A self-described “America First” candidate for U.S. Senate, Larry Marker first has some work to do to get on November’s general election ballot.

The Republican with roots in Hobbs and Roswell needs to get at least 2,531 voters to write his name on the June 2 primary ballot to advance as his party’s official candidate.

In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Marker joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to discuss his views on policy and share thoughts on the state of the Republican Party in New Mexico, which has had challenges putting forth candidates in statewide races.

With a professional background in oil and gas production, farming, ranching, manufacturing and construction, Marker says one of his priorities is loosening regulations that he says are hurting small businesses.

Marker goes on to share his thoughts on Donald Trump, saying he agrees with many of the president’s policies, including those involving immigration, but that he isn’t sure if he’d get along with Trump on a personal level.

Chacón also asks Marker about his feelings toward incumbent Sen. Ben Ray Luján, who is seeking his second term. Marker says he thinks Luján is leaning too hard into the “welfare-type programs” and not doing enough to support a capitalist agenda that promotes economic opportunities.

Marker is also asked his position on abortion, and how he feels his stance could impact his electability.

A self-described &ldquo;America First&rdquo; candidate for U.S. Senate, Larry Marker first has some work to do to get on November&rsquo;s general election ballot.
The Republican with roots in Hobbs and Roswell needs to get at least 2,531 voters to write his name on the June 2 primary ballot to advance as his party&rsquo;s official candidate.
In the latest episode of the &ldquo;Around the Roundhouse&rdquo; podcast, Marker joins&nbsp;Santa Fe New Mexican&nbsp;state politics reporter Daniel J. Chac&oacute;n to discuss his views on policy and share thoughts on the state of the Republican Party in New Mexico, which has had challenges putting forth candidates in statewide races.
With a professional background in oil and gas production, farming, ranching, manufacturing and construction, Marker says one of his priorities is loosening regulations that he says are hurting small businesses.
Marker goes on to share his thoughts on Donald Trump, saying he agrees with many of the president&rsquo;s policies, including those involving immigration, but that he isn&rsquo;t sure if he&rsquo;d get along with Trump on a personal level.
Chac&oacute;n also asks Marker about his feelings toward incumbent Sen. Ben Ray Luj&aacute;n, who is seeking his second term. Marker says he thinks Luj&aacute;n is leaning too hard into the &ldquo;welfare-type programs&rdquo; and not doing enough to support a capitalist agenda that promotes economic opportunities.
Marker is also asked his position on abortion, and how he feels his stance could impact his electability.

The Santa Fe New Mexican’s weekly podcast hosted by state government and lead politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón features the policies, politics and personalities at the state Capitol during New Mexico's 2025 legislative session.

The Santa Fe New Mexican&rsquo;s weekly podcast hosted by state government and lead politics reporter Daniel J. Chac&oacute;n features the policies, politics and personalities at the state Capitol during New Mexico's 2025 legislative session.

Around the Roundhouse

The Santa Fe New Mexican&rsquo;s weekly podcast hosted by state government and lead politics reporter Daniel J. Chac&oacute;n features the policies, politics and personalities at the state Capitol during New Mexico's 2025 legislative session.