Historians are often hesitant to predict the future, not just because of the many variables at play but also because it can be difficult to fully grasp the significance of unfolding events.

Some historical moments, like the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, are immediately understood as turning points in history. Others, such as the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, seemed insignificant at the time, yet spiraled into global chaos.

Today, New Mexico stands at a similar crossroads, facing the long-term consequences of a single-party rule that has gone unchecked for far too long.

For years, the Democratic leadership in our state has resulted in a painful litany of failed policies, economic stagnation, and rising crime rates. The excessive power of a one-party system has suffocated our communities, burdened our businesses with overreaching regulations, and left our education system ranked the lowest in the nation.

Instead of addressing these clear signs of decline with genuine solutions, the Democrat-controlled government continues to double down on policies that have proven ineffective, ignoring the concerns of everyday New Mexicans.

Much like great empires that have crumbled under the weight of their own corruption and mismanagement, we must recognize that New Mexico is on a dangerous trajectory. The current administration has favored government overreach and prioritized the interests of a select few over the needs of our working families.

This pattern has led to ineffective, soft-on-crime policies that have compromised public safety, while higher taxes and excessive regulations have stifled the lifeblood of our economy - small businesses.

Rural communities have been left behind, government transparency is virtually non-existent, and the voices of ordinary New Mexicans are consistently ignored.

The answer to New Mexico’s struggles is not more of the same. It’s time to restore balance, accountability, and common sense to our state.

Electing a Republican governor in 2026 is the only way to disrupt this cycle of failure, return power to the people, implement policies that genuinely promote economic growth, ensure public safety and uphold individual freedoms.

We must seize this opportunity to change course before it is too late. The future of our state depends on it. Amy Barela is chair of the Republican Party of New Mexico.