Sen. Ben Ray Luján, a New Mexico Democrat, is hosting a "matanza" rally in Albuquerque today, Oct. 24, with potential 2028 presidential candidates on the guest list 12. A matanza is a traditional pig roast 2. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and people had to register online in advance 2.
Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona and Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland are expected to attend 12. Both Democrats have said they are considering White House bids, according to The New Mexican 2. Kelly's wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, is also slated to come 2.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Democratic governor nominee Deb Haaland and members of the state's congressional delegation are also on the list 2. Both of these accounts were written before the event. We have not yet seen reports of what was said at the rally.
New Mexico is helping shape the future of the Democratic Party and the nation
Why New Mexico, and why now
In August, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) voted to make New Mexico one of six early states in the 2028 calendar 1. Its primary would be Feb. 15, 2028, after South Carolina, Nevada and New Hampshire and before Michigan and Virginia 1.
From Channel GOPSenator to Blanche: Don't ever do that againSenator Van Hollen · 156 plays · captioned, with the source named
DNC Chairman Ken Martin said the state's bid stood out because of its mix of rural and urban voters and its large Native American and Hispanic populations 1.
This matanza is about celebrating our traditions, bringing people together, and making sure New Mexicans' voices are heard.
What happens next
The new date is not final. The state Legislature must approve it in its 60-day session next year 1. Republican governor nominee Gregg Hull said in August that he might veto legislation creating two separate primaries, mainly over cost 1.
Other Democrats have already been through the state. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker visited last month, and Pete Buttigieg rallied voters in Las Cruces for Haaland and Rep. Gabe Vasquez 2. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts have also appeared with Haaland 2. Lujan Grisham told Politico she has contacted Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky, former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Pritzker about possible visits 1.
Luján is also on the ballot on Nov. 3. He faces Republican Larry Marker 1.
That matters because the early-state fight shapes who gets attention, and campaign money, long before 2028. The pattern is that potential candidates are using the midterm campaign to meet voters and local leaders. Their rallies also help local Democrats in the final days before Nov. 3.
The Record
Sources
- Albuquerque Journal, “Democratic presidential hopefuls to attend New Mexico matanza as state's 2028 appeal grows” (2026-10-16). abqjournal.com/news/democratic-presidential-hopefuls-to-atte
- The Santa Fe New Mexican, “Sen. Luján to host presidential hopefuls Saturday at 'matanza' rally” (2026-10-19). santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/sen-luj-n-to-host-pres
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