Who’s on the ballot for New Mexico Governor 2026?
The 2026 New Mexico gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. This open-seat contest follows Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham reaching her term limit and being ineligible for re-election. Voters will choose both a new Governor and Lieutenant Governor for the state. This article breaks down every candidate and helps readers understand the 2026 New Mexico Governor election and how the process works.
Who’s Running in the 2026 New Mexico Governor Election?
New Mexico voters will elect their next Governor in November 2026. The current Democratic Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, is term-limited and cannot run again after consecutive terms in office. This results in an open-seat race for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, with both major parties fielding a range of candidates. According to leading race analysts, the contest is classified as ‘likely Democratic,’ reflecting current voting trends and forecasts, but the outcome will ultimately be decided by voters. The 2026 New Mexico Governor election will be a pivotal event, shaping the state’s executive leadership for the coming years.
Candidates in the 2026 New Mexico Governor Election
Democratic Candidates:
– Deb Haaland: Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior (2021–2025) and former U.S. Representative from New Mexico’s 1st congressional district (2019–2021). Haaland is officially declared and has filed for the race. Her campaign has received endorsements from individuals and organizations such as Lynn Trujillo, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján and Tom Udall, various U.S. Representatives, state legislators, tribal nations (Zuni, Jemez, Santo Domingo, and Picuris Pueblos), labor leaders like Dolores Huerta, and advocacy groups including EMILY’s List, Planned Parenthood New Mexico, and the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, according to the provided data. Key issues mentioned for her include water conservation and the future vision for New Mexico communities. She reported raising $3.7 million as of May 2025.
– Sam Bregman: Currently the Bernalillo County District Attorney (2023–present), Bregman is officially declared and has filed for the race. He has received endorsements from Sandia Pueblo, Jicarilla Apache, law enforcement, and various labor unions according to the summary. His campaign reported raising over $1 million by May 2025.
– Ken Miyagishima: Former mayor of Las Cruces (2007–2023). Miyagishima is officially declared and has filed. No fundraising or endorsement data was provided.
Republican Candidates:
– Gregg Hull: Mayor of Rio Rancho since 2014. Hull is officially declared and has filed, reporting campaign fundraising of $206,000.
– Steve Lanier: State senator from the 2nd district (2025–present), Lanier is officially declared. Fundraising and endorsement information is not specified.
– Brian Cillessen: Business development consultant who has filed, with no official declaration. No financial disclosures reported. – Belinda Robertson: Fitness instructor who has filed, but is not an officially declared candidate as of the latest reporting.
– Duke Rodriguez: Former Secretary of the New Mexico Human Services Department, CEO of Ultra Heath Cannabis, and former cabinet secretary for former Governor Gary Johnson. His status is listed as rumored. Rodriguez has received endorsements from Gary Johnson and raised issues such as free enterprise, economics, crime reduction, and poverty in New Mexico.
Independent and Other Candidates:
– Gene Pettit: Retired law enforcement officer and nondenominational pastor from Radium Springs. Pettit, age 63, is a first-time candidate and has filed as an independent. One stated key issue is “bringing God back into the state.”
2026 New Mexico Gubernatorial Election Details
The 2026 New Mexico gubernatorial election will determine the next Governor and Lieutenant Governor of the state. The contest is open after Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham reached her term limit and cannot seek re-election. Both major parties are holding primaries featuring multiple declared candidates. The Democratic primary includes candidates such as Sam Bregman, Deb Haaland, and Ken Miyagishima. Notably, several Democrats, including U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales, and Attorney General Raúl Torrez, have declined to run, with some seeking other offices or providing endorsements. The Republican primary features Gregg Hull and Steve Lanier, with additional candidates at various stages of declaration and filing. Endorsements are split among various tribal nations and organizations, particularly within the Democratic primary. Public Policy Polling in December 2024 reported significant support for Haaland. In addition to party nominees, at least one Independent candidate, Gene Pettit, has filed for the open seat. Fundraising reports are issued at regular intervals, and the general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Polling and Outlook for the 2026 New Mexico Governor Race
The most recent available polling data from Public Policy Polling, December 2024, indicates that Deb Haaland leads among likely Democratic voters with 50%. Sam Bregman follows at 18%, while 6% support other candidates, and 27% of respondents remain undecided. This data illustrates a competitive field with a noteworthy proportion of undecided voters in the Democratic primary. Political analysis organizations, including The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato’s Crystal Ball, and Race to the WH, rate the general election as ‘likely Democratic.’ This assessment is based on recent voting patterns in New Mexico and the current lineup of candidates. No specific polling was reported for the Republican or Independent fields as of the latest summaries. Both major party primaries remain active, with ongoing candidate filings, fundraising reports, and developing campaign activity.
Key Issues in the 2026 New Mexico Governor Race
Key issues in the 2026 New Mexico Governor election include water conservation and wise water use, highlighted by Democratic candidate Deb Haaland. Public safety and crime reduction have been noted by Republican candidate Duke Rodriguez, who also stresses economic priorities such as free enterprise and reducing poverty in the state. Other general campaign themes include early fundraising activity, campaign finance, and party dynamics, including trends involving unaffiliated voters. The election will also be influenced by party endorsements, candidate fundraising, and evolving voter registration data. Candidates are addressing a range of topics with the potential to shape the state’s policy direction in coming years.
Partner with Sutton & Smart for Your Campaign
Are you working on a political campaign, voter outreach, or advocacy initiative for the 2026 New Mexico Governor’s race? Sutton & Smart offers professional petition gathering, canvassing, voter contact, and consulting services to help your team achieve its goals.
https://sourcenm.com/2025/10/16/nm-primary-election-candidates-report-latest-donations/
https://www.sos.nm.gov/voting-and-elections/voter-information-portal-nmvote-org/election-ethics-and-voter-complaints/
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Jon Sutton
An expert in management, strategy, and field organizing, Jon has been a frequent commentator in national publications.
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