On July 25th, 2026 the New Mexico Democratic Party State Central Committee (SCC) will convene and hold a special election to fill the vacancy for Lieutenant Governor caused by the withdrawal of Maggie Toulouse Oliver as the Democratic Party nominee. The Spring 2026 SCC Meeting will be held as a virtual meeting with the vote to be taken online over a period of days with a rank choice voting system.
The list of Democratic candidates who have applied with the party and who are seeking the State Central Committee nomination for Lieutenant Governor are:
- State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard
- NM State Senator Harold Pope, District 23
- Toni Pinedo
- Geoffrey P. Luehring
Following are each of the candidate’s statements which include biographical information and other information provided by the candidates themselves to the Democratic Party State Central Committee:
- STEPHANIE GARCIA RICHARD
Stephanie Garcia Richard submitted the following is the application statement to the State Democratic party:
“In March of 2025, I launched my campaign for Lieutenant Governor — filled with excitement and ready, with a dedicated team beside me, to engage voters across our great state.
Then, life intervened. My husband, Eric, received a cancer diagnosis, and it quickly became clear his treatment would be more intensive than we ever imagined. So I made the only choice that mattered: I stepped back to give Eric my full, undivided attention, and last fall I suspended my campaign. It was the hardest decision of my career — and the right one for my family.
Seven months later, I’m sharing wonderful news: Eric has completed his treatment and received a clean bill of health. He’s growing stronger every day.
So when I heard that Maggie Toulouse Oliver had suspended her campaign to care for her own health, my heart broke for her. I know what that moment feels like — the fear, the uncertainty, the way everything else in the world goes quiet. Maggie has given so much of herself to New Mexico, and stepping back to focus on her health takes real courage. She and her family are in my heart, and I hope every New Mexican will hold them there too. Health and family come first. Always.
It was in the days that followed that something I never expected began to happen. My phone started ringing — supporters from every corner of New Mexico, urging me to reconsider my candidacy. I’ll be honest: it’s been a whirlwind. But I’ve come to see it as a rare gift, and a call I can’t ignore.
The chance to serve New Mexico is a privilege I would never take for granted — and I’m ready to serve again if called upon.
Having run statewide twice before, I know what it takes to win and to govern. Before I suspended my campaign last fall, we’d already raised more than $165,000 — a testament to the belief so many of you share in what we can build together.
That foundation is still here. So am I.
It’s critical that the next Lieutenant Governor be a true partner to Deb Haaland — working in lockstep to deliver real results for New Mexico families. That decision now rests with Deb and our Democratic State Central Committee. I trust the process, and I also believe the people of New Mexico should be heard in it.
I’m ready to serve. Let’s get back to work — together.”
Even though Stephanie Garcia Richard dropped out of the race for Lieutenant Governor on October 16, 2026, she was still required by law file with the Secretary of State campaign finance reports on donations raised and expenses during her brief campaign. According to the latest campaign finance reports filed on July 2, 2026 with the Secretary of State, contributions and expenditures by the Stephanie Garcia Richard campaign for Lt. Governor were as follows:
- Total Contributions: $171,921.52
- Total Expenditures: $147,396.98
- In-Kind Contributions: $60.00
- Current Debt Balance -$2,500.00
- Current Cash Balance: $66,553.17
The link to review fiancé reports for Stephanie Garcia Richard is here:
- HAROLD POPE
Harold Pope submitted the following application statement to the State Democratic Party:
“I have been vigorously running for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico since July of last year, and I am proud to once again officially declare my candidacy.
When I originally announced that I would run for this important office, I did so because I believe we deserve leaders who will show up, listen to, and fight for the people they serve. Every. Single. Day. That is the kind of leader I have always tried to be.
Today, as the Trump Administration systematically dismantles democracy and the inclusive American way of life, we need persistent, focused, energetic leadership more than ever. New Mexico must remain a shining beacon of resistance to Trump and his Republican enablers. This fall, we can loudly, proudly demonstrate our values by beating Republicans up and down the ballot.
My campaign slogan, “Pope for the People,” defines my vision of elected office: public officials work FOR the people. It’s not about a title, or just one person. It’s about all of us, together, making sure that every New Mexican has a fair shot at a good, safe, and happy life. I’m enormously proud that my work in the State Legislature has been grounded in what I have heard directly from people across our great state.
After flipping a Republican-held district in 2020, I became a State Senator. During my tenure in the Senate, including as the Majority Caucus Chair, I collaborated with other state leaders to pass bills that help offset the rising costs of housing, healthcare, and childcare. I’ve introduced and passed bills to battle institutional racism, support a variety of educational programs, and bring transparency into government processes. My work has supported the preservation of culture and heritage in education. I have championed water and environmental protections. Not all of these bills have been popular. But I’ve never been guided by what’s popular; I’ve been guided by what’s right and worked incredibly hard to get important things done for New Mexicans.
As I traveled all over our state for the last year, what I already knew and loved about New Mexicans was reinforced time and time again: our resilience and spirit push us onward, but it’s our hope in a better future that fortifies us.
My own history of growing up in a working-class family also informs the decisions I’ve made as a state Senator. The twenty years I spent serving our nation in the Air Force remind me that when we put people before politics, we all win. Also, being a demographic “first” to occupy spaces that were never meant for people like me is the reason I persevere. I want to give others hope that doors are open, seats at important tables are available, and exclusionary glass ceilings can and must be broken.
I saw evidence that these hopes can come true earlier this year when I was collecting nominating petition signatures. I saw other candidates struggling to meet the qualifying numbers, and I was enormously proud to have collected enough signatures to FAR exceed the requirement. As we spoke, voters from every corner of the state repeatedly shared that they supported me because they see themselves in me, they see that I represent their desire to break free of the institutions that have bound us, and they see I lead with the courage, integrity, and values that they share. The momentum we’ve built from those early campaign days to now has been phenomenal.
In the Democratic Primary election, over 42,000 New Mexicans joined our movement, and in the weeks since the vacancy in this nomination occurred, I have been so overwhelmed with support from leadership and community that my team and I (happily) have worked overtime to keep up!
We, the people, are ready to create a New Mexico that thrives, not just survives.
As your next Lieutenant Governor, I will continue to lead from the front and govern with transparency and accountability.
As your next Lieutenant Governor, I will open the doors of government to the people of New Mexico to ensure that their voices are heard in the halls of power.
As your next Lieutenant Governor, I will work tirelessly with our Governor to build a state that’s more affordable, where water and environmental protections secure our future, and public education systems are strong.
Together, we will build a New Mexico that expands access to healthcare, a future where working families can afford to stay in the communities they love, and a future where veterans are honored with action, not just words. A New Mexico that puts people first.
As a member of the State Central Committee, I thank you for your own work in your community, and I ask you to join our movement of courage, strength, and hope and cast your vote for me.”
In Solidarity,
Sen. Harold Pope Jr.
According to the latest campaign finance reports filed on July 2, 2026 with the New Mexico Secretary of State office, the contributions and expenditures by the Harold Pope campaign for Lt. Governor were as follows:
- Total Contributions: $81,691.06
- Total Expenditures: $80,775.82
- In-Kind Contributions: $4,294.32
- Current Debt Balance: $0.00
- Current Cash Balance: $11,026.76
The link to review fiancé reports for Senator Pope is here:
- TONI PINEDO
Toni Pinedo submitted the following is the application statement to the State Democratic party:
“I am declaring myself to run for Lt. Governor of New Mexico. Thank you.”
During the July 18 State Central Committee candidate forum, Toni Pinedo disclosed that she grew up in Gallup, NM, that she has been a registered nurse for 33 years. She stated she has been very active advocating for indigenous people and the rights of woman and that her platform is about helping youth.
- GEOFFREY LUEHRING
Geoffry Luehring submitted the following application statement to the State Democratic party:
“I am writing to formally request an interview for the Lieutenant Governor selection. I believe my ideas and my dedication to continuous improvements can help build on Deb’s platform and address critical gaps that voters care about deeply. Specifically, I have proposals for expanding the Rail Runner, establishing permanent housing solutions for the homeless, and developing state-built, mixed-income, rent-capped housing. I also have a actionable plan to reform CYFD to ensure no child is left sleeping on an office floor, alongside the smarter law enforcement strategies Deb is seeking.”
During the July 18 State Central Committee candidate forum, Geoffry Luehring stated he grew up in Albuquerque, that he is a pharmacist and a health care executive and he emphasized that is not a politician and that affordable health care is part of his platform.
DEB HAALAND’S ENDORSES STEPHANIE GARCIA RICHARD
On Friday, June 25, Democratic Party nominee for Governor Deb Haaland endorsed Stephanie Garcia Richard For Lt. Governor. Deb Haaland said this in part in her endorsement:
“I am proud to endorse Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard. I’ve made the decision based on a thorough process and who I believe will be the best running mate and leader to lower costs, increase access to healthcare, build safe communities, and improve our schools. Stephanie brings the energy, compassion, leadership, and proven ability to bring people together that I believe will strengthen our campaign and our ability to deliver for New Mexicans. I respect the role the SCC plays in this selection and I hope I can count on the support of Committee members for Stephanie.
…
Stephanie Garcia Richard’s roots stretch across New Mexico, from growing up in Southern New Mexico to raising her family in Northern New Mexico, giving her a deep understanding of the people, communities, and diversity that define our state. Like me, she’ll always stand with our rural communities, from Silver City to Jal to Las Vegas and everywhere in between, because she knows that our people make New Mexico strong.
…
Stephanie has won two statewide elections, even when the odds were stacked against her. She is a proven leader – in the classroom as a teacher, as a member of the New Mexico House helping carve the path for universal childcare, and now as the Land Commissioner she has delivered real results for working families. While I was advancing our clean energy economy across the country, Stephanie was leading the same fight here at home. She has grown critical state funding for education, overseen job creation in our energy economy, and implemented policies that protect our air, land, and water.
New Mexicans deserve a government that works just as hard as they do. They deserve leaders who will stop at nothing to fight for lower costs, provide a quality public education, expand access to healthcare, and make our communities safer. Stephanie is that leader and is the best prepared to serve.
I know she’ll be an engaged, collaborative partner from day one, and that’s why I am endorsing her as my running mate.”
Deb Haaland had every right to endorse a candidate given that she is now the Democratic Party’s nominee for Governor and the two candidates must run as a ticket. Deb Haaland needed to make her thoughts known as to who she wanted as her running mate for Lt. Governor and especially who she feels she can trust. She needs a team player
With her endorsement of Stephanie Garcia Richard, Deb Haaland has made her feelings known as to who she believes is the most compatible with her, who she feels she can trust and who she will be able to work with once they are elected as a ticket.
COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS
It is commendable and the Democratic Party must express appreciation to both Toni Pinedo and Geoffrey Luehring for applying and asking the State Democratic Party State Central Committee to nominate them for Lt. Governor to replace Maggie Toulouse Oliver. However, neither of the two ran in the Democratic primary, they are considered virtual unknows by Democratic Pary regulars, both have never run for statewide office and both fall short of having the necessary skills and qualification to be Lt. Governor.
State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard and NM State Senator Harold Pope are the two leading candidates actively contacting State Central Committee members and campaigning for the Democratic Party State Central Committee nomination for Lt. Governor. Stephanie Garcia Richard is an elected two-term State Land Commissioner and Harold Pope is a second term NM State Senator.
STATE SENATOR HAROLD POPE
Senator Harold Pope Jr., age 53, was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Pope was commissioned in the US Air Force and eventually became a Captain specializing in satellite programs, weapon systems, and nuclear deterrence. In 2018, Pope retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Captain. Harold Pope retired to Albuquerque and it is believed he has resided in New Mexico since 2010 after retiring from military service. After his retirement, Pope was appointed as a “facilities transition advisor” in the administration of Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller.
Pope has three master’s degrees. Senator Pope is a graduate of of UNM having attended UNM from 1998 to 2002. He has a Business Administration Masters degree from the University of New Mexico, an operational leadership degree from the Air Force Air Command and Staff College and a Pharmaceutical Chemistry Degree from the University of Florida. In January, 2025, Pope announced that he is seeking a doctorate in education at Vanderbilt University.
SENATOR POPE’S LANSLIDE DEFEAT
Just because Senator Harold Pope ran for Lt. Governor does not mean he should automatically be the replacement for Maggie Toulouse Oliver as many of his supporters and some Democrats have suggested. That is not what the state election code mandates. It mandates that the Democratic Party State Central Committee make the final selection.
Democratic Party voters have already said NO to nominating Senator Pope for Lt. Governor. Maggie Toulouse Oliver was elected in a landslide victory over state Sen. Harold Pope Jr., securing 80% (168,109) of the votes to Pope’s 20% (42,127) cast around New Mexico. Replacing Maggie Toulouse Oliver with her primary opponent Harold Pope she defeated in a landslide would be an insult to her legacy.
SENATOR POPE’S REPUTATION AMONGST SENATE COLLEAGUES
In the event Senator Pope becomes Lt. Governor, he will become President of the New Mexico State Senate. Discussion of Senator Pope’s reputation amongst his senate colleagues is therefor in order. Pope has served as a State Senator for almost six years with two years remaining on his current Senate term. Confidential N.M. Senate sources have said that Senator Pope is viewed by more than a few of his Senate colleagues as independent and uncompromising and that he is a “loner” and an “ideological purist” who has a sense entitlement causing resentment.
Senator Pope has been described by Senate colleagues as a “political opportunist” with a “holier than thou” and “self-righteous” attitude.
Simply put, Senator Pope is viewed as not a “team player.” Legislators get uncomfortable each year when Pope proposes a measure that would ban lawmakers from drinking alcohol before or during any floor session or committee meeting. It routinely fails to pass the Senate, but Pope sends the message that he believes business is being conducted during legislative sessions while elected officials are under the influence of alcohol.
You can read more on Senator Pope’s reputation amongst his senate colleagues in the News and Commentary article “State Senator Antonio “Moe” Maestas’ Guest Opinion Column: Comparing The Records Of Stephanie Garcia Richard and Harold Pope As Democratic Candidates For Lt. Governor” with the link provided in the postscript below.
“THE POPE PLAN”
Senator Pope is acting and offering a politcal platform and agenda as if he is running for Governor and not Lt. Governor. Ostensibly, Senator Pope developed his “Pope Plan” on his own and without conferring or getting the approval of Deb Haaland nor her campaign.
On July 17, Senator Pope posted on his FACEBOOK page Harold Pope Jr. For New Mexico an elaborate platform entitled “ THE POPE PLAN – A VISION FOR NEW MEXICO” with the following introduction and seven topic pages you can tap to review his platform:
“Every big change starts with a clear vision. The Pope Plan is our roadmap for a stronger New Mexico. Swipe through to see the priorities that will guide our work and the future we’re fighting to build.”
- Affordability
- Economic Opportunity
- Education
- Environment & Water
- Health Care
- Housing
- Public Safety
The link to review the “Pope Plan” on his FACEBOOK page is here:
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1404631554817433&set=pcb.1404631891484066
“POPE FOR THE PEOPLE” PERSONAL POPULIST AGENDA
According to his words and actions, Senator Pope is advocating for his personal “Pope for the People” political populism agenda. Senator Pope has said this about his candidacy:
“My campaign slogan, “Pope for the People,” defines my vision of elected office: public officials work FOR the people. It’s not about a title, or just one person. It’s about all of us, together, making sure that every New Mexican has a fair shot at a good, safe, and happy life. … As your next Lieutenant Governor, I will open the doors of government to the people of New Mexico to ensure that their voices are heard in the halls of power.”
With these words, Senator Pope essentially declares a political populist agenda that reflects his own personal vision and priorities. Senator Pope has said this from the get-go:
“I just feel like I can do more in the executive position of lieutenant governor working for the governor full time. I think, more importantly, it’s having someone at the table on the fourth floor being a voice for New Mexicans, and that’s really what I want to be.”
A Lieutenant Governor does not work full time for the governor. The Lieutenant Governor is the President of the Senate and that is the primary job duty and function of the office. It is the Governor “on the fourth floor” of the capital who is the voice for all New Mexicans. It is the Governor, not the Lieutenant Governor who leads State Government and sets policy and appoints a cabinet.
Senator Pope has said this in social media postings:
“I believe leadership means leading from the front. It means being willing to have difficult conversations, standing up to powerful interests, and fighting for the people who too often feel ignored by those in power. … The people of New Mexico do not need political establishment deciding their future for them. They need leaders who will show up, listen, and fight alongside them. That is the leader I have always been, and it is the leader I will continue to be as Lieutenant Governor.”
When Senator Pope says “leading from the front”, “willing to have difficult discussions” and “standing up to powerful interests”, he is sending a clear message to all, especially Deb Haaland, that if he is elected Lt. Governor with her, he intends to stand up and advocate for his own populist agenda. It is a clear message of confrontation and advocating his own political populist agenda. It is a clear message that he intends to call out Deb Haaland on any actions and policies when he disagrees with her.
When Pope says “The people of New Mexico do not need political establishment deciding their future for them” he is denying that as a State Senator and as a Lt. Governor, he is and will be part of the very political establishment he condemns making decisions that affect the future of his constituents.
All of Senator Pope’s comments taken together with his “POPE PLAN” reflect that he does not understand that a Lieutenant Governor’s primary role is strictly that as a “support role”, to be a team player to the Governor who sets all the priorities and legislative agenda for the Governor’s administration.
STATE LAND COMMISSIONER STEPHANIE GARCIA RICHARD
Stephanie Garcia Richard, age 52, was born in Tucumcari, New Mexico and raised in Silver City, New Mexico. Garcia Richard grew up in a family that operated ranches on the eastern plans and northern mountains of New Mexico, sparking the strong connection to our land that she holds today. Garcia Richard says she learned at a young age from her parents the importance of serving others. Her father, a WWII veteran, was a teacher and her mother was active in their church and community. After graduating from Silver High School, Garcia Richard went on to earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Barnard College at Columbia University in New York, and her teaching certificate from UCLA. She is married to Eric Vasquez and the couple have two adult children.
STEPHANIE GARCIA RICHARD’S RECORD AS STATE REPRENTATIVE
Stephanie Garcia Richard understands fully the state’s legislative process in that she was elected three times to the New Mexico House by comfortable margins. She served in the House for a full six years. As a State Representative she championed laws to increase access to quality education, transparency, and investments in renewable energy, job training, and economic development.
While serving in the New Mexico House of Representatives, she served on the Education and Labor & Economic Development committee and served as chair for the House Education Committee. During her tenure in the House of Representatives, Garcia Richard sponsored 105 bills and acted as a co-sponsor for 115 bills. Garcia Richard served all six years when Republican Governor Susana Martinez was in office and 2 years in the minority, when the Republicans took over the House. She was part of the House leadership team that battled Governor Martinez every step of the way and was instrumental in helping the Democrats take back the house in 2016.
STEPHANIE GARCIA RICHARD RECORD AS LAND COMMISSIONER
In 2018, Stephanie Garcia Richard was elected the New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands to serve a four-year term and began serving on January 1, 2019. In 2022, Garcia Richard was elected to a second four year term as Commissioner of Public Lands. Stephanie Garcia Richard is the first woman, the first Latina, and the first educator to serve in the position as New Mexico’s Commissioner of Public Lands.
As Land Commissioner, Garcia Richard has been focused on raising state funding by administering public lands while always keeping an eye toward stewardship and preserving the land for generations to come. She believes that the state can diversify the revenue that comes into the Land Office by tripling the number of renewable energy projects, promoting outdoor recreation, and encouraging new and innovative commercial development on state trust land.
With the largest continuous oil and gas resources potential ever assessed in the world sitting in Southeast New Mexico, and land that is prime for wind and solar development, Commissioner Garcia Richard has been committed to working to increase funding for the state while protecting the health of our public lands.
Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard has overseen the New Mexico State Land Office since 2019. Over 13 million acres of state trust land are leased for a variety of uses, including ranching and farming, renewable energy, business development, mineral development, and outdoor recreation. The State Land Office has a dual mandate to use state trust land to financially support vital public institutions, while simultaneously working to protect the land for future generations.
During Stephanie Garcia Richard’s 8 years in office, the Land office has generated more than $15 billion for New Mexico public schools, hospitals, universities and other beneficiaries because of her effective management of our public lands. She has expanded renewable energy on state trust lands by nearly sevenfold and launched New Mexico’s first community solar projects on state trust lands.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA RICHARD DENIES FOR A SECOND TIME PROJECT JUPITER NATURAL GAS PIPELINE LEASE
On July 14, Commissioner Garcia Richard denied for a second time the request to grant rights-of-way and a lease to build a natural gas pipeline through state trust land to service Project Jupiter. In her letter denying the appeal, Commissioner Garcia Richard said this in part:
“The burden that the project will impose on New Mexico’s water and other natural resources, and on the surrounding community, is extreme. … This includes the negative impact that greenhouse gas emissions play in driving climate change, which effects the health and productivity of state trust lands throughout New Mexico.”
“The Commissioner … is under no obligation to issue any lease, right-of-way, or permit to any party, and properly does so only upon determining that a given lease, right-of-way, or other authorization is in the best interests of the state land trust which the Commissioner serves as a fiduciary.”
In her letter denying to reconsider her denial, Garcia Richard argued that the pipeline would generate “minimal revenue” for the state including nearly $32,000 in one-time payments for the rights-of-way plus approximately $217,000 over five years earned from the business lease. She stated that while Project Jupiter “undoubtedly will enrich” the project’s backers, the benefits to the land trust were unclear.
Commissioner Garcia Richard wrote this:
“In New Mexico, we truly mean it when we say ‘water is life.’ We can’t live without it and we know how precious and rare it is in our dry climate. Massive AI data centers like Project Jupiter can rapidly deplete critical natural resources like water and threaten ecosystems by generating shocking levels of emissions to power their operations. … I am once again rejecting Energy Transfer’s request because the proposed natural gas pipeline appears to offer very little benefit to the State Land Office’s beneficiary institutions, the local community, or New Mexico as a whole.”
You can read a copy of the Commissioner’s letter here.
The decisions and actions of Land Commissioner Stephane Garcia Richard regarding Project Jupiter makes it very clear that Garcia Richard is indeed acting in the very best interest of the citizens of New Mexico and New Mexico’s public lands.
STEPHANIE GARCIA RICHARD AS A STATEWIDE CANDIDATE
Stephanie Garcia Richard has run successfully twice for Statewide office and won by very comfortable margins. She has the ability to raising an impressive amount campaign donations. Before dropping out of the race initially, she was considered the clear front runner having raised $171,921.52. On the other hand, Senator Pope was never considered the front runner for Lt. Governor and he raised only $81,691.06. Senator Pope did not carry his own Senate District when he ran and lost to Maggie Toulouse Oliver by a whopping 60% of the vote or by 80% to 20%
Stephanie Garcia Richard has a much larger following and base of support within the Democratic Party statewide than Harold Pope. She will be able to tap into her statewide organization to run a statewide campaign in conjunction with Deb Haaland. State Senator Harold Pope’s base of support is primarily the Albuquerque area where his Senate District is located.
The selection of Stephanie Garcia Richard as the Democratic Party Lt. Governor replacement nominee for Maggie Toulouse Oliver will preserve the historical significance of the Democratic party voting for the first time, in an overwhelming landslide, to nominate two women for the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
FINAL COMMENTARY
Stephanie Garcia Richard has made it more than clear that she will be a team player as Lt. Governor when she said this:
“It’s critical that the next Lieutenant Governor be a true partner to Deb Haaland — working in lockstep to deliver real results for New Mexico families.”
Stephanie Garcia Richard is clearly the most qualified candidate to be Lt. Governor. She will bring a sense of stability and full cooperation and communication with Deb Haaland to the table that will ensure the election of the Democratic Party ticket for Governor and Lt. Governor. Stephanie Garcia Richard is more than capable and will perform the duties and responsibilities of Lt. Governor. More importantly, she is qualified and can assume the office of Governor should Haaland for some reason leave office before her term ends.
The Democratic Party State Central Committee should vote Stephanie Garcia Richard as the party’s nominee for Lieutenant Governor.
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POSTSCRIPT
The links to related articles are here: