There are six candidates running to be New Mexico’s 33rd governor: two Democrats, 3 Republicans and 1 Independent. The Democrats are former Biden Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman. The Republicans are former Mayor Greg Hull, public affairs and strategic communications executive Doug Turner and Duke Rodriguez, the CEO of Ultra Health, one of the largest marijuana companies in New Mexico. The one Independent running for Governor is former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima who will not appear on the June 2 primary ballot as he is running as an Independent.
This article reports on the two Democratic Party primary candidates Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman. The article provides links to their platforms for comparison, reports on two joint appearances and reports on recent polls and fundraising efforts concluding with Commentary and Analysis.
An article on the three Republican candidates for Governor will be published on Friday, May15. The one Independent running for Governor is former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima who will not appear on the June 2 primary ballot as he is running as an Independent.
THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR AND PLATFORMS
Following are the Democratic Party Primary candidates for Governor”
- DEBRA HAALAND
Debra Haaland, age 65, is a member of the Laguna Pueblo, is a 35th-generation New Mexican. After graduating from Highland High School, then , going on to graduate from the University of New Mexico with English and law degrees. Haaland would become a tribal administrator at San Felipe Pueblo and a member of the Laguna Development Corporation Board of Directors. In 2014, she ran unsuccessfully for New Mexico Lieutenant Governor. She then chaired the state’s Democratic Party. In 2018, Haaland made history as one of the first Native American women elected to Congress to represent New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District in 2018. And in 2020, President Joe Biden would tap Haaland to be the Secretary of Interior launching her into the national spotlight as the first Native American Cabinet Secretary in our nation’s history. She is considered to have a national base of financial support having raised $11.1 million.
The Deb Haaland for Governor web page contains her platform and positions on the four major issues of Education, Affordability, Public Safety and Healthcare. The link to read her platform is here:
https://debhaaland.com/debsplan/
Haaland’s campaign website is here: https://debhaaland.com/
The link to review an extensive profile article on Deb Haaland is here:
CLICK HERE FOR ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS OF DEB HAALAND:
https://www.abqjournal.com/election/governor-deb-haaland-d/3032961
2. SAM BREGMAN
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, age 62, like Haaland is a former Democratic State Party Chair. Bregman was appointed Bernalillo County District Attorney by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in 2023 to fill the unexpired term of Raul Torrez who was elected Attorney General in 2022. Bregman was elected to a four-year term as DA in 2024. Bregman began his political career as a member of the Albuquerque City Council from 1995 to 1999. He later served as chair of the state Democratic Party. In 2023, Bregman was appointed as Second Judicial District Attorney by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, and he was then elected to the position in November 2024.Prior to becoming DA, Bregman was a prominent criminal defense attorney and trial attorney and also served many years ago as a Bernalillo County Assistant District Attorney. According to information on the New Mexico Secretary of State’s website, Bregman’s overall campaign fundraising this election cycle is upwards of $4 million.
The Sam Bregman for Governor web page contains his platform entitled “Blueprint for New Mexico”. His “Blueprint for New Mexico” platform is very exhaustive and includes his plans to fight crime, health care, education, child care, affordable housing, reducing homelessness, economic development, conservation, energy policy, veterans, immigration and government reform. The link to Bregman’s “Blueprint for New Mexico” is here:
https://www.bregmanfornm.com/issues-blueprint
Bregman’s campaign website is here: https://www.bregmanfornm.com/
The link to review an extensive profile article on Sam Bregman is here:
https://www.abqjournal.com/news/im-not-beholden-to-anybody-bregman-says/3032734
CLICK HERE FOR ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS OF SAM BREGMAN:
https://www.abqjournal.com/election/governor-sam-bregman-d/3032970
HAALAND AND BREGMAN FINALLY APPEAR TOGETHER
Since September, Democrat gubernatorial candidate District Attorney Sam Bregman has repeatedly hammered his Democratic opponent former Biden Interior Secretary Deb Haaland for her refusal and her complete failure to debate him. Bregman’s campaign accused Haaland of dodging debates after the former U.S. Interior secretary declined invitations from two Albuquerque-based network television stations. Bregman had been challenging Haaland to a debate since September when he released his policy plan “Blueprint for New Mexico”. Haaland for her part adopted the strategy to simply ignore Bregman comfortable with her front runner status reflected in the polls as well as her campaign fundraising advantage of three to one over Bregman.
With just few weeks before the June 4 Democratic Party primary, both candidates finally appeared together to discuss and debate the issues. Following are the candidates’ positions revealed during two recent events.
KOAT TV “CONVERSATION WITH THE CANDIDATES”
On April 29, Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman appeared on KOAT TV with the program billed as a “Conversation With The Candidates”. The program’s sponsors was Partners for Impact which consists of the Albuquerque Journal, KOAT Action 7 News and News Radio KKOB.
The link to view the KOAT TV “Conversation With The Candidates” is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBQTbB125fs&t=65sKOAT TV Conversations With the candidates
In the 30-minute program, the Democratic candidates responded to questions on how to improve childhood well-being, address gaps in health care and help the state economy, among other topics. Both addressed how they would navigate some of the state’s biggest hurdles while questioning each other on transparency and experience.
EDUCATION
Sam Bregman identified education and child welfare as the biggest issues facing the state, saying the “future of New Mexico” depends on it. As governor, Bregman said there was no need to “reinvent the wheel” and he would bring accountability and transparency to school districts, while providing resources to individuals falling behind. Bregman said this: “We used to battle with Mississippi on who was last. We’re still 50th, Mississippi is now 13th . … Your education should not depend on what ZIP code you live in.”
Haaland said “affordability” was the big issue. Haaland said part of the solution is to enhance the tax credit for working families and make sure residents make a livable wage. Haaland said this:
“It’s not a hoax, it’s hard for people to be able to afford rent and buy groceries in the same month.”
Bregman and Haaland applauded Governor Lujan Grisham’s universal child care program and did not suggest making changes to it as governor. Bregman said he would want to survey the state to find “child care deserts” to further the program.
CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES’ DEPARTMENT
On education, Deb Haaland said she would ensure that every child has a quality public education, such as by deploying reading coaches to struggling classrooms. She said “I think learning to read sooner is the key to that.” When asked about issues facing the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department, Haaland said she would “start from scratch” to build out a system that works. She said she would like to enforce a commission model to oversee CYFD to bring consistency and focus on building morale among staff.
Bregman for his part said that as Bernalillo County district attorney, his prosecutors were “batting cleanup” for the failures at CYFD and he said this: “We have some good people working at CYFD, we don’t have enough of them.” Bregman said the state needs to combat vacancies at CYFD and split off neglect and abuse from juvenile justice initiatives, adding, “CYFD is currently being asked to do so many things, but they don’t do any of them well.”
TAX REFORM
On the topic of tax reform, both candidates weighed doing away with gross receipts taxes on medical services, and Haaland proposed enhancing tax credits for children and families. Bregman suggested eliminating income tax for seniors and giving money from state coffers to residents to offset increases in gas and grocery prices.
CANDIDATES ASK EACH OTHER QUESTIONS
The candidates were each allowed to ask two questions of each other.
Bregman questioned why Haaland had not been more front-facing about a 2014 flight on a Jeffrey Epstein-chartered jet and asked her to respond to allegations of mismanagement, misconduct and sexual assault at Haskell Indian Nations University, a federally operated tribal university in Lawrence, Kansas, overseen by Haaland while Interior secretary. Bregman also asked why she didn’t list her home in financial disclosures during her time as a Cabinet secretary.
Haaland said she publicly acknowledged and addressed the flight, which she emphasized was not an Epstein-owned jet, and that she opened investigations and a complaint process in the university abuse case. As for the disclosures, she said the home was in her now-ex husband’s name.
Haaland questioned Bregman’s actions and his relevant experience in making New Mexico a national leader in clean energy. She also asked if he would work to “get Democrats elected up and down the ballot” including her should she beat him in the primary.
Bregman said he has detailed policies on clean energy and believes the state can do both and have strong economic development and protect the environment. As for the second question, Bregman said he would support Democrats but “can no longer” support Haaland after she briefly posted his relatives’ homes on her website. He called the move a “cheap political trick” and a “failure in judgment” adding, “what she did was endanger my family.”
https://www.abqjournal.com/news/bregman-haaland-contrast-in-koat-forum/3033413
“DUKES UP PRESENTS: THE DEBATE GAMES” FORUM
On May 2, Democratic gubernatorial candidates Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman took the stage at Central New Mexico Community College to field policy questions from local organizations and make their case to be the next governor. The event was billed as the “DUKES UP PRESENTS: THE DEBATE GAMES”.
THE LINK TO REVIEW THE “DUKES UP PRESENTS: THE DEBATE GAMES” FORUM” IS IN THE POSCRIPT BELOW.
More than a hundred people gathered in the CNM Smith Brasher Hall where the candidates answered questions submitted by organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Albuquerque Indivisible and Jewish Voice For Peace and those who organized the “community-driven, interactive debate format.” The questions included the topics healthcare, data centers, immigration enforcement and education, among others. The candidates were given 90 seconds to answer, 60 seconds for a rebuttal and 30 seconds to respond to the rebuttal.
OPENING STATEMENTS
Based on a flip of the coin, Haaland chose for Bregman to open the debate. In his opening remarks, Bregman thanked the organizers and took a shot at the event’s name. Bregman said this: “The next governor leading this state is not a game.” Bregman went on to say that that if elected, he would stand up to the Trump administration while improving healthcare and education and tamping down on crime. Bregman said this: “Are we going to be a place where our kids can stay — right here … or a place with no opportunity?” Haaland opened with an Indigenous greeting before telling the crowd, as governor, she would make sure children were reading sooner, with a hot meal on their plate and a roof over their heads. Referring to her time in Washington, Haaland said this: “I have a record of getting things done.”
Throughout the debate, the candidates rarely commented on or compared the other’s policy plan or record. The response and rebuttal portions saw the candidate introducing or expanding upon their own ideas and accolades.
AFFORDABILITY AND STATE REVENUE
When asked how they would address affordability in their first two years, both candidates said they would boost childcare and family tax credits. Bregman said he would give a $500 credit to those making under $200,000 a year, saying “affordability is a real issue for families.” Haaland said she would pursue a public healthcare option and clean energy initiatives to lower utility costs. Haaland for her part said this: “New Mexicans need a raise … plain and simple.”
To diversify state revenue streams, Deb Haaland said she would reinvest in tech startups and the film industry while making sure any incoming industry is sustainable. Sam Bregman said he would use oil revenues to build a future on renewables.
DATA CENTERS
Haaland and Bregman struck a different tone on data centers.
Bregman said the centers “if done right” — words he emphasized repeatedly — could provide a benefit to communities.” Bregman said that meant not draining resources, like using desalination instead of fresh water, not increasing energy costs or disrupting power grids. Bregman said as governor he could “balance those interests.” Haaland said she didn’t believe data centers had communities’ best interests at heart and, countering Bregman who said they could bring construction jobs, said such jobs could be better provided by building affordable housing across the state.
OPPOSITON TO TRUMP
President Trump and the funding of foreign wars came up repeatedly.
Bregman said the governor has no military authority but if war spending takes away from Medicaid “it’s a real problem.” Bregman applauded Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s actions to shore up money for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits following cuts from what he called the “Big Beautiful B.S. Bill.” Haaland said as governor she would call members of Congress and express the need to hold Trump’s feet to the fire, adding that she “has done it before.” In the one apparent criticism of the night, Bregman responded “I’m not aware, Deb, of any holding Trump’s feet to the fire on your part, but I’ll accept your answer.”
Both candidates severely criticized President Trump’s immigration enforcement. Haaland said, as governor, she would not allow any state resources to be used for federal immigration action and would keep agents out of schools and churches. Bregman said he would charge immigration agents who violate people’s rights and due process, saying the Constitution was “not just words on a page.”
CLOSING REMARKS
In closing remarks, DA Sam Bregman made reference to the name of the event, saying “the games of the future are not games.” He said he had a proven track record of leadership in his role as Bernalillo County District Attorney and wanted to use that leadership to address education, healthcare and affordability statewide. Bregman said this: “I want the opportunity to stand up for every single New Mexican.”
Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland called the gubernatorial race a “break glass moment” saying that the Trump administration is “wreaking havoc” on New Mexico through cuts to SNAP benefits and healthcare. She asked for those in the audience and anyone listening to join her campaign. Haaland said this: “I believe a better New Mexico is possible.”
The link to the quoted or relied upon news source is here:
GOV. LUJAN GRISHAM NOT PLANNING TO ENDORSE EITHER DEMOCRAT CANDIDATES
On May 6, in an interview with the Albuquerque Journal, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham made it known that she is not planning to endorse either of the two candidates in the Democratic primary race for Governor. The Governor did say she’s closely following the contest between Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman and has areas of agreement and disagreement with both candidates.
Governor Lujan Grisham pointed out she has connections to both candidates, including appointing Bregman to be Bernalillo County district attorney in 2023 and working with Haaland’s transition team after Haaland was elected in 2018 to the congressional seat Lujan Grisham had previously held. Lujan Grisham said this:
“I’m close to both of them in a number of ways. … I disagree with both of them on some things, and they disagree with me on some things. … I feel like putting my foot on the scale isn’t really fair to a democratic process.”
POLL RESULTS RECALLED
The 2026 primary election is New Mexico’s first ever “semi-open” primary under the newly enacted state law that allows independent voters to cast their votes in either the Democratic or Republican primary without having to change their party affiliation. There have been two major polls taken and released by two news agencies with both polls taken during the same week and both polling likely independent voters.
KRQE EMERSON COLLEGE POLL RECALLED
On April 22, with less than six weeks before the June 4 primary for Governor, KRQE News 13 reported on an independent poll it commissioned and taken by Emerson College. The poll results are as follows:
KRQE’s Emerson College poll revealed that Deb Haaland has a commanding lead of 16% over Sam Bregman with Haaland securing 40% to Bregman’s 24%. According to the poll, 40% of Democrats and Independents polled said they plan to vote for Haaland, while 24% say they will vote for Bregman. A whopping 36% of Democrats said they are undecided on who they will vote for Democratic primary on June 2.
The link to the quoted or relied upon news source is here:
ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL POLL RESULTS RECALLED
On April 26 the Albuquerque Journal released a poll on the June 2 New Mexico contested primary for Governor. The Journal poll found that 52% of proven Democratic and Independent voters surveyed said they planned to vote for Haaland while 30% said they planned to vote for Sam Bregman. The remaining 18% of the total polled said they were undecided.
The link to the quoted or relied upon news source is here:
HAALAND’S COMMANDING FUNDRAISING LEAD OVER BREGMAN
The Deb Haaland campaign finance report covering the time period of April 7 to May 4 reported raising $869,000 in campaign contributions with total campaign contributions of $11,948,374,73 reported. She reported total expenditures of $8,792,734.97 and In-kind contributions of $24,347.58 with a current cash balance of $3,155,639.76. During the April 7 to May 4 time period, she reported spending $2,079,827 with upwards of $1.5 million going to media buying and production. The Haaland campaign is spending upwards of $500,000 per week in media buys in the final weeks of the June 2 primary.
The Sam Bregman campaign reported total contributions for his campaign as $3,833,128.85, total Expenditures of $3,574,803.25, In-Kind Contributions $108,902.07 and a Current Cash Balance $348,273.53.
The April 15 campaign finance reports were extremely revealing as to both candidates. They showed Haaland had raised $4.18 million in the previous six months, outpacing the $1.21 million in contributions for Bregman in the same time period from early October of last year to early April this year.
Haaland’s April 15 campaign finance report released was 12,882 pages long, filled with tens of thousands of reported donations from all over the country suggesting that she is a national figure within the Democratic party.
The April 15 campaign finance report released by Sam Bregman was 353 pages long, covering the last six months of campaign contributions. More than 80% of his contributions came from New Mexico residents.
COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS
The victor of the June 2 Democratic primary will face the winner of the three-way Republican primary between Greg Hull, Doug Turner and Duke Rodriquez and independent candidate Ken Miyagishima, in the November general election. Greg D. Hull is the former Mayor of Rio Rancho, Doug Turner is a small business owner from Albuquerque and Duke Rodriguez is a cannabis entrepreneur and a former New Mexico Human Services Cabinet Secretary under then Republican Governor Gary Johnson. Ken Miyagishima is the former Mayor of Las Cruces, New Mexico.
The three major factors that will decide the final outcome in the Democratic primary for Governor are:
- The extent of independents voting and breaking for Bregman or Haaland.
- Campaign money spent over the remaining weeks of the campaign.
- Unexpected campaign mistakes.
Early voting is now underway. Sam Bregman still has time, although short as it is, to make inroads with Democrats and Independents statewide and perhaps retool and become even more aggressive to chip away Haaland’s statewide lead. Deb Haaland for her part needs to avoid at all cost making serious campaign mistakes which she seems to be prone to do as was the case with posting information on her campaign website about properties owned by Bregman where he and members of his family live.
DA Sam Bregman has initiated aggressive TV ads promoting his pledge to prosecute ICE agents who violate state law, criticising Haaland’s refusal to debate him and pointing out he was not in the Jeffry Epstein files while Haaland was for taking a trip to a fundraiser on a plane owned by Epstein.
Bregman is now running ads promoting his policy positions on crime, health care and education. Haaland for her part has increased her media buys considerably promoting her policies and refuting Bregman’s accusations.
The bottom line is that a few weeks remaining in a hotly contested race can be an eternity in politics and anything can happen that changes the trajectory of the race. In the final analysis, the only poll that matters is the final vote in the June 2 primary election.
Voters are encouraged to read the platforms and plans that both Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman have proposed if elected Governor.
Early voting is now underway. PLEASE VOTE ON JUNE 2 if you do not early vote!!!
POSTSCRIPT
The link to review the KOAT TV “Conversation With The Candidates” is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBQTbB125fs&t=65sKOAT TV Conversations With the candidates
The link to review the THE “DUKES UP PRESENTS: THE DEBATE GAMES” FORUM” is here:
The link to a related article on the Republican candidates for Governor is here: