Over the past few weeks, it appears that Donald Trump may be expanding the electoral map, shocking liberals as he rises up the polls in states once thought untouchable by Republicans.
A recent Washington Examiner interview with New Mexico Senate candidate Nella Domenici has highlighted her optimism about shifting the state’s long-standing blue alignment. Domenici believes former President Donald Trump’s upcoming rally in Albuquerque signals a potential turning point, claiming New Mexico is “in play” for Republicans for the first time in nearly 20 years. Despite Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris maintaining a solid polling lead, Domenici argues the state’s growing support for the GOP stems from issues like immigration and concerns over public safety.
Trump’s Halloween rally will mark his second visit to New Mexico since 2019. His arrival comes amid recent polling, which revealed a tighter race. Domenici, a former executive and head of the state’s largest charter school non-profit, challenges incumbent Democrat Martin Heinrich for the Senate, stating, “We’re on the cusp of becoming a red state.” Domenici suggests the high turnout of early Republican voters could narrow the gap in traditionally Democratic voter support.
Highlighting Republican efforts to gain ground among Hispanic voters, who comprise nearly half of the New Mexican population, Domenici shared with the Washington Examiner that “lots of Democrats, lots of Hispanics” are joining her campaign. This momentum, she adds, reflects voter dissatisfaction with the state’s handling of immigration. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, migrant encounters in New Mexico spiked 22% in August, and migrant deaths along the New Mexico-Mexico border have also reportedly risen tenfold over the past five years.
While Trump’s previous rally grabbed attention, recent national focus has centered on a controversial comment made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage” at a New York Trump event. Domenici called the remark “sloppy,” stressing the importance of sensitivity when addressing multicultural communities.
President Joe Biden, however, also got attention for calling all Trump supporters “garbage.” The comments quickly drew criticism from Republicans, who compared it to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 “basket of deplorables” misstep.
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