Dems launch ad claiming Hull following Trump 'playbook' on safety net programs

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SANTA FE — With just over one month to go until Election Day, the Democratic Party of New Mexico is targeting Republican gubernatorial candidate Gregg Hull as an acolyte of Donald Trump — at least when it comes to public policy views.

In a digital ad released Thursday, the state Democratic Party accused Hull of following Trump's playbook when it comes to safety net programs like Medicaid, food assistance and universal childcare.

"These are not New Mexican values — these are Trump values," party spokeswoman Mila Myles said in a statement. "New Mexico doesn't need its own Donald Trump, and it sure as hell doesn't need Gregg Hull in the Roundhouse."

Hull has said he would consider scaling back the universal childcare initiative launched by outgoing Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to ensure the state can safely meet statewide demand for childcare assistance.

His general election opponent, Democrat Deb Haaland, has staunchly supported the program on the campaign trail, despite some legislators' concerns about its long-term price tag. Haaland has also been open about her past reliance on food stamps as a single mother.

As for Hull, the GOP nominee has also faced criticism for recent remarks about New Mexico's dependence on government-run programs like Medicaid and SNAP, formerly known as food stamps. New Mexico's SNAP participation rate of about 21% is the nation's highest per capita rate.

In a Thursday interview, Hull said he stands buy his call for more discussion about the effectiveness of government-funded programs in lifting New Mexicans out of poverty. New Mexico's poverty rate actually declined over the last three years, but the state is still among the poorest in the nation.

"This whole idea the entire state needs to be on a government subsidy needs to be looked at," Hull said, referring specifically to the universal child care program.

He also said Rio Rancho's median income level increased during his 12-year tenure as mayor, which ended this year.

Meanwhile, the Democrats' digital ad could be a harbinger of more political attacks to come, as the state's open race for governor has so far been largely civil and subdued.

Hull has said he expected attacks to begin flying after a recent Journal Poll showed him trailing Haaland by a smaller-than-expected margin, but said his campaign would not engage in negative campaigning.

"What we have to do … is run on our resumes so that New Mexicans can make a decision based on the most qualified individual, and not who can beat each other up the most," Hull said.

During his campaign for governor, Hull has largely sidestepped his personal views of Trump, saying he would work with the current president — or any other president elected in 2028 — if he wins election to the Governor's Office.

"The only endorsement I am truly seeking is the endorsement of the New Mexico voter," Hull told the Journal.

Trump has lost in New Mexico all three times he's run for president — in 2016, 2020 and 2024. The president's approval rating among likely voters in the state had dropped to 32% as of late August, according to a Journal Poll.

Dan Boyd covers state government and politics for the Journal in Santa Fe. Follow him on X at @DanBoydNM or reach him via email at dboyd@abqjournal.com .