OPINION: New Mexico deserves more than resistance: We deserve results

When I launched my campaign for governor five months ago, I warned that New Mexico is under attack. I wasn’t exaggerating. Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Washington are working to dismantle the very foundations of our way of life. But let’s be honest — our challenges didn’t begin with them. Long before their assault, New Mexico was already struggling with rising crime, underperforming schools, a housing shortage that locks families out of the dream of homeownership, health care that’s too far away and too hard to reach, and an economy that leaves too many people behind.

Now, Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” is making things worse — slashing Medicaid, cutting education, gutting food assistance. These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet; these cuts threaten the health, safety and future of real people in every corner of our state.

I’ve never been afraid to take on bullies. As Bernalillo County district attorney and throughout my career in the courtroom, I’ve stood up for families and fought for everyday New Mexicans. That’s the kind of leadership New Mexico needs today — courageous, proven and determined to deliver change.

Crime and education: Two sides of the same coin
We can’t prosecute our way out of crime. What we need is both accountability and opportunity. It starts by updating our Children’s Code to reflect the world our children live in today. When I was growing up, if I crossed the line, there were real consequences — and I learned from them. We don’t need to lock children up and throw away the key, but we must ensure there are fair consequences for bad decisions while also giving young people a chance at a better future.

Here’s the truth: Being last in the nation in education and first in the nation in crime is not a coincidence. The two are directly connected. If we want safer streets, we need stronger schools. That’s why I’ll fight to make New Mexico the best place in the Southwest to be a teacher and expand high-quality public school choices — while rejecting vouchers that siphon resources away from public schools.

Opportunity starts with stability
Every New Mexican deserves the chance to put down roots and build a secure future. But today, homeownership is out of reach for too many. We need to break down barriers to affordable housing, build more homes, and help families build wealth and stability in every ZIP code. There are simply not enough homes being built. That’s why my blueprint sets a bold goal: Build at least 5,000 new homes each year. To make ownership more achievable, we’ll provide down payment assistance so first-time buyers can actually afford a place of their own.

Health care and jobs: A lifeline for families
Trump is trying to push health care further out of reach. We cannot allow that. I’ll fight to protect Medicaid, recruit more doctors and nurses, and bring care closer to home by investing in mobile health units so rural families aren’t waiting months for basic services.

At the same time, we need to create real pathways to good-paying jobs — through vocational training, apprenticeships and workforce development — so that young people see a future that doesn’t involve crime or leaving the state to find opportunity. We will bring high-paying jobs in clean energy, manufacturing, agriculture and national security tech so New Mexicans can build their future here at home. I’ll cut red tape and support small businesses. I’ll expand apprenticeships so every student graduates with a real path forward. I’ll also invest in rural and tribal communities while keeping more of our chile, beef and pecan wealth in New Mexico.

A blueprint for action — not just opposition
Standing up to Trump is critical, but it’s not enough. New Mexico deserves a governor with a plan to move us forward. That’s why I brought together hundreds of people from every corner of our state to craft my Blueprint for New Mexico — a 190-page action plan to take on our toughest challenges head-on. Read my plan at BregmanforNM.com/issues. New Mexico doesn’t just need resistance. We need results. And I’m ready to deliver them.

Sam Bregman is the Bernalillo County district attorney and a candidate for governor.