Duke Rodriguez, a Republican candidate for New Mexico governor wants to eliminate the state’s gross receipts tax on retail sales entirely — and says the state can afford it right now. Rodriguez, a former state cabinet secretary and hospital executive, reiterated the idea during Friday’s Albuquerque Journal Republican gubernatorial debate, arguing the state’s surplus reserves of $3 to $4 billion cover the estimated $1.2 to $1.5 billion cost of elimination.

Rodriguez was careful to draw a distinction: his proposal targets only the state’s portion of the tax, leaving intact the local rates cities and counties levy to fund police, fire and other services. “It’s the state portion of New Mexico gross receipts tax,” Rodriguez said. “I still say cities and counties should have their local control.”

Fellow candidate Gregg Hull called the personal income tax the “lowest-hanging fruit” for reform but cautioned that eliminating the gross receipts tax required protecting municipal revenue streams that fund police and fire departments. Doug Turner, who is also running for the Republican nomination, didn’t put a specific number on the shortfall from GRT elimination, but said “that cost could be as much as two billion or three billion dollars that the state would have to come up with.”

Rodriguez pushed back against the estimate of a $2 billion shortfall, arguing that the actual $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion cost of his targeted tax cut is already covered by the state’s massive revenue windfall. “We have a surplus now that goes directly into our reserves closer to three to four billion,” Rodriguez explained, noting that the state could easily afford the elimination “before even talking about cutting services.” Instead, he argued the state is failing because it puts money “in the wrong places.” His proposed solution is to implement better accountability and demand better results from the money that is already being spent. He’s also initiated lawsuits to undo the universal childcare program, a new spending program he opposes.

Rodriguez’s plan is not without precedent. When the state legislature and Governor Bill Richardson eliminated the sales tax on groceries in 2005, they created a “hold harmless” payment to cities and counties paid from other state funds to make up for the lost sales tax revenue. 

Vote in the June 2 Primary

Early voting is open now through May 30.

• Now through May 15 — Early voting and same-day registration available
• May 16–May 30 — Early voting and same-day registration expand to additional locations
• All early voting locations closed Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day

New this year: The June 2 primary is New Mexico’s first under a semi-open system. Voters with no party affiliation may choose a Republican or Democratic ballot at the polls without changing their registration.

Find early voting locations: NMVote.org

Find your county clerk: sos.nm.gov

Related

Grant’s Monday Night Forecast

Temperatures will heat up across New Mexico through Tuesday, with near-record highs possible in parts of the state. Highs cool slightly starting Wednesday, with a few spotty showers possible later this week.

High pressure is building toward New Mexico to start the week, bringing hotter temperatures statewide. The center of that high will move over the state Tuesday, making it the hottest day of the week. Highs will climb into the 80s and 90s for most areas, with several spots coming within a few degrees of tying or breaking daily record highs.

The high starts to weaken Wednesday, but temperatures will only cool by a few degrees. Moisture will also begin streaming into New Mexico, bringing more cloud cover and a chance for a few spotty showers or areas of evaporating rain, mainly across northern New Mexico. By Thursday, that spotty rain chance shifts into eastern New Mexico.

Temperatures will stay above average to well above average through the end of the week and into the weekend, with most highs remaining in the 80s and 90s. Afternoon breezes will also stick around most days over the next week.

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) — Four companies in New Mexico have been nominated for USA Today’s “Best Hot Air Balloon Ride” list for 2026. Voting is open now through June 1.

Here’s a look at the New Mexico nominees:

• Four Corners Balloon Rides (Albuquerque)
  • “Four Corners Balloon Rides will get you soaring above Albuquerque in a hot air balloon. They fly smaller balloons with a capacity of up to 12 passengers, and you can opt between shared flights or a private charter, with flights running for about 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll see beautiful views of the Rio Grande Valley, the Sandia Mountains, and all of Albuquerque some 2,000 feet below you. The pilot, Daniel, has over 3,000 hours of flight time, so you’re ensured to be in good, safe hands. “

• Rainbow Ryders (Albuquerque)
  • “As home to the International Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque is one of the world’s most popular spots for hot air ballooning. Rainbow Ryders offers daily flights throughout the year, which have you floating above the high desert landscape of New Mexico, as well as the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. The company is also the official hot air balloon ride operator at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.“

• World Balloon (Albuquerque)
  • “World Balloon in Albuquerque, New Mexico, offers both group and private hot air balloon flights throughout the year. On flights that usually last an hour, passengers can enjoy unmatched views of the Rio Grande River and Bosque or watch the sunrise over the city.”

• X-Treme-Lee Fun Balloon Adventures (Gallup)
  • “X-Treme-Lee Fun Balloon Adventures provides a beautiful sunrise hot air balloon tour near Gallup, New Mexico. On journeys that typically last about an hour, passengers can enjoy views of scenic Red Rock Park’s canyons and spires.”

A total of 20 companies were nominated overall. Multiple companies in neighboring states were also nominated. Those include Above It All in Aspen, Colorado, Adventures Out West in Colorado Springs, Firebird Balloons in Phoenix, Grand Adventure Balloon Tours in Winter Park, Colorado, Hot Air Expeditions in Phoenix, and Red Rock Balloons in Sedona, Arizona.

The winner will be determined by readers’ votes. You can vote online.