New Mexico’s 2026 Gubernatorial Race: The Contenders Emerge
even with the November 2024 general election recently concluded, the political landscape in New Mexico is already shifting towards the 2026 gubernatorial race. Several prominent figures have begun laying the groundwork for their campaigns, signaling an intense and competitive election cycle ahead.
The Democratic Field Takes Shape
Two high-profile Democrats have already announced their intentions to run: Deb Haaland, former U.S. Interior Secretary, and Sam Bregman, Bernalillo County District Attorney. Their early entries into the race suggest a potentially fierce primary battle.
- Deb Haaland: The former congresswoman and the first Native American to serve in a federal Cabinet post, Haaland is considered a front-runner. Her campaign reported raising nearly $2.9 million in the first few months.
- Sam Bregman: The Bernalillo County District Attorney launched his campaign with a speech in Las Vegas, N.M., emphasizing his commitment to protecting New Mexico from outside influences.
- Ken Miyagishima: The former longtime mayor of Las Cruces has formed an exploratory committee and is leaning toward running.
There’s nothing more that I would like to do than to serve the people of New Mexico,
Miyagishima said.
Did You No?
New Mexico’s primary contests are becoming more open. Legislation signed into law allows voters not affiliated with a party to participate in primaries without changing their registration.
As of March, over 309,000 of New Mexico’s 1.3 million voters, nearly a quarter, have not designated a party affiliation. This change could considerably impact the primary outcomes.
The republican Landscape: Hull Leads, Nakamura Considers
On the Republican side, Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull is actively campaigning, planning a kickoff event in June, a year before the primary. He may face competition from Judith Nakamura, former chief justice of the new Mexico Supreme Court, who is considering a run.
- Gregg Hull: The mayor of Rio rancho is already fundraising and promoting his campaign, highlighting Rio Rancho’s success in public safety and other areas.
- Judith Nakamura: The former chief justice confirmed she’s considering a run for governor.
I am a ways off from making a decision,
Nakamura said.It’s something I think about with great frequency,but it’s a meaningful step,so I’m taking my time.
- John Sanchez: Another Republican said to be considering a gubernatorial campaign is former Lt. Gov. John Sanchez, who served alongside former Gov. Susana Martinez, the last Republican to occupy the Governor’s Office.
Political Dynamics and Challenges
Gubernatorial candidates in New Mexico face a complex political surroundings. While Democrats have traditionally held a strong position in the state, voter frustration with rising crime, housing costs, and the lingering effects of the Trump administration could influence the election.
The effects of the Trump administration — from federal layoffs,funding cuts and tariffs to immigration enforcement and removal of diversity,equity and inclusion programs — are also likely to sway voters.
Strategies and Messaging
Candidates are employing various strategies to connect with voters. Bregman, for example, has adopted a populist approach, criticizing the chaos in Washington
and the intolerance of the radical left.
Haaland, conversely, is focusing on a broader message of change and listening to New Mexicans.
New Mexico is under attack by Elon Musk, his puppet, Donald Trump, and Republicans in Washington. Meanwhile, Democrats in Washington have been weak, ineffective and complicit with all this madness. And it’s the intolerance of the radical left that has divided our party at a time when we need everyone to unite in the fight against Trump.
Sam Bregman,Bernalillo County District Attorney
Pro Tip
Political analyst Brian Sanderoff suggests that Bregman’s strategy of running “against Trump and MAGA” is a good way of gaining popularity among the Democratic Party base.
Fundraising and Campaign Infrastructure
Fundraising is a critical aspect of any campaign. Haaland has a significant lead in this area, but Bregman is actively seeking financial support, including hosting a fundraiser in Midland, Texas, to appeal to the oil and gas industry.
While Haaland is dwarfing everyone else on the fundraising front, she’s already spent almost $1.2 million, the vast majority in digital advertising, leaving her with about $1.7 million cash on hand.
The Republican Path to Victory
Brian Sanderoff noted New Mexico is a blue state where a Republican hasn’t won a statewide office as 2016.
That was a Supreme Court race, which is relatively low profile, but how did Judith Nakamura win as a Republican in 2016? She did it by doing well in Albuquerque, and that’s the key for the Republicans.
Brian Sanderoff, Albuquerque political analyst and respected pollster
Sanderoff suggests that a Republican candidate’s success hinges on performing well in Albuquerque, a strategy Nakamura employed during her Supreme Court race.
