Haaland Rallies Los Lunas Residents Against Attacks on Rights, Democracy

More than 3,000 No Kings rallies erupted across the United States on March 28, and Los Lunas was among them. New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland stood with Valencia County residents to protest what she called attacks on communities, rights, and democracy, pressing a campaign built on accountability and what she described as "people power."

The Los Lunas stop was part of a statewide circuit Haaland committed to publicly ahead of the event. Writing to supporters, she said: "Tomorrow, I'll stand shoulder to shoulder with New Mexicans at No Kings rallies across our state." Her appearance placed Valencia County inside a nationwide wave of dissent that stretched from Ypsilanti, Michigan, where more than 2,500 gathered, to demonstrations across Europe.

Haaland was direct about what drove her to the streets. "Like so many of you, I'm fed up," she said. "Fed up with attacks on our communities, our rights, and our democracy. We deserve better and we're not backing down."

She named the principle behind the No Kings movement plainly: "No one is above the law, no one gets unchecked power, and in the United States, there are no kings."

Haaland, who served as U.S. Secretary of the Interior before launching her gubernatorial bid, named President Donald Trump specifically as her opposition. "I've never been afraid to stand up to Donald Trump or anyone who threatens New Mexico," she said. "I've done it before, and I'm ready to do it again."

She tied the march directly to her candidacy: "I'm running for governor to fight for our future and for every New Mexican."

The Los Lunas rally landed eight weeks before New Mexico's June 2 primary, giving Valencia County voters a close-range look at one of the Democratic gubernatorial contenders at the moment when questions of democratic accountability and civic participation are shaping the race.

WHAT TO DO NEXT FOR VALENCIA COUNTY VOTERS

Valencia County residents can register to vote, check their registration, or update their address at the Valencia County Bureau of Elections at 444 Luna Ave in Los Lunas.

New Mexico allows same-day voter registration: eligible residents can register and cast a ballot in the same visit at the county clerk's office or at participating early voting and Election Day locations. Bring a New Mexico driver's license or state-issued ID, or a document showing your Valencia County address paired with a photo ID.

Early in-person voting opens 28 days before each election at the Valencia County Administration Offices at 444 Luna Ave and runs Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closing the Saturday before Election Day.

Key dates: the 2026 New Mexico primary is June 2; the general election is November 3. For registration lookup, absentee ballot requests, and polling place information, visit NMVote.org, the official voter portal of the New Mexico Secretary of State.