As New Mexico’s 2026 governor’s race heats up, a television spot has surfaced that links Republican candidate Gregg Hull to President Donald Trump and suggests he would dramatically cut Medicaid. The ad’s claims merit close scrutiny.
Rally cost claim lacks full context
The ad states that Hull “rolled out the red carpet” for Trump at a 2019 rally in Rio Rancho and that the city was left with a $240,000 bill. Target 7 confirmed the bill exists, but the city did not pass the cost on to the Trump campaign. Rio Rancho’s manager explained the expense was intended to protect property, prevent injuries, and respect the rights of both rally participants and protesters.
Hull, who was mayor of Rio Rancho at the time, told a GOP gubernatorial debate that welcoming the President was “a privilege and an honor” and that the city was already providing security and venue preparations without signing a separate document. The venue, the Rio Rancho Events Center, received $146,000 from the Trump campaign, of which $48,000 was net revenue for the center.
Medicaid remarks were taken out of context
The ad further alleges Hull would follow Trump’s lead as governor by deepening Medicaid cuts, closing hospitals and raising costs. In an April interview with Source NM, Hull said he would be a “big proponent for going in and looking at” Medicaid and Medicare spending to ensure funds are used appropriately. He added that any scaling back would be considered only if resources are insufficient, emphasizing a goal to serve the state’s most vulnerable.
Hull never pledged deeper cuts; his comments focused on fiscal stewardship and protecting services for those in need.
Endorsement comment misrepresented
The ad quotes Hull as calling a Trump endorsement “a pretty cool thing.” The full remark, made on the Santa Fe New Mexican’s “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, was: “I’ve always said receiving a presidential endorsement, no matter who, is a pretty cool thing for anybody, right? And so, but right now that’s not on the table.” The statement reflects a general appreciation for endorsements, not a firm commitment to seek Trump’s support.
Who funded the ad?
The advertisement was paid for by Affordable New Mexico, a local political action committee registered this year. Its top contributor is Energy Transfer LP, a Dallas‑based natural‑gas pipeline operator that has also donated at least $28,000 to Democratic Governor‑candidate Deb Haaland’s campaign.
Hull campaign response
Ryan Saylor, spokesperson for Hull, called the ad “misleading” and accused Democrats of “gaslighting” voters. He emphasized that a mayor’s duty during a presidential visit is to keep citizens safe, and that the city’s transparency about costs reflects responsible leadership.
While the ad attempts to tie Hull closely to President Trump and portray him as a Medicaid‑cutting candidate, the factual record shows a more nuanced picture. Voters should weigh the full context of Hull’s actions as mayor and his stated approach to health‑care spending before drawing conclusions.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
