Albuquerque Journal article. 

Abortion

Gov. Lujan Grisham “vowed to protect” a woman’s right to have a abortion, states an article posted at USNews.com. She noted the importance of the fact that in 2021 she signed a bill that repealed New Mexico’s long-standing criminal abortion law. Lujan Grisham said that the old law had it not been repealed could have been enforced after the recent Roe v. Wade ruling (PDF).

The governor was quick to point out that Ronchetti’s stance on abortion regularly changes. She said, “[Ronchetti has] flip-flopped more on this issue than the weather changes right here in New Mexico. Let me be clear: as long as I’m governor, a woman’s constitutional right to privacy, to make her own highly, deeply personal decisions about her health care and her family will stay legal.” 

Commenting that Gov. Lujan Grisham’s position is “extreme”, Ronchetti said that he is “pro-life” and that “…we need to end late-term abortion in the state of New Mexico.”

Gov. Lujan Grisham hit harder about Ronchetti’s actual stance on abortion. She said, “If Mark Ronchetti was governor today, abortion would be illegal in the state of New Mexico.” Republican governors and legislatures across the country have made moves to greatly restrict access to abortion since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Texas’s strict abortion law is one of the most well-known and consequence-heavy for New Mexicans.

Backing away about his personal stance, Ronchetti stated that he thinks a constitutional amendment should be put to the people for a vote on the abortion issue. Gov. Lujan Grisham shot back, “The fact that anyone should get to vote about my personal health care decision is quite frankly outrageous.”

Oil and Gas Industry

Both Gov. Lujan Grisham and Ronchetti support the state’s thriving oil and gas industry and recognize that state coffers are brimming because of it. Gov. Lujan Grisham noted that her administration has used some of the revenue it has received from the state’s oil and gas industry to provide pay raises to all state employees. 

Both candidates agree that spending the windfall revenue from the boom in the oil fields on education and state operations is positive. Ronchetti also wants all New Mexicans to receive oil and gas royalty checks. 

Where the candidates differ is on the effect that climate change is having on the industry and the need for restrictions to protect the environment and the health and safety of all.

Ronchetti said, “Climate change is real.” He reiterated, “I’ve said that. I’ve been clear on it. But we can address it without crashing our energy sector.”

Closing Arguments

Ronchetti spoke to the theme that things “can get better”. He said, “…we can do things better … the worst thing that can happen to us is for us to think it’s New Mexico….”

Lujan Grisham spoke about her experience and track record. She said, “I think that New Mexicans want an experienced, proven leader who can make the tough decisions, who has the record to make those tough decisions.”

A second debate between the pair is scheduled for tonight, Wednesday, October 12, at 6:30 p.m. Sponsors of the event are KOAT-TV, KKOB Radio and the Albuquerque Journal.