Commissioner of Public Lands New Mexico in Statewide, New Mexico

2026 Primary Election

• Juan De Jesus Sanchez, Iii — Candidate for Commissioner of Public Lands in NM

  Juan de Jesus Sanchez III, 34, is a 13th-generation New Mexican from a ranching family near Belen that relied on State Trust Land. He worked as a natural resources specialist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the New Mexico Acequia Commission, and served as political director for U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich. Sanchez, a former vice chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, is running for Commissioner of Public Lands. He advocates for balancing revenue, especially from oil and gas, with environmental protection. His priorities include diversifying revenue streams with renewable energy like geothermal, creating rural jobs, and collaborating with tribal and traditional land-based communities to protect resources. He holds a bachelor's degree from New Mexico Highlands University.

• Matthew Mcqueen — Incumbent State Representative in Galisteo, NM

  Matthew McQueen is a New Mexico State Representative and an attorney, currently serving his sixth term since first being elected in 2015. He has chaired key legislative committees including House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources, and Water & Natural Resources. McQueen is running for Commissioner of Public Lands in 2026, aiming to balance responsible development with conservation of the state’s 9 million acres. His platform includes increasing wildlife protections, advancing renewable energy, holding the oil and gas industry accountable, and ensuring sustained revenue for public education. He is endorsed by major conservation groups, recognized for his strong environmental record.

• Jonas Moya — Rancher in NM

  Jonas Moya is a fourth-generation rancher from New Mexico, raised on his grandmother's farm in Tucumcari. He earned a degree in Agricultural Economics and Business from New Mexico State University. Moya previously served as New Mexico's State Director for the Farm Service Agency under President Joe Biden, where he managed a multimillion-dollar budget and focused on supporting rural communities. He is running for New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands in the 2026 Democratic primary to protect lands and ensure public resources serve the people. He aims to continue the Land Office's momentum, prioritize customer service, and balance energy development with environmental stewardship.

• Michael Jack Perry — County Commissioner in NM

  Michael Perry is a Republican candidate for New Mexico State Land Commissioner in the 2026 primary. A Roswell native and current Chaves County Commissioner, he offers extensive experience in land management. Perry is a retired game warden, serving 22 years in the game and fish department with a degree in wildlife management and criminology. He previously served as Assistant Land Commissioner from 2016-2019. Perry champions conservation and wise use of natural resources, aiming for healthy forests and lands. He supports balancing agriculture, energy, and conservation with tailored policies. Perry advocates for equal standards for all energy producers, including comparable royalties, reclamation funds, and accountability for clean energy to safeguard trust lands and taxpayers.