On Tuesday, June 2, 2026,  the New Mexico primary election took place. This was the first semi-open primary in New Mexico history where independent voters could choose either the Democratic or Republican primary to vote in without having to register with that party. This report is on the Governor and Lieutenant Governor races.

DEMOCRATS NOMINATE HAALAND AND TOULOUSE OLIVER  FOR GOVERNOR AND LUIETENANT GOVERNOR

On June 2, New Mexico history was made in the Democratic Primary for Governor on two levels.  Former Biden Cabinet Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland became the first Native American woman to be nominated for Governor of New Mexico and Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver won the  nomination for Lieutenant Governor.

Both women won their  Democratic Party nominations in a landslide against their male opponents. They  became the very first all-female ticket in New Mexico history for Governor and Lieutenant Governor in this fall’s general election.

Both Haaland’s and Toulouse Oliver’s victories were called by news outlets a mere 34 and 51 minutes respectively after polls closed at 7:00 p,m. .

As of 7:34 pm, June 2, in the Governor’s race Deb Haaland garnered 72.3% (156,861 votes)  of the votes to Sam Bregman’s 27.7% (60,189) cast around New Mexico.

With her second term as secretary of state expiring at the end of the year, Toulouse Oliver secured her landslide victory over her sole challenger in the Democratic Primary primary, state Sen. Harold Pope Jr., who has represented District 23 since 2021. As of 7:51 p.m. Toulouse Oliver garnered 80% (168,109) of the votes to Pope’s 20% (42,127) cast around New Mexico.

DEB HAALAND CLAIMS VICTORY, SAM BREGMAN CONCEDES

On June 2, Deb Haaland claimed victory at  Albuquerque’s Old Town Plaza where  upwards of  300 supporters and attended. During her remarks, Haaland cited her past struggles with alcoholism and reliance on government assistance programs. Haaland  vowed to overhaul New Mexico’s beleaguered child welfare system and stand up to President Donald Trump if elected governor. Haaland said this:

“Like so many New Mexicans,  I’ve been through hard times. … New Mexicans want a leader who will stand up for working people and who is ready to take on Donald Trump.”

Bernalillo County District Attorney conceded defeat in a statement after polls closed Tuesday.  He said he planned to call Haaland to congratulate her, but he stopped short of saying if  he planned to vote for her for in November. Bregman said before that he would not endorse Haaland if he lost the primary to her after Haaland  posted his relatives’ homes on her campaign website. He called the move a “cheap political trick” and a “failure in judgment” adding, “what she did was endanger my family.”  Haaland never apologized with her campaign saying the addresses were public record.

Bregman said this in his concession:

“While tonight’s results were not what we hoped for, I am deeply grateful to every New Mexican who supported our campaign.”

REPUBLICANS NOMINATE HULL AND GALLEGOS FOR GOVERNOR AND LUIETENANT GOVERNOR

The results of the Republican primary for Governor and Lieutenant Governor were a lot closer than the Democratic primary.

On the Republican side for Governor, former three-term mayor of Rio Rancho Greg Hull  prevailed to win the Republican nomination claiming  victory over business owner Doug Turner and cannabis entrepreneur Duke Rodriguez in a three-way race for the GOP nomination.

Gregg Hull secured 47% of the vote (56,412), Doug W. Turner secured 36.9% of the vote (44,319) and Duke Rodriguez secured 16.1% of the vote (19,288)

On the Republican side for Lieutenant Governor, state Senator David Gallegos won a three-way race against private attorney Aubrey Blair Dunn and Manny Lardizabal.  State Senator David M. Gallegos secured 49.8% of the vote (56,359), Aubrey Blair Dunn secured 37.8% of the vote (42,752) and Manny Lardizabal secured 12.5% of the vote 14,147.

GREGG HULL CLAIMS VICTORY

Former Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull declared victory shortly after 10 p.m. on Tuesday evening  before upwards of 200 supporters at the Oasis Event Center in Northwest Albuquerque. In his victory speech, Hull said New Mexicans have a clear choice in the November general election, citing the difference between his views and Haaland’s. Greg Hull said this:

“We ran a campaign that focused on the issues, a campaign that focused on who we were and not a campaign that attacked or tore people down. …  I respect that she has served in various positions over her career, but New Mexico families are hurting, and policies of the last eight years under one-party control of this state have failed the state.”

VOTER TURNOUT

Overall voter turn out was the largest primary turnout in the last twelve years helped by the inclusion of independent voters who for the first time were allowed to vote in major party primaries. Independents voted Democratic with 28,000 and voted Republican with 10,000.

Deb Haaland’s landslide victory was 72% to Sam Bregman’s 28% as she won every single county in the state by varying percentages. In Santa Fe County she won with 80% of the Democratic vote. In Bernalillo County Haaland won with 69%. In Dona Ana County, she won with 79%. In conservative Chavez County, thought to lean moderate Bregman, she won with 73%

Unofficial results show in the Democratic governor primary 218,000 votes were cast.

Upwards of 28,000 independents voted in the election. The secretary of State reported that 74% of Independents voted in the Democratic  primary or about 28,000.

Without the independent vote, the Democratic Primary turnout for governor was upwards of 190,000 compared to the 176,000 Democrats who cast ballots in 2018, the last primary with no incumbent.

The Republican  turnout hit 120,000, up from the 117,000 who cast ballots in in the ’22 five way gubernatorial primary. The independents added 10,000 to the GOP total this year so more Republicans actually voted for governor in 2022 than 2026.

Over 10% of the registered independents chose to take part in the primary. That was in line with analyst forecasts. The number is expected to grow in future cycles.

Link to relied upon news source:

https://www.krqe.com/news/politics-government/elections/bernalillo-county-exceeds-voter-turnout-in-new-mexico-primary/

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/new-mexico-governor-primaries-spark-high-voter-turnout/ar-AA24DB2c

June 4 post, New Mexico Politics with Joe Monahan  https://www.joemonahan.com/

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

Given the landslide victory of Deb Haaland over Sam Bregman as well as the huge voter turnout amongst Democrats, it is clear that Deb Haaland is the clear front runner to be elected Governor come the November general election. Adding to her momentum is the historical nature of her candidacy in that  she will  be the very first Native American woman ever elected governor of  any state if she wins in November. Then there is her ability to fundraise millions to run, having already raised $12 Million for the primary.

The 2026 New Mexico primary for Governor was the most expensive primary in the state’s history. According to finance reports filed with the Secretary of State, Democrats Deb Haaland raised over $12 Million while Sam Bregman raised upwards of $4 Million. Republican fundraising efforts were dwarfed by comparison. Gregg Hull raised $544,920, Doug Turner raised $703,189 and Duke Rodriquez self-financed to the tune of $1.5 Million.

Control of New Mexico’s Governor’s Office has flipped back and forth between Democrats and Republicans over the last 40-plus years.  The last time a governor was elected to replace an outgoing governor of the same political party was in 1982, when Toney Anaya was elected to succeed fellow Democrat Bruce King.

In the last 30 years, New Mexicans have only elected Republicans Gary Johnson and Susana Martinez to the Governor’s Office each serving two four year terms for a total of 16 years. However, no Republican has won a statewide race in New Mexico since former Supreme Court justice Judith Nakamura did so in 2016. Today, New Mexico is considered “solid blue” Democratic state.

Democrats currently hold virtually all statewide offices and a majority in both legislative chambers. Democrats have large majorities in both the New Mexico State Senate and House of Representatives and that will not change. There are  26 Democrats, 16 Republicans in the NM Senate.  In the NM House of Representative there are 44 Democrats and 26 Republicans.

All 5 of New Mexico’s federal congressional delegation of 2 United States Senators and 3 Representatives are Democrats. In the last 3 Presidential elections, Donald Trump lost New Mexico to Democrats. In  2016 Donald Trump lost to Hillary Clinton, in 2020  Trump lost to Joe Biden and in 2024 Trump lost to Kamala Harris.

It’s more likely than not that Deb Haaland will use the identical strategy to run for Governor in the general election and she did in the primary. She will raise millions, outspend her Republican opponent and ignore and simply refuse to debate and rely on paid media to get elected.

Links to review all election results state wide is here:

https://www.koat.com/article/new-mexico-statewide-office-election-results-primary-2026/71284570

https://www.koat.com/article/new-mexico-primary-election-results-june-2026/71272976

The links to  relied upon or quoted  news sources are here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/the-race-is-set-deb-haaland-to-face-off-against-gregg-hull-in-new-mexicos-open-contest-for-governor/3055524

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/maggie-toulouse-oliver-wins-democratic-primary-for-lieutenant-governor/3055532

https://www.krqe.com/news/politics-government/elections/krqe-news-13-projects-deb-haaland-as-winner-of-democratic-nomination-for-governor/

https://www.krqe.com/news/politics-government/elections/gregg-hull-winner-of-republican-nomination-for-new-mexico-governor/

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/deb-haaland-leading-in-democratic-race-for-governor/

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/gregg-hull-leading-in-republican-race-for-governor/

Links to related Dinelli articles are here:

Profiles, Platforms And Positions Of  Democrats For Governor Sam Bregman And Debra Haaland; The Most Expensive Race In Primary Election History; Primary Election June 2; Please Vote!

Profiles, Platforms And Positions Of The Three Republican Candidates Running For New Mexico Governor; The Most Expensive Race In Primary Election History; Primary Election June 2; Please Vote!

On Monday, June 1, after a heated meeting, the Albuquerque City Council passed a heavily amended and scaled down ordinance that raises the city’s minimum wage from $12 to $15 over three years with future annual adjustments tied to inflation. The amended ordinance cut tipped workers’ percentage of the minimum from 60% to 50% and gave city workers, making less than $80,000 a year, the same percentage wage increase as the minimum in annual adjustments. City Councilors voted to approve the amended ordinance on a 5-4 vote which will raise the minimum wage to $13 in 2027 and thereafter an additional dollar every year until reaching $15 in 2029. Annual adjustments tied to inflation will  begin in 2030.

The vote to approve the amended ordinance was strictly along party lines. Democrats City Council President Klarissa Peña and  City Councilors Tammy Fiebelkorn, Joaquín Baca, Nichole Rogers and Stephanie Telles voted “YES” to adopt the amended ordinance. Voting “NO” were Republicans City Council Vice President Dan Champine, Brook Bassan, Dan Lewis and Renée Grout.

ORIGINAL ORDINANCE

The original ordinance as sponsored by Democrats Councilors Tammy Fiebelkorn, Joaquin Baca, Nichole Rogers and Stephanie Telles, would have raised the minimum wage to $15 an hour and $14 for employees who receive at least $2,500 in healthcare and/or childcare benefits. The original ordinance would have raised the pay of tipped employees to $9 an hour.

The original bill, like the one recently passed in Santa Fe, would implement annual cost of living adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index and Fair Market Rent measured by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, for a two-bedroom home in Albuquerque.

The original ordinance states that the Fair Market Rate for a two-bedroom unit in Albuquerque increased 56% between 2021 and 2026, but the minimum wage has increased 26% in that same timeframe. Meanwhile, the 2024 Albuquerque Region Housing Needs Assessment found that 52% of all renters in Albuquerque are cost burdened  paying more than 30% of their income on housing.

Had the original bill passed, both the wage increase and the cost of living adjustments would follow Santa Fe’s timeline on its $17 minimum wage, with the former starting in January and the latter in January 2028.

ECONOMIST CLAIMS INCREASES NOT EXESSIVE

Local economist Kelly O’Donnell said the increases were not excessive, but the annual adjustments could create uncertainty for businesses. O’Donnell, an economic consultant, said the proposed wage increases are reasonable and in line with the higher costs of goods and services.  Kelly O’Donnell said this:

“It’s a meaningful increase that will make a very meaningful difference in the budgets of low-wage workers … but it’s not so high that it will have a really negative impact on employment.”

O’Donnell said recent large-scale studies, including one in the past few years, have found that “modest to moderate” wage increases do not kill jobs the way the business world sometimes suggests. She said while wage increases can lead to slightly slower job growth in certain sectors they often have “an immediate positive stimulus” on the local economy that benefits businesses and workers.  O’Donnell said this:

“I think it will reduce turnover and will encourage folks to enter the workforce, so those are two big positives for business. The other thing is, it puts money in the pockets of workers who go out and spend their money at those businesses  so that money will flow back to many of these businesses.”

O’Donnell said tying an annual cost of living increase to Fair Market Rent  (FMR) is more unique and she could see how businesses would have mixed feelings about that aspect.  She said the FMR’s “tend to be a little bit more volatile” than inflation, despite the former having gone up much faster than the latter in recent years.

O’Donnell  said that  while inflation is more steady and predictable in its movements,  housing costs take “bigger swings” in some years and don’t change much at all in others. She said such a dynamic could lead to uncertainty for businesses, which often pay more attention to inflation. O’Donnell said this:

“I understand the motivation [for including Fair Market Rent], and it makes sense to me. On the other hand, I also understand why the business community might be a little uncomfortable with it. If you inject this higher, more volatile measure into how you’re calculating growth for your minimum wage, you inject a little bit more uncertainty, and I think that, if anything, one of the important roles of government is to help provide a level of certainty and continuity for the economy.”

MINIMUM WAGES ACROSS THE STATE

The most notable minimum wages across the state are:

• Statewide: $12  (Enacted by legislature, took effect 2023.)
• Santa Fe: $17.50 (Takes effect 2027.)
• Las Cruces: $13.01 (Took effect 2026.)

CITY COUNCILORS REACT

It was Progressive Democrat Tammy Fiebelkorn who drafted the original ordinance over several months with the assistance of  Mayor Tim Keller’s administration. Fiebelkorn called it a “middle ground” as she wanted to raise the minimum wage to $20 an hour or more. She said, with the compromise, “we’re not too dramatically impacting businesses, but we’re also getting people the relief they need, and we’re getting relief for taxpayers too.”

Fiebelkorn said the income for minimum wage workers in Albuquerque is 20% less than the national average, while rents in the city are 25% more than the national average.

Republican City Councilor Renée Grout said this in a statement about the original proposed ordinance:

“[The minimum wage increase] won’t raise anyone’s standard of living, but it will kill the small businesses that offer entry-level jobs. …  The real path to financial stability is upward mobility, and small local businesses offer those opportunities. If Albuquerque adopts a $15 per hour minimum wage, it will still take almost $20 per hour for a single person to afford a market rate studio apartment. Upward mobility gets people there; raising the minimum wage doesn’t even come close.”

Republican City Councilor Dan Lewis this in a statement about the original ordinance:

“[The increase is] another misguided policy that ignores economic reality and threatens the small businesses that power Albuquerque’s economy. … [The] strong opposition to the proposal from the Hispano Chamber, Albuquerque Chamber and New Mexico Restaurant Association says it all. …  Thousands of local employers and workers are warning that this proposal will hurt Albuquerque’s economy. We should listen to the people creating jobs, not politicians pushing policies that risk destroying them.”

AMENDMENTS SPONSORED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT KLARISSA PEÑA PASS

The original bill was co-sponsored by Democrats City Councilors Tammy Fiebelkorn, Joaquín Baca, Nichole Rogers and Stephanie Telles. The original ordinance increasing the minimum wage  would have raised the minimum wage from  $15 an hour in 2027 and also 2028 with annual living adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index and Fair Market Rent (FMR),  measured by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,  for a two-bedroom home in Albuquerque.

Four amendments sponsored by Democrat City Council President Klarissa Peña passed with Democrats Tammy Fiebelkorn, Joaquín Baca, Nichole Rogers and Stephanie Telles voting YES. The four amendments passed were:

1. Mandating city workers be included in annual increases
2. Spread minimum wage rais increases across three years
3. Removal of the Fair Market Rent provision from consideration in annual adjustments and
4. Reduced the percentage of the minimum paid to tipped workers.

PUBLIC INPUT  

On June 1, during public comments, things became very heated to the point that two people had to be removed for disruptive conduct.

Supporters expressed a struggle to afford basic supplies amid rising costs of rent and other goods and services. A supporter scrolled a Zillow map showing dozens of Albuquerque rentals on a $15 an hour budget. On a $12 an hour budget, it appeared the closest available rental was in Portales.

Those opposing the bill asked councilors to take their time and spoke of the ordinance leading to layoffs and businesses shutting down.

One woman said the ordinance seemed “inflationary,” saying costs would be passed on to consumers, including minimum-wage workers. She added, “These entry level jobs are fine, they are not designed to support a family.”

A  man said minimum wage should not  be a career or a living wage, but a “starter job.” He said the ordinance would raise the standards of entry-level jobs, affecting availability for those living on the streets and others getting on their feet.

A small business owner said the ordinance “deserves serious discussion” and asked councilors to study how it will affect businesses and workers before implementing it.

In a statement read aloud to the Council, the owner of Taqueria Mexico said he supported the ordinance and said when workers struggle to cover basic needs they also suffer stress, which can lead to less productivity and morale.

Another employer said she was paying $15 already but was concerned on tying annual adjustments to housing costs. She asked for something more staggered and easier to sustain saying this:

“We can’t have these increases be unknown, we have to plan.”

Camp Dozier, who is a co-owner of  Happy Hiker in Old Town, said the change wouldn’t impact him because he already pays his employees more than Albuquerque’s minimum wage. Dozier said this:

“Things have gotten more expensive, but we’re still surviving, so we’re not worried about it for now. … It’s always been my opinion, minimum wage means that’s the lowest a company can pay an employee. That doesn’t seem right, so we always want to go above that. … Every salary should be able to support the cost of living.”

Paul Gessing, president of the taxpayer watch group Rio Grande Foundation, expressed concerns about the impact on small businesses and said this:

“It’s a very troubling and significant increase in the minimum wage at a time when, yeah, affordability is an issue, but we could be doing other things in this state and in the city to improve affordability. Do you believe small businesses are going to suffer as a result of this? Yes, absolutely.”

While the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce supports the intent of the ordinance, they’re also concerned the increase will fall on small businesses who they said are already facing inflation and supply cost pressures. Vice President of Government Relations for the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Matthew Stackpole said this:

“The employers most impacted will be local restaurants, retailers, childcare providers and family-owned businesses. Not large national corporations.”

In a letter to the City Council, Ernie C’deBaca, president and CEO of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, asked members of the body to take their time. He said the chamber “supports fair wages and a thriving workforce,” but the group also has to consider the challenges faced by small businesses.

C’deBaca said “fast-tracking a 25% increase” to the minimum wage was a concern and the proposed ordinance needed input from small businesses as they cannot absorb such increases like larger ones. C’deBaca  said this:

“These businesses are not large corporations with deep reserves. … They are the most vulnerable when costs rise faster than revenue.”

C’deBaca said tying annual adjustments to the Consumer Price Index and Fair Market Rate a major concern. Should recent trends continue, he said, minimum wage would reach $26 an hour by 2037, adding that “policies that increase costs too quickly put their progress at risk.”

“A 25% wage increase may sound simple on paper, but for many small and Hispanic-owned businesses, it could mean reduced hours, fewer jobs, higher prices, and in the worst cases, closure. … Let’s make the right decision, not just a quick decision.”

CITY COUNCLORS REACT TO PASSAGE

Republican City Councilors Dan Champine and Renée Grout spoke in opposition to the increase in the minimum wage. Both cast minimum wage jobs as a  necessary place for someone to begin their working career and before they build their talents and move onto a career path.

After all four amendment passed and before the final vote, Republican City Councilor Dan Lewis said this:

“The fact is this will have a negative effect on job creation in the city, this will have a negative effect on the economy to our city.”

Progressive Democrat Joaquín Baca  pointed out there’s always a reason not to change things but said the only thing he had seen change recently were the costs of gas and other crucial commodities.

Progressive Democrat Tammy Fiebelkorn said this:

“I will just remind us all that minimum wage is literally the floor, it is the least you can pay someone and it costs a certain amount to live in our community. And we are not covering those costs with our minimum wage now. … People in our community cannot make their way on $12… this is a step in the right direction.”

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

Moderate Democrat Klarissa Peña was elected City Council President in January by Republicans Dan Champine, Brook Bassan, Dan Lewis and Renée Grout to the complete chagrin of highly Progressive Democrats Tammy Fiebelkorn, Joaquín Baca, Nichole Rogers and Stephanie Telles who wanted to elect one of their own.

Moderate Democrat  Klarissa Peña was elected to a fourth four year term in November, 2026 after a highly contested and negative race where she was opposed by a highly Progressive Democrat. Klarissa Peña is now the onlymoderate Democrat on the City Council capable of bridging the gap  in the middle with 4 highly progressive Democrats to her left and 4 highly conservative Republicans to her right.

With the enactment of minimum wage ordinance after adoption of the four amendments to the minimum wage ordinance sponsored by Democrat City Council President Klarissa Peña, she has emerged to be  one of the most single, influential and effective City Council Presidents in some time. Peña’s influence equals or even exceeds that of Progressive Democrat Mayor Tim Keller as she exerts tremendous influence over his programs, policies and funding.

Peña’s minimum wage vote was not the first time she has exerted her authority to reign in ill advised and poorly drafted legislation by progressives on the city council. She did so by voting to defeat the “upzoning” amendments to the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) advocated  by Mayor Keller and supported by Progressive Democrats Tammy Fiebelkorn, Joaquín Baca, Nichole Rogers and Stephanie Telles. The up zoning  was an aggressive effort to double or triple density in all residential areas of the city  to increase affordable housing arguing it would increase affordable housing. It would not have.  Upzoning of  virtually 100% all residential properties in the city would have allowed unrestricted development by developers and investors and  would have destroyed established neighborhood.  Upzoning would have resulted in gentrification, especially in historical neighborhoods.

As is the case with most if not all legislation proposed and  sponsored by highly progressive Democrat City Councilor Tammy Feiblekorn, the original minimum wage ordinance she sponsored went way too far and was clearly detrimental to the business community.  As usual, Feibelkorn simply advocated her own private agenda and ignored those who opposed her efforts who tried to reason with her.

Simply put, the amended minimum wage bill enacted by the city council is reasonable and well measured, especially with the elimination of the Fair Market Rent provision.

The enacted increase in the  minimum wage ordinance now goes to Mayor Tim Keller where he is expected to sign it  into law.

Links to quoted or relied upon news sources are here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/city-council-passes-minimum-wage-bill-with-some-tweaks/3054465

https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/albuquerque-city-council-passes-minimum-wage-increase/

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/albuquerque-city-council-approves-minimum-wage-increase-during-heated-meeting/

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/councilors-propose-raising-minimum-wage-to-15-an-hour/3053508

https://www.koat.com/article/albuquerque-city-council-to-vote-on-3-minimum-wage-increase/71457554

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/proposal-in-city-council-would-raise-minimum-in-albuquerque/

https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/albuquerque-city-councilors-propose-raising-minimum-wage-to-15-an-hour/

Below are the links to two separate News And Commentary  articles on the Democratic Party and Republican Party candidates running for Governor.

Independent Ken Miyagisham will not be on the June 2 primary ballot and therefore there is no profile for him.

Please click on the below  link to read the article “Profiles, Platforms And Positions Of  Democrats For Governor Sam Bregman And Debra Haaland; The Most Expensive Race In Primary Election History; Primary Election June 2; Please Vote!”

Profiles, Platforms And Positions Of  Democrats For Governor Sam Bregman And Debra Haaland; The Most Expensive Race In Primary Election History; Primary Election June 2; Please Vote!

Please click on the “https” link to read the article “Profiles, Platforms And Positions Of The Three Republican Candidates Running For New Mexico Governor; The Most Expensive Race In Primary Election History; Please Vote!”

Profiles, Platforms And Positions Of The Three Republican Candidates Running For New Mexico Governor; The Most Expensive Race In Primary Election History; Primary Election June 2; Please Vote!

On Tuesday, June 2, 2026,  the  semi open primary election will take place in New Mexico.  This is the first semi-open primary in New Mexico history, meaning that independents can choose either the Republican or Democratic primary to vote in, without having to register with that party. On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the general election will take place, and voters will decide the winners of all the races on the ballot including who will become governor.

There are two Democrats, three  Republicans and one Independent  running to be New Mexico’s  33rd governor.   The Democrats running are former President Joe Biden’s Interior Sectary Deb Haaland and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman. The Republicans running for Governor are former Rio Rancho 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 but he will not appear on the June 2  primary ballot and only on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot.

On May 28, www.PeteDinelli.com published an article on the two Democratic candidates for Governor Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman with a link to that article in the postscript below. This article is on the 3 Republican candidates for Governor.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR AND POSITIONS ON ISSUES

Following are the profiles of three Republican candidates running for Governor and their positions on the issues:

1. GREG HULL

Republican  Gregg Hull, age 59, is the former Mayor of Rio Rancho, a position he  held from  2014 to 2026 and from which he stepped down to run for Governor. Hull is considered the front runner for the Republican nomination by many within the Republican Party. Hull is the longest-serving mayor in Rio Rancho’s history. Throughout the years, Hull has held many leadership roles, many of which he is still active in, such as chairman of the Mid-Region Council of Governments, president of the New Mexico Municipal League, and board member/chief elected official of the New Mexico Workforce Connection. Hull also previously served as president and CEO of Certified Packing and Crating Inc., a shipping company in Albuquerque.

Hull was born in Oklahoma but his family bounced around the west while he was growing up due to his father’s job in the hotel industry. He spent time in Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Pagosa Springs, Colorado, where he finished high school, before Hull settled in the Rio Rancho area in the mid-1990s. After a first marriage with two children ended in a divorce in his mid-20s, Hull eventually got married to his current wife Carrie, who had three children from a previous marriage that he helped raise. A self-described entrepreneur who did not graduate from college, Hull made a name for himself in the business industry, running his own packing and crating business for 12 years before being elected Rio Rancho’s mayor in 2014.

GREG HULL ON THE ISSUES

If elected governor, Hull said he would push for more funding to help cities and counties around New Mexico recruit and retain law enforcement officers.

Along with the two other GOP governor candidates, Hull has called for cutting state taxes as a way of providing financial relief to New Mexico residents. Hull  said he would push to eliminate or reduce New Mexico’s personal income tax code, as other tax cuts could negatively impact the budgets of local governments around the state. Cutting taxes will no doubt be a tough sell to the New Mexico Legislature in that a 2025 Republican-backed bill to eliminate the personal income tax stalled in its first assigned House committee.

Former Mayor Hull has taken a cautious approach to the universal child care initiative launched by the Lujan Grisham administration that is the target of a lawsuit filed by Republican Candidate Duke  Rodriguez along  with  two other Republicans. Describing the program as “great in concept” but potentially ripe for fraud, Hull said he would not completely scrap it if elected governor. Rather, he said he would consider scaling back the initiative to ensure the state can safely meet statewide demand for child care assistance.

Hull’s campaign website is here:  https://gregghull.com/

CLICK HERE FOR ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL GREG HULL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

https://www.abqjournal.com/election/governor-gregg-hull-r/3034038

The link to the quoted or relied upon news source is here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/rio-ranchos-longest-serving-mayor-eyes-governors-office/3038764

2. DOUG TURNER

Doug Turner, age 57,  is a lifelong Republican who lists his primary  residence as Albuquerque.  Ostensibly, he is also  a resident of the Taos Ski Valley Village where in 2024 he was elected to the Village Council.  Turner was raised in Old Town Albuquerque and attended Albuquerque public schools, including Jefferson Middle School and Albuquerque High School. Turner completed high school at the United World College USA near Las Vegas, NM. He earned a bachelor’s degree from American University in Washington, DC, and a master’s degree from the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium.

As the  founder of Agenda Global, he built a successful New Mexico based public affairs and strategic communications firm serving clients at every level. For nearly fifteen years as Board Chairman of Public Charter Schools of New Mexico, he fought for parental choice, higher standards, and accountability because success should be measured by student outcomes. He is the father of three children between the ages of 12 and 19. His late wife, University of New Mexico political science professor Mala Htun, died last year after a six-year struggle with breast cancer.

Doug Turner is  seasoned campaign strategist and communications professional.  In 1994, Doug Turner was the campaign manager for former Governor Gary Johnson’s successful  1994 run for governor against incumbent Democrat  Governor Bruce King and again in 1998 for Johnson’s successful run against Democratic Party nominee former Mayor Marty Chavez.  Doug Turner first ran for governor in 2010 and he came in third place behind future-Gov. Susana Martinez in the Republican primary drawing more than 11% of the vote with a platform calling for lower taxes and public education reform, including parity for charter schools and workforce preparation.

DOUG TURNER ON THE ISSUES

On May 15, the Albuquerque Journal published a guest opinion column written by Doug Turner entitled “Doug Turner vows to be independent, pragmatic governor: We all have the same end game”. The column provides a succinct summation of Turner’s platform and his positions on the three  major issues he is running on: jobs, education and public safety. Following is the unedited Turner guest column:

“I’m running for governor for one reason: I believe that with dynamic leadership and the right policies, New Mexico’s best days are ahead of us. But to realize that future, we must stop treating our biggest challenges in isolation. Jobs, education and public safety are deeply connected, and for too long, our leadership has failed to understand and act on those connections.

 When families have access to quality schools and good-paying jobs, our communities are stronger, crime is lower and prosperity is a real possibility for everyone. New Mexico deserves a vision that tackles these three priorities together.

 My experience as a successful New Mexico entrepreneur working with clients like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, University of New Mexico Hospital and the Navajo Nation has taught me an essential truth: lasting results come from addressing root causes, not just reacting to symptoms.

 To begin, despite the news of large data centers coming to our state, let’s remember that our small businesses are the true backbone of our economy. They stabilize neighborhoods and provide the jobs that support our families. Yet, New Mexico ranks poorly — 44th out of 50 in CNBC’s “Top States for Business”— due to barriers like business unfriendliness, high taxes and a lack of access to capital. This must change.

I will champion common-sense, pro-growth policies by cutting unnecessary red tape, expanding access to capital, and actively encouraging entrepreneurs to start, grow and stay here.

 I will advance policies that expand career pathways in growing sectors like energy, technology, defense and innovation. It’s essential that our leadership champions new opportunities that will lift communities and ensure that incomes finally rise faster than the cost of living. Moreover, when people can find good jobs close to home thanks to a growing economy, it reduces desperation and makes our communities safer than ever. That’s why I believe job creation is not just an economic policy; it is a public safety policy too.

At the same time, fixing our failing education system must be given equal attention.

Under my leadership, we will ensure high-quality schools focus both on fundamental skills like literacy and math, but also the real-world skills necessary for tomorrow’s workforce. We will implement meaningful parental choice so every parent can find the right educational fit for their child. And we will install accountability for outcomes, ensuring our schools are delivering on measurable results for students that aligns with taxpayer spending.

Our schools must equip young people with skills, confidence and a sense of purpose. When students see a path to a bright future, they are far less likely to fall into cycles of crime and dependency. A strong K–12 system is the most effective long-term strategy we have for workforce readiness and crime prevention.

 In short, our state must inspire students to succeed and then ensure economic opportunity is available to them when they are ready. While both education and job growth have the benefit of yielding stronger and safer communities, we also need a public safety system that emphasizes prevention and enforcement. Students and business cannot thrive unless they are also given the best environment to do so. By connecting this strategy to our economic and educational reforms, we can reduce the conditions that contribute to crime and substance abuse.

 New Mexico does not need small ambitions. We need big results for our kids, our workers and our communities. By embracing accountability, opportunity and effective governance, and by seriously connecting education, jobs and public safety, we can build a future where every New Mexican has a real chance to succeed. This is not a partisan vision; it’s a common sense New Mexico vision.”

 The link to the Doug Turner Journal guest column with photo is here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/opinion/opinion-our-connected-future-jobs-education-and-safety-in-new-mexico/2993556

CLICK HERE FOR ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL DOUG TURNER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

 https://www.abqjournal.com/election/governor-doug-turner-r/3032954

The link to Doug Turners  campaign website is here: https://www.turnerfornm.com/

The links to quoted or relied upon news sources are here:

https://www.krqe.com/news/politics-government/elections/here-are-the-candidates-running-for-new-mexico-governor/

https://www.abqjournal.com/election/new-mexico-gubernatorial-candidate-profiles/3040338

3. DUKE RODRIGUEZ

Republican Duke Rodriguez, age 68, is currently the CEO of Ultra Health, one of the largest marijuana companies in New Mexico. He previously served as New Mexico Human Services Department Secretary under former New Mexico Republican Governor Gary Johnson and was also Chief Operations Officer of Lovelace Health System.

Reuben M. “Duke” Rodriguez grew up in Imperial, California and he is the second of five boys born to migrant field workers.  At age 14, Rodriguez, his mother and brothers moved to Silver City at the recommendation of neighbors . His father did not follow and fell out of the family’s lives.

Rodriguez attended junior high school in Silver City and high schools in Silver City and Alamogordo while his mother worked as a maid in local hotels. In his early 20s and with an accounting degree from New Mexico State University, Rodriguez landed a job at Lovelace Health System in 1980. He was named chief financial officer in 1988, then chief operating officer in 1989 before leaving the company in 1993 at age 35.

In July 1996, then Governor Gary Johnson appointed Rodriguez as his Human Services Cabinet Secretary, a post he held until October 1997. During his tenure, Rodriguez led the effort to convert the state’s Medicaid program from a “fee -for- service” model to managed health care. Rodriguez’s tenure as Cabinet secretary was controversial. Rodriguez came under fire after the state Supreme Court ordered a halt to the Johnson administration’s welfare reform program, which included work requirements that significantly reduced welfare roles in New Mexico.

Rodriguez is president and CEO of Ultra Health LLC, with 25 cannabis dispensaries statewide and the state’s largest growing facility which is  an 11.3-acre property in Bernalillo County  that Rodriguez purchased for $2.75 million in August 2014 on behalf of Zoned Properties Inc., an Arizona company in which he was a minority owner. Rodriguez became sole owner of the property because of a legal settlement with Zoned Properties, according to the public company’s financial disclosures.  Rodriguez describes himself as a “figurehead” for Ultra Health, which is largely operated by others.

Rodriguez’s residency is an issue in the campaign to be New Mexico Governor. He owns houses in both Albuquerque and Scottsdale, Arizona, where he first registered to vote in 2001 and cast votes in the 2022 and 2024 general elections, according to Maricopa County records.  He voted last year in Albuquerque’s local election and runoff and was certified as a candidate by Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver’s office after filing the necessary paperwork. He has fended off two court cases challenging his eligibility for office based on residency and contends he has lived continuously in New Mexico for more than 50 years.

The primary source of Duke Rodriguez’s campaign funding is his persona wealth saying he is willing to spend $1 Million and has donated $500,000 to his campaign.

DUKE RODRIGUEZ ON THE ISSUES

Duke Rodriguez has said he wants to “eliminate” taxes in three categories: the state personal income tax, gross-receipt taxes on retail sales and the state’s share of property taxes. He says the tax cuts will save the average New Mexico family $2,000 a year. He estimates that the elimination of state taxes would result in the elimination  of state revenue of between $1.5 billion to $2 billion which the state could absorb from the state’s surplus.

The Legislative Finance Committee estimated the state’s revenues at $13.9 billion for fiscal year 2027. Lawmakers this year approved an $11.1 billion budget. Rodriguez proclaims the state can make better use of its sovereign wealth fund, which holds more than $70 billion, which the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute ranks as the 29th largest in the world, and third in the U.S. behind the University of Texas and Alaska Permanent Fund. Rodriguez has said this:

“New Mexico is not a poor state, we are absolutely a poorly run state.”

Rodriguez says  New Mexico can  do a better job of enhancing the value of its sovereign wealth fund by building oil refineries within the state. He predicts the fund’s value will soar due to the recent spike in oil prices.

Rodriguez filed a lawsuit  in April challenging state-subsidized childcare for all New Mexico families. His lawsuit has drew a sharp response from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who has championed the program. A judge on April 29 gave Early Childhood Education and Care Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky a 30-day deadline to show why rules governing the program should not be struck down. Governor Lujan Grisham called the lawsuit “frivolous” and responded by calling Rodriguez “a third-tier Republican candidate for governor — who lives in Arizona.”

The link to the Duke Rodriguez’s Campaign Website is here: runwithduke.com

CLICK HERE FOR ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL DUKE RODRIGUEZ QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

https://www.abqjournal.com/election/governor-duke-rodriguez-r/3032944

The link to the quoted or relied upon news source is here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/duke-rodriguezs-journey-from-field-worker-to-gubernatorial-candidate/3038444

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES  FUNDRAISING

All three Republican gubernatorial candidates have lagged behind their Democratic counterparts when it comes to campaign fundraising. The three Republican  candidates combined have raised  a total of $2,755,857.40 which is a mere fraction of the nearly $11 million raised by Democratic frontrunner Deb Haaland and the $3.7 million raised by Sam Bregman. Review of campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State for the time period of April 7 to May 4 reveals the following:

GREGG HULL

 Gregg Hull received the most support from state Republican Party delegates at the GOP’s pre-primary convention held in Ruidoso in March and he  reported getting nearly $145,000 in contributions. According to campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State for the time period of April 7 to May 4, Greg Hull raised $71,000 and goes into the final days of the race with a $227,234.56 in cash on hand. Among his major campaign expenditures, Hull reported paying  Peakland Strategies of Lynchburg, VA, $47,000 for campaign consulting. Total Contributions raised by Hull is $544,920.24. Total Expenditures were $317,685.68. In-Kind Contributions is $32,808.62. Hull’s Current Debt Balance is $0.00.  Hull’s Current Cash Balance is $227,234.56

https://login.cfis.sos.state.nm.us/#/exploreDetails/Pkx7Mm96qwMaziCWRW0IhJP4048PFnxLXRUfdOLcQk01/5/null/125/2026

DOUG TURNER 

Doug Turner announced his candidacy for Governor in February and  raised more than $500,000 in two months, ending that reporting period with far more cash on hand than his opponents Gregg  Hull or Duke  Rodriquez before the primary. For the most recent campaign finance reporting period of  April 7 to May 4, Turner reported he has $281,000 cash on hand. That amount  does not appear to include whatever Turner brought in from the May 6 Donald Trump’s Palm Beach Mar-a-Lago Club fundraiser.  Turner’s Total Campaign Contributions are reported as $703,189.16.  Total Expenditures were $422,102.13. In-Kind Contributions were are reported as $6,871.58. Turner’s Current Debt Balance is $0.00

https://login.cfis.sos.state.nm.us/#/exploreDetails/svP7eG15ADBjP493Lp5HBpP4048PFnxLXRUfdOLcQk01/5/null/125/2026

Turner’s major contributions include contributions from major oil and gas interests. Turner’s largest donors included former state GOP chairwoman Debbie Maestas and several oil industry officials, including state Rep. Mark Murphy of Roswell and the Jalapeno Corp. that is owned by former party chairman Harvey Yates Jr.

https://login.cfis.sos.state.nm.us//ReportsOutput//103/735dc20d-c8ef-4229-90be-813ab53290dd.pdf

DUKE RODRIGUEZ 

Among the three Republicans running for governor, cannabis entrepreneur Duke Rodriguez is self-financing his campaign.   He reports he has donated $1.5 million of personal money to his campaign.  Rodriquez reports Total Contributions of $1,507,748.00, Expenditures of $994,355.15, In-Kind Contributions of $0.00, Current Debt Balance of $0.00 and a Current Cash Balance $513,392.85. He has spent $351,000 on TV airtime and production in the recent period and $168,000 on digital ads.

https://login.cfis.sos.state.nm.us/#/exploreDetails/tzSHZ5b9Asahxpz8hmCHAZP4048PFnxLXRUfdOLcQk01/5/null/125/2026

The links to related  news sources are here:

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/deb-haaland-leads-sam-bregman-in-new-mexico-governor-race-fundraising/

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/nm-governor-candidates-have-already-spent-10-million-on-race-with-haaland-still-outraising-rivals/3021934

MOST EXPENSIVE PRIMARY RACE IN STATE HISTORY

On May 29, fundraising reports filed with the Secretary of State covering the time period of  May 5 through May 26, show candidate spending on New Mexico’s open race for governor has surged past $17 million as the June 2  primary approaches making it the most expensive primary race in state history.

Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman have combined to spend more than $13 million on TV ads, mailers and campaign staffers in a contentious showdown for the party’s nomination.

Haaland reported on Thursday May 28 having spent more than $2 million during the May 5 through May 26 three-week period. In all, she has now raised about $12.8 million in contributions and spent more than $10.8 million since launching her campaign in February 2025. Haaland has slightly more than $1.9 million left unspent in her campaign account.

Sam Bregman for his part reported spending nearly $250,000 during the May 5 through May 26  period. He has received more than $4 million in donations and spent about $3.8 million since launching his campaign last April, leaving him with roughly $295,000 of unspent campaign funds.

Haaland’s and Bregman’s eye-opening fundraising hauls and spending levels do not include spending by outside groups in this year’s election cycle. Several independent expenditure groups, or Super PACs, have also spent large amounts on largely negative TV ads and mailers in the run-up to Election Day.

In contrast, eight years ago  the three Democrats running for governor in 2018  e had spent about $6.9 million at a similar point in that year’s election cycle or slightly more than half the amount of this year’s race featuring two candidates.

Campaign spending has been significantly less among the three Republicans vying for their party’s nomination on June 2.

Cannabis entrepreneur Duke Rodriguez has spent the most of the three GOP candidates, with roughly $1.2 million in total campaign spending to date. His campaign has been largely self-funded, as Rodriguez has pumped $1.5 million of his own money into the race to pay for billboards, radio ads and other expenses.

The two other Republicans running for governor,  small-business owner Doug Turner and former Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull,  have trailed Rodriguez in campaign spending. Turner has spent nearly $835,000 since entering the race this year, while Hull has reported spending about $520,000 on his campaign since last year.

The link to the quoted or relied upon news source is here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/candidate-spending-surges-past-17-million-in-race-for-governor-as-new-mexicos-primary-election-nears/3052827

NEW MEXICO OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY PRESIDENT THROWS IN THE TOWEL

It’s common knowledge that the New Mexico Oil and Gas Industry is a major player and financial supporter of Republican causes and candidates statewide. On May 20, 2026, Missi Currier, the president of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association urged attendees of the  Williston Basin Petroleum Conference in Bismarck, North Dakota to oppose former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s Democratic campaign to become New Mexico’s next governor.  At the same time, she said a Republican will not be able to win in the current political climate. Missi Currier said a Republican cannot win in November essentially throwing in the towel.

At the North Dakota conference, Currier did not endorse Democrat Sam Bregman by name, but she stressed that she believed opposing Deb Haaland in the primary was critical and the focus should switch to defeating Deb Haaland in the primary.

“If you know anybody that can vote in New Mexico, please encourage them to get to the polls. I hate to be the bearer of potentially bad news, but we don’t think a Republican will be able to win in our current  political climate, especially in a Trump midterm. So, the primary is incredibly important to us. I would like to protest [Deb Haalannd] being governor. . .I’m sure she has a good heart, but she does not have a heart for oil and gas. She is threatening over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs in the state, and knowing that she did not want drilling on public lands, she said in a recent interview that she would keep that same mentality when she came into office.”

Currier also criticized New Mexico for not supporting the oil and gas industry more while relying on the tax revenues from the industry that fund a significant portion of the state’s budget. She said the only reason New Mexico officials have been unsuccessful in implementing stricter regulations on the level of Colorado or California is the state’s economy isn’t as diversified.

Currier said this:

“They may not like us operating, but they sure do love to spend the money that we generate. … A lot of that money is good, and a lot of that money does really great things, but in order to have that money to support everyday New Mexicans, production has to keep going.”

https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/nm-oil-and-gas-association-president-tells-conference-crowd-oppose-deb-haalands-bid

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

The remarks made by Missi Currier, the president of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, at the North Dakota conference, make it abundantly clear very clear  it will be a steep climb for any one of  the three Republicans running to win the general election in November. The two biggest problems for any one of the 3 Republicans who is nominated to run in the November 4 general election for Governor against either Deb Haaland or Sam Bregman are history and lack of campaign fundraising.

In the last 30 years, New Mexicans have only elected Republicans Gary Johnson and Susana Martinez to the Governor’s Office each serving two four year terms for a total of 16 years. Today, New Mexico is considered “solid blue” Democratic state.

Currently,  Democrats have large majorities in both the New Mexico State Senate and House of Representatives. There are  26 Democrats, 16 Republicans in the NM Senate.  In the NM House of Representative there are 44 Democrats and 26 Republicans. All 5 of New Mexico’s federal congressional delegation of 2 United States Senators and 3 Representatives are Democrats.  In the last 3 Presidential elections, Donald Trump lost New Mexico to Democrats.  In  2016 Donald  Trump lost to Hillary Clinton, in 2020  Trump lost to Joe Biden and in 2024 Trump lost to Kamala Harris.

Please ignore the polls and vote your conscience for the candidate you believe is best for New Mexico. The only poll that really matters will be taken on June 2. Please vote!

POSTSCRIPT

The links to related News and Commentary on the Democratic candidates for Governor is here:

Profiles, Platforms And Positions Of  Democrats For Governor Sam Bregman And Debra Haaland; The Most Expensive Race In Primary Election History; Primary Election June 2; Please Vote!

On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the semi open primary election will take place in New Mexico. This is the first semi-open primary in New Mexico history where independent voters can choose either the Republican or Democratic primary to vote in  without having to register with that party. On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the general election will take place, and voters will decide the winners of all the races on the ballot including who will become governor.

There are two Democrats, three  Republicans and one Independent  running to be New Mexico’s  33rd governor. The Democrats running are former President Joe Biden’s Interior Sectary Deb Haaland and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman. The Republicans running for Governor are former Rio Rancho 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 but he will not appear on the June 2  primary ballot and only on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot.

This article reports on the profiles, platforms and positions of the two Democratic Party primary candidates Sam Bregman  and Deb Haaland.  On Friday, May 29, a report on the 3 Republican candidates will be published.

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR AND POSITIONS ON ISSUES

Following are the Democratic Party Primary candidates for Governor:

1. SAM BREGMAN

Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, age 62, 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 Bernalillo County District Attorney, 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

2. DEB  HAALAND

Debra Haaland, age 65,  is a member of the Laguna Pueblo, is a 35th-generation New Mexican. After graduating from Highland High School she went 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 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:

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/deb-haalands-unlikely-rise-to-political-prominence-i-never-gave-up-on-myself/3041730

CLICK HERE FOR ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS OF DEB HAALAND:

https://www.abqjournal.com/election/governor-deb-haaland-d/3032961

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  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.

https://login.cfis.sos.state.nm.us/#/exploreDetails/fLvTfumdMkSfPNmYntBa4ZP4048PFnxLXRUfdOLcQk01/5/null/125/2026

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.

https://login.cfis.sos.state.nm.us/index.html#/exploreDetails/xQovKnMVTtPnWpFewOSiTJP4048PFnxLXRUfdOLcQk01/5/null/125/2026

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.

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/deb-haaland-leads-sam-bregman-in-new-mexico-governor-race-fundraising/

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/nm-governor-candidates-have-already-spent-10-million-on-race-with-haaland-still-outraising-rivals/3021934

MOST EXPENSIVE PRIMARY RACE IN STATE HISTORY

On May 29, fundraising reports filed with the Secretary of State covering the time period of  May 5 through May 26, show candidate spending on New Mexico’s open race for governor has surged past $17 million as the June 2  primary approaches making it the most expensive primary race in state history.

Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman have combined to spend more than $13 million on TV ads, mailers and campaign staffers in a contentious showdown for the party’s nomination.

Haaland reported on Thursday May 28 having spent more than $2 million during a recent three-week period. In all, she has now raised about $12.8 million in contributions and spent more than $10.8 million since launching her campaign in February 2025. Haaland has slightly more than $1.9 million left unspent in her campaign account.

Sam Bregman for his part reported spending nearly $250,000 during the recent reporting period. He has received more than $4 million in donations and spent about $3.8 million since launching his campaign last April, leaving him with roughly $295,000 of unspent campaign funds.

Haaland’s and Bregman’s eye popping fundraising hauls and spending levels do not include spending by outside groups in this year’s election cycle. Several independent expenditure groups, or Super PACs, have also spent large amounts on largely negative TV ads and mailers in the run-up to Election Day.

In contrast, the three Democrats running for governor in 2018 had spent about $6.9 million at a similar point in that year’s election cycle or slightly more than half the amount of this year’s race featuring two candidates.

Campaign spending has been significantly less among the three Republicans vying for their party’s nomination next Tuesday.

Cannabis entrepreneur Duke Rodriguez has spent the most of the three GOP candidates, with roughly $1.2 million in total campaign spending to date. His campaign has been largely self-funded, as Rodriguez has pumped $1.5 million of his own money into the race to pay for billboards, radio ads and other expenses.

The two other Republicans running for governor,  small-business owner Doug Turner and former Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull, have trailed Rodriguez in campaign spending.

Turner has spent nearly $835,000 since entering the race this year, while Hull has reported spending about $520,000 on his campaign since last year.

The link to the quoted or relied upon news source is here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/candidate-spending-surges-past-17-million-in-race-for-governor-as-new-mexicos-primary-election-nears/3052827

HAALAND AND BREGMAN APPEAR ONLY TWICE TOGETHER

Since September, Democrat gubernatorial candidate District Attorney Sam Bregman  repeatedly hammered his Democratic opponent Deb Haaland for her refusal  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 ignoring Bregman because of her  comfortable lead in the polls  as well as her campaign fundraising advantage of three to one over Bregman.

Bregman and Haaland Both appeared only twice  together to discuss and debate the issues. Following are the candidates’ positions revealed during their two joint appearances.

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 13^th . … 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”.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The link to review the “dukes up presents: the debate games” forum” is in the postcript 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:

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/haaland-and-bregman-talk-policy-and-records-in-debate-games-at-cnm/3034461

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

The victor of the June 2 Democratic primary between Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman 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.

It is highly likely whoever wins the Democratic primary for Governor will go on to win the general election and become Governor. Simply put, it will be a steep climb for any one of  the three Republicans and the Independent running to win the general election in November.

The two biggest problems for any one of  the 3 Republicans and the one Independent running against either Deb Haaland or Sam Bregman are that New Mexico  is considered a solid blue state dominated by Democrats in virtually all elected positions statewide and all 5 of New Mexico’s congressional delegation and lack of campaign fundraising.

The two major factors that  will decide the final outcome in the Democratic primary for Governor are:

1. The extent of independents voting and breaking for Bregman or Haaland.
2. Campaign money spent over the last weeks of the campaign.

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 that Deb Haaland was  in the Jeffry Epstein files for taking a trip to a fundraiser to Washinton on a plane owned by Epstein when she unsuccessfully ran for Lt. Governor 16 years ago.  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. Haaland is aggressively attacking Bregman saying he owns four houses, 7 races horses and is a millionaire who has accepted $250,000 from MAGA donors and who will not stand up to Trump.

Voters are encouraged to read the platforms and plans that both  Sam Bregman and Deb Haaland have proposed if elected Governor.

Please ignore the polls and vote your conscience for the candidate you believe is best for New Mexico. The only poll that really matters will be taken on June 2. Please vote!

PLEASE VOTE ON JUNE 2 if you have  not voted early.

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 NEWS AND COMMENTARY ARTICLE IS HERE:

DA Sam Bregman Has Become “Lonesome Sam” Running For Governor As Deb Haaland Cancels All Joint Appearances; Journal Editorial Harshly Criticizes Haaland For Failure To Debate Calling “Snub Part Of Disturbing Pattern”; Please Vote June 2!; POSTSCRIPT: Former ABQ Mayor Jim Baca Endorses Sam Bregman For Governor In Democratic Primary

On Tuesday, May 19, the Albuquerque Journal held a Town Hall event it sponsored in the 2026 Governor’s race in the Democratic Party Primary before a live audience at the Journal’s Ray Cary Auditorium. The Town Hall was supposed to have been an event where Sam Bregman and Deb Haaland would jointly appear and  be asked questions and discuss the issues with a Journal “panel”. The panel consisted of Journal Chief Editor Jay Newton Small, Editorial Page Editor Ryan Boetel, Journal Columnist and Political Commentator Jeff Tucker and Journal Capital and Political Reporter Dan Boyd.

The Democratic Primary between Bregman and Haaland has become a very  expensive and hard-fought primary race that has featured back-and-forth criticism over debate dodging, plagiarism and personal attacks. What became the breaking news for the May 19 Journal Town Hall event was the fact that Deb Haaland cancelled the joint appearance. It turns out Haaland refused to appear because of the presence of Journal politcal columnist Jeff Tucker on the panel who wrote an editorial column endorsement of Sam Bregman. The Tucker endorsement of Bregman was scathing about Deb Haaland and it was a very personal, demeaning attack on her character and reputation. Tucker  disingenuously said he “affectionately” nicknamed her “Know-nothing Haaland” because she’s habitually unaware of what’s going on. The link to read the Tucker Journal endorsement is here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/opinion/opinion-bregman-is-the-much-better-hope-for-democratic-success-in-november/3038824

JOURNAL EDITOR JAY NEWTON SMALL’S TOWN HALL INTRODUCTION

In a truly remarkable beginning of the May 19 Town Hall, before her introduction of the four Journal panelist Sam Bregman, Journal Editor Jay Newton Small took the opportunity to talk about Deb Haaland’s cancellation and her refusal to debate Sam Bregman. In a May 17 editorial, the Journal reported that it offered to take Jeff Tucker off the stage for the Town Hall if Haalabnd  agreed to debate Bregman. The offer did not matter and Haaland canceled 10 days before the scheduled forum.

In her introductory remarks, Newton Small reviewed her extensive personal national experience as a reporter before becoming the new Albuquerque Journal Editor. She talked at length about her years of experience covering national politcal campaigns and candidates running for president, including Bill Clinton, John McCain, Joe Biden and AL Gore and differentiated between the difference between candidates who refused to deal with the press, who dodged debates and refused to answer questions.

Journal Executive Editor Jay Newton-Small declared that Haaland’s refusal to appear and debate makes her a prime target for the paper’s investigative reporters and she said this:

“Every single time a candidate hides from you, it is very worrying. . .She canceled on us because she cannot answer any questions and that is terrifying to me.. ..The next four years, if she wins, guess what?” We are going to be investigating her because that is scary to me. If you do not have a candidate that cannot answer a simple question or debate an opponent and answer in public what your beliefs are, then that is really, really scary.”

The link to view the entire May 29 Journal Town Hall is here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwMy5iuDNiY

BREGMAN RESPONDS TO AND ANSWERS QUESTIONS

Notwithstanding Deb Haaland’s cancellation to appear with him at the May 19 Journal Town Hall, Bregman participated in the  give-and-take that lasted nearly two hours. Bregman answered all the questions from audience members and Journal staffers. Highlights of his positions and comments are:

• Bregman said he does not support a moratorium on building new data centers in New Mexico.
• Bregman acknowledged there has been  friction with Democratic legislators in the past over his proposed changes to the Children’s Code and thier rebuffing his proposal for stiffer criminal penalties for juvenile offenders convicted of serious violent crimes.  Bregman said the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office has indicted 77 juveniles on murder charges in his three-plus years on the job. Bregman said this: “I’m very frustrated with my own party at the Legislature over this issue.”
• Bregman made it clear he would not hesitate to stand up to President Donald Trump if elected governor, expressing particular alarm about the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts.
• Bregman identified New Mexico’s public education system as the most pressing issue facing the state, saying turnover at the top of the Public Education Department during Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s tenure has made it difficult to sustain academic gains. Bregman said this: “When you have to start over with a new secretary every year, that’s not beneficial.”
• Bregman cited healthcare access and diversifying the state’s economy as top issues he’d focus on, saying, “We have to have a sense of urgency.”
• Bregman  reiterated previous comments  that he would not support Deb Haaland if she wins the Democratic Party nomination, saying Haaland made an “epic failure of judgment” by allowing information to be posted to her campaign website about several properties owned by Bregman’s family. Bregman said this: “Yes, it is still my stance. … But it doesn’t mean I’m going to go out and support a Republican either — I want to make that clear.” 
•  Bregman took issue with criticisms leveled by Haaland’s campaign and in her commercial’s about his personal wealth, while defending his record as both a defense attorney and as Bernalillo County district attorney since 2023. Bregman said this: “Here’s the deal — New Mexico needs more success.! a… Every single citizen of this state needs the opportunity to have success. … To attack me because I’ve been successful, I think, says a lot about my opponent.”

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/new-mexico-needs-more-success-bregman-touts-record-criticizes-haaland-in-town-hall-event/3047176

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/journal-launches-livestreamed-town-halls/2993233

ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL EDITORIAL

On May 17, 2026, the Albuquerque Journal published the following editorial:

OPINION: Haaland Town Hall snub part of disturbing pattern

Campaigns best serve voters when candidates take tough questions in unscripted settings. That is why it is frustrating — and increasingly disturbing — that Deb Haaland has refused to meaningfully debate her Democratic primary opponent, Sam Bregman. Last week, she took it one step further and canceled her Journal Town Hall appearance scheduled for next Friday. 

The concept of the Journal Town Hall series was to take our long tradition of Editorial Board meetings with candidates, leaders and organizations directly to the people. Rather than having candidates court board members to earn an endorsement in a race or policy, we thought we’d have those interesting and enlightening conversations in public. Anyone can come in person or watch them live, and suggest questions. The recordings are archived on our website. 

All other gubernatorial candidates, regardless of political affiliation, chose to participate. We hosted independent candidate Ken Miyagishima, all GOP candidates, and Bregman is scheduled for Tuesday evening. They showed up, engaged, defended their records and got into the minutia of complex policies and ideas for improving New Mexico. 

Haaland chose not to. 

Her campaign said in a short email last week she was not available for this upcoming Friday’s event, but that lacks credibility given her recent track record. Haaland has repeatedly turned down opportunities to debate Bregman, including from the Journal and our media partners. She favors carefully curated campaign events and repeating talking points — “stand up to Donald Trump,” “private equity,” “Wall Street,” “billionaires” —  over conversations with critics, journalists and undecided voters. At a time when New Mexicans are deeply concerned about crime, homelessness, education, economic development and child well-being, that’s not leadership. It’s avoidance. 

A debate isn’t an inconvenience. It’s an obligation when asking for the public’s trust. 

Canceling a town hall scheduled far in advance is even worse than refusing to seriously debate Bregman, an accomplished orator and trial attorney. Journal Town Halls are public forums where we give candidates ample time to introduce themselves and their priorities and get into the weeds about why they are the best choice to move New Mexico forward. But if a candidate doesn’t have any original thoughts or plans other than parroting those told to her by campaign donors and consultants — a town hall is frightening. 

Haaland has made it clear that she plans to simply buy the Governor’s Office. She has the largest war chest by far, with more than $11 million pouring into her coffers, mainly from out-of-state donors who want to see a female Native American govern a state — damned by the results. Recent polls show she’s the primary front-runner by a large margin. Her defenders will cite those factors as a reason to avoid debates and town halls. But campaigning for the state’s top executive should be more than a lesson in risk avoidance. It should be about building trust and demonstrating leadership and thinking skills.

It’s particularly disturbing that Haaland is using this strategy because she built her political identity on representation, inclusion and giving a voice to people who feel unheard. Refusing to engage and have a conversation with the state’s largest newspaper sends a different message. It says that Haaland believes she’s too hoity-toity and important to engage with constituents who might question her and raise skepticism.

New Mexicans deserve more from a governor.

The irony is that Journal Town Halls are not partisan traps seeking gotcha moments. They’re public forums meant to inform voters. We created the series — and are working to branch out to have panels on policies and issues — as a way to practice what we preach: transparency. 

We felt that meeting with candidates for office behind closed doors in a conference room and then endorsing a candidate wasn’t fair to the candidates or our readers. We felt it hinted at an air of superiority that we know best. This was our way of showing that we’re all New Mexicans first, regardless of our political beliefs, economic status and profession. 

Haaland could still reverse course. She could reschedule her Journal Town Hall, or, better yet, agree to a Journal debate before the primary. We’ve got a venue that can open anytime, and we’re pretty sure Bregman would agree to a debate at the drop of a 10-gallon hat. But that would require her to focus more on earning the trust and not promoting her own brand. 

Behind the scenes, Haaland’s campaign originally said she could only be available for an hour on a Friday night. Then, the campaign reached out and asked that Journal columnist and Editorial Board member Jeff Tucker not be allowed on stage after he wrote a column critical of her.

We offered to take him off the stage for the Town Hall, if she agreed to debate Bregman. Then Haaland canceled 10 days before the scheduled forum.

This whole charade of a campaign does give voters an answer to one of the most repeated phrases of her stump speeches. If she doesn’t have the courage to stand up to questions from journalists, everyday New Mexicans, Tucker and her Democratic political opponent, she certainly doesn’t have the fortitude to “stand up to Donald Trump.”

The link to the Albuquerque Journal Editorial is here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/opinion/opinion-haaland-town-hall-snub-part-of-disturbing-pattern/3041702

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

The Albuquerque Journal is known to be a very conservative, a very Republican leaning publication. Likewise, opinion column writer and member of the Journal’s Editorial Board Jeff Tucker is known to be very conservative who advocates the Republican agenda. It is no surprise that Democrat Deb Haaland refused to accommodate the Albuquerque Journal given its biasness and critical treatment of so many Democrats over so many decades. The Journal biasness against Democrats includes yours truly who has been on the receiving end of very negative Albuquerque Journal articles and editorials when serving as an Albuquerque City Councilor, running for Mayor twice with 30 years in between those runs as well as service as Bernalillo County Chief Deputy District Attorney. I have never been endorsed by the Albuquerque Journal. That’s called politics and freedom of the press which demands and requires respect in our democracy.

Whether you like, or even read, the Albuquerque Journal is not the point. The fact is that the May 17 Albuquerque Journal editorial makes more than a few legitimate points, especially when the editorial says this in part:

“A debate isn’t an inconvenience. It’s an obligation when asking for the public’s trust. … New Mexicans deserve more from a governor.”

Haaland’s refusal to debate and accommodate the Albuquerque Journal and other news outlets to debate Sam Bregman is likely justified in her own mind.  After all Sam Bregman essentially did  the same thing himself many times refusing to debate in a public forum when he ran for District Attorney against former United States Attorney Damon Martinez in the Democratic primary two years ago.

Haaland’s refusal to debate is no doubt justified by her campaign staff  and political advisors likely believing a debate is way too risky for her to make mistakes notwithstanding her commanding lead in the polls and her huge lead by the millions in fundraising. Haaland likely believes there is no need to debate and confront Bregman  when she has $11 Million dollars to run slick ads.

Deb Haaland has done the Democratic Party as well all Democrats and Independents in the state’s first semi open primary a real disservice by refusing to debate Sam Bregman. This is something that Democrats and Independent voters should not forget come the June 2 primary vote regardless of who they vote for, and they must decide if it really matters at all.

Please vote June 2!

POSTSCRIPT

On Sunday, May 24,  the Albuquerque Journal, as part of its 2026 election coverage in the Democratic Primary for Governor,  published on page C3 of its editorial pages the following Local Column by prominent  Democrat and former Albuquerque Mayor Jim Baca.

HEADLINE: OPINION: Sam Bregman is the best choice for New Mexico’s future

BY: JIM BACA

New Mexico stands at a critical crossroads. As we confront a rapidly changing climate, historic droughts and an energy economy in turbulent transition, the leadership we choose for our state executive office matters more than ever.

While I respect Deb Haaland’s historic biography, she is not the best choice to lead New Mexico forward as governor. As Department of Interior secretary, she was not a decisive leader. She occupied the position and let the White House protect itself from the wrath of the energy oligarchs. That is why I, having devoted my public career to the responsible stewardship of our public lands and environment, am voting for Sam Bregman.

Throughout my career in public service — serving as the director of the Bureau of Land Management, the natural resource trustee for New Mexico, and twice as the state’s land commissioner, alongside my time as mayor of Albuquerque — I have operated under a foundational truth: Managing New Mexico’s landscape requires a person willing to enforce laws that protect public land.

Bregman has proven he can enforce laws against criminals in a very effective manner. He would fearlessly protect our natural resources in the face of threats from President Donald Trump and his administration.

First and foremost is the issue of water. In New Mexico, water isn’t just a resource; it is life itself. Our rivers, aquifers and acequias are facing unprecedented strain from prolonged desertification along with the worst drought we’ve seen in decades. As land commissioner and as Albuquerque’s mayor, I learned firsthand that protecting our water supply requires tough and sometimes unpopular decisions regarding urban growth, agricultural quotas and industrial accountability.

Now we need a leader focused on strict, science-based allocation and localized enforcement. We cannot afford a governor who doesn’t understand the unique challenges of New Mexico’s water crisis. True conservation means ensuring that our public lands remain intact for future generations while serving the public good. During my time leading the BLM, I fought hard to elevate conservation to its proper place alongside commercial interests. We are seeing a continuation of that battle today. Now it is a matter of life and death.

During the Trump administration, we have witnessed a relentless assault on our natural heritage, epitomized by federal efforts to open vast swathes of protected areas to short-term corporate exploitation. Trump’s public land policies have systematically prioritized extractive industries, sought to gut environmental reviews and actively undermined the multiuse mandate of our public acreage. New Mexico needs a governor that is tough enough to stand up to these assaults on our public lands. That is Bregman.

While the Biden-Harris administration — and the BLM itself — pushed back to correct Trump’s first-term assault on our public lands by introducing rules that placed conservation on equal footing with extraction, the Trump administration is now rolling those back. New Mexico needs a governor who can implement protections for our public lands locally without gridlocking our economy. That leader is Bregman.

We must transition to clean energy — there is no doubt about that. But that transition must be managed with extreme fiscal care. A sudden plunge of state revenue without a fully realized, diversified economic safety net will bankrupt our public education system and harm working-class families. We need a pragmatist who can bridge the gap between our current energy realities and our renewable future.

Having sat in the chairs of the land commissioner and the mayor of our largest city, I know that running New Mexico requires deep, localized executive experience. It requires understanding the complex mosaic of federal lands, state trust lands, water law and municipal budgeting.

Haaland is a politician with a compelling life story, but, at this pivotal moment, New Mexico cannot afford a governor who is not a strong leader. We need a governor strictly focused on New Mexico’s waters, New Mexico’s lands and New Mexico’s people. I am voting for Sam Bregman.

Jim Baca was the mayor of Albuquerque from 1997-2001. He went on to be New Mexico’s natural resources trustee.

The link to the Albuquerque Journal Jim Baca guest column is here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/opinion/opinion-sam-bregman-is-the-best-choice-for-new-mexicos-future/3046192

The link to a related blog article on the Democrats Sam Bregman and Deb Haaland is here:

Democratic Party Primary Gubernatorial Candidates Deb Haaland’s and Sam Bregman’s Platforms; The Two Finally Appear Together To “Discuss” And Debate Issues; Polls Recalled And Fundraising; Governor Lujan Grisham Will Not Endorse Either Candidate; Please Vote June 2!