Haaland visits Socorro on campaign for governor

Deb Haaland, who announced her run for governor earlier this month, made a campaign stop in Socorro. Over one hundred people gathered at the Capitol Bar and Brewery on Sunday night to hear her speech.

“I know we’re strong, and I know we’re resilient, and I know we’re fierce, but I also know our state faces serious challenges. Families feel the squeeze, struggling to afford basic necessities. People are worried about their safety. Climate change is making wildfires and droughts worse than ever. But you want to know what else? Despite all of this, I believe our state can overcome these obstacles and these challenges because I believe in us,” Haaland said.

Haaland talked about moving around a lot as a military kid, getting her first job at 14, and later living through financially tough times as a single mom.

“So when I was struggling during those years, I guess the best way I could put it is that it’s expensive to be poor, right? I wish I had all the money that I spent on bank fees, taking bank fees out of my account when I only had one dollar in my account, and I was just praying that my check would be deposited in time before my rent had to go out and things of that nature. It was really, really difficult,” Haaland said, “The system isn’t working for us.”

She said New Mexico can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting different results, so she has challenged the system in every position she has held.

“I have delivered good paying jobs and solar in in the solar and wind industry, a task force to improve safety and increase trust in law enforcement, new jobs cleaning up orphaned oil and gas wells, clean water infrastructure projects for rural communities right here in New Mexico, support for small businesses and when I was in Congress, eviction protections during COVID 19,” Haaland said.

Haaland told the audience that President Donald Trump signed several of her bills during her time in Congress.

“I know it’s surprising, right? But, well, I had to get work done, right? And that’s how you do it. You work across the aisle,” Haaland said.

Haaland said that she has observed the uncertainty created by President Trump.

“Everywhere I turn, people are worried and scared because of the chaos that this president is inflicting on our state. But my run for governor is about more than that. My journey has given me a unique view of how to fix the problems that we face, and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves right alongside you,” Haaland said.

She said she would advocate for elders, veterans, children, and marginalized communities. She believes everyone in this state should have access to a doctor when they are sick and that reproductive healthcare must be protected. Additionally, she aims to lower costs and expand affordable housing so that everyone has a roof over their head.

Haaland emphasized the importance of supporting family members struggling with addiction and investing in accessible treatment for all. Furthermore, she is committed to improving our schools by supporting teachers, students and their parents.

She also believes in ensuring law enforcement has the necessary resources to keep criminals off our streets while addressing the root causes of crime.

After her speech, she shook hands and spoke individually with people in attendance. On her way out, she told the EDC that she always enjoyed visiting Socorro and that it was a wonderful community.

“Everybody cares about each other,” Haaland said.

She added that she wanted the rural ranchers and Republicans to know she cares about their livelihoods. She said her sister and brother-in-law were ranchers in Clayton and understood the issues they are facing right now.

“I care about the land; I care about the water. Ranchers care about the land. Ranchers care about the water. We care about the same things, so I think we can agree on a lot of things and I’ll visit with them too,” Haaland said,