ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Republican gubernatorial candidate Gregg Hull outlined his proposal to eliminate New Mexico’s personal income tax, defended the state’s oil and gas industry and called for a new approach to economic development during an appearance on The Chile Wire ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

Speaking with host Abe Baldonado, the former Rio Rancho mayor emphasized affordability, public safety, health care and population growth as priorities for his administration if elected governor.

Hull said his four-phase plan to eliminate the state’s personal income tax would allow New Mexicans to keep more of their earnings while maintaining essential government services.

“It doesn’t cost the state anything to not take your money,” Hull said, acknowledging that eliminating the tax would reduce state revenue but arguing that economic growth would help offset the losses.

Under the proposal, the first phase would exempt $25,000 in income for single filers and $50,000 for married couples filing jointly. Hull estimated the initial phase would reduce state revenue by $81 million to $100 million.

The proposal would eventually eliminate approximately $2.1 billion in annual personal income tax revenue. Hull said the state could implement the changes gradually, pausing between phases if economic growth failed to meet expectations.

He also said the plan would preserve refundable tax credits for low-income New Mexicans, estimating those benefits would require approximately $350 million to $400 million annually.

“If we can’t, that’s okay. We take a pause if we’re not seeing the economic growth,” Hull said of his preferred four-year timeline.

Hull pointed to New Mexico’s substantial oil and gas revenues and permanent investment funds as reasons the state could afford to pursue tax relief. He warned that policies discouraging oil and gas production could jeopardize state revenue, employment and education funding.

The candidate also addressed growing controversy surrounding proposed data centers, including Project Jupiter in Doña Ana County.

Hull rejected calls for a statewide moratorium on data center development, arguing that local governments should determine whether such projects are appropriate for their communities.

“Let the counties and the cities make the decision that this is a good fit for them,” Hull said.

He emphasized that industrial projects should comply with environmental regulations while cautioning that restrictions could discourage investment and raise legal questions involving private property rights.

Hull also identified New Mexico’s stagnant population growth as a significant economic concern, arguing that attracting businesses and retaining families would strengthen the state’s tax base.

He cited Rio Rancho’s population growth and rising median household income during his 12 years as mayor as evidence of his approach to economic development.

On public safety, Hull advocated for greater cooperation between state and local governments, including law enforcement, behavioral health and rehabilitation services.

“The state needs to be a better partner with the communities to develop strategic plans around public safety,” Hull said.

As the interview concluded, Hull encouraged New Mexicans to participate in the election and consider the direction they want the state to take.

“Please go vote. Please go vote. Please go vote,” he said.

Hull faces Democratic nominee Deb Haaland in Tuesday’s gubernatorial election.