Governor New Mexico in Statewide, New Mexico

2026 Primary Election

• Deb Haaland — Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior in NM

  Deb Haaland, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and Congresswoman, is a Democratic candidate for New Mexico Governor in 2026. The first Native American Cabinet secretary and a Laguna Pueblo member, she aims to succeed term-limited Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Her platform prioritizes lowering costs, improving education, strengthening public safety, and expanding healthcare. Haaland highlights her federal service experience, managing a large agency, and commitment to addressing New Mexicans' struggles with the cost of living, stating, "It’s expensive to be poor." She also champions bison conservation and Native participation in land management.

• Sam Bregman — Incumbent Bernalillo County District Attorney in NM

  Sam Bregman, a Democratic candidate for Governor of New Mexico in the 2026 primary, currently serves as the Bernalillo County District Attorney, a position he assumed in 2023. He announced his gubernatorial bid in April 2025, campaigning on reversing New Mexico’s low rankings in education and high crime rates. Bregman advocates for a prosperous economy, improved healthcare access, and addressing high truancy rates, having released a detailed 189-page policy plan. He frames himself as a pragmatic choice, challenging his primary opponent Deb Haaland to debates and arguing he can best defend the state against national political extremism, including the "radical left." He has received an endorsement from the Jicarilla Apache.

• Greggory D Hull — Entrepreneur in Rio Rancho, NM

  Gregg Hull, a Republican and former Rio Rancho Mayor, is running for New Mexico Governor in the June 2, 2026, primary. An entrepreneur and longtime Rio Rancho resident, he led the city through significant population and economic growth. Hull's platform focuses on reforming the state's education system, bolstering the economy, improving public safety, and investing in infrastructure. He advocates for careful management of state resources like Medicaid and Medicare to benefit rural areas and the vulnerable. Hull aims to bring Rio Rancho's success to New Mexico, vowing a campaign focused on issues.

• Doug W Turner — Founder and CEO, DW Turner, Inc. in Albuquerque, NM

  Doug W. Turner, an Albuquerque native, is a Republican candidate for New Mexico Governor in the 2026 primary election. As Founder and CEO of DW Turner, Inc., a strategic communications firm, he brings extensive political experience, including serving as state director for Governor Gary Johnson and Deputy Political Director for Steve Forbes' 2000 presidential campaign. His "Turner Turnaround" platform aims to build stronger communities, lower crime, and ensure prosperity, asserting that current leadership has failed. He advocates for expanding career pathways to enhance public safety, implementing parental choice in education, and championing pro-growth policies to create jobs and strengthen New Mexico's economy.

• Duke Rodriguez — Chief executive at Ultra Health LLC in Albuquerque, NM

  Duke Rodriguez, a Republican candidate for New Mexico Governor in the 2026 primary, offers a diverse background. He began as a migrant field worker, eventually becoming COO of Lovelace Health System and Secretary of the Human Services Department under Gov. Gary Johnson. The 68-year-old now leads Ultra Health, New Mexico's largest cannabis company. Rodriguez's platform emphasizes making New Mexico the top oil and gas producer nationally, proposing an energy secretary in the southeast focused on infrastructure and refinery partnerships. He also prioritizes improving the state's healthcare system and physician shortage, aiming to be a "health care governor." Rodriguez self-funds his campaign and faces Gregg Hull and Doug Turner on June 2, 2026.

• Belinda Robertson — Businesswoman in Las Cruces, NM

  Belinda Robertson, a Republican, is running for Governor of New Mexico in the 2026 election. She earned a bachelor's degree from New Mexico State University in 2011 and has career experience as a director of business development, businesswoman, fitness instructor, and personnel trainer. Robertson has advocated for a 40 percent increase in funding to Police Departments and a return of immunity for law enforcement. She filed paperwork for the Republican primary but was subsequently disqualified. Robertson has publicly disputed this disqualification, accusing the Secretary of State's office of removing her as a candidate and filing an emergency petition. She also completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

• Steve D Lanier — Incumbent State Senator in Aztec, NM

  Steve D. Lanier, born in Aztec, New Mexico, is a current member of the New Mexico State Senate, representing District 2 since January 2025. He previously served on the San Juan County Commission after a distinguished 28-year career as a teacher and coach at Aztec High School. Lanier earned his bachelor's degree from Western New Mexico University. As a legislator, he serves on key committees including Senate Finance and the Legislative Finance Committee, focusing on public school capital outlay and economic development. He announced his candidacy for the 2026 Republican primary for New Mexico governor, aiming to rebuild trust in government, support rural communities, enhance education, and foster safe, prosperous neighborhoods. However, he was subsequently disqualified from the Republican primary ballot for not submitting a new declaration of candidacy.

• James F Ellison — Principal Grid Analyst in NM

  James F. Ellison, a Republican from New Mexico, campaigned for Governor in 2026, vowing to reduce electricity costs and counteract policies he believes increase the cost of living and risk turning the state into "another California." He criticized the zero-carbon mandate and Community Solar Act. Ellison, who previously identified as a Democrat before registering Republican in 2025, served on the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission from 2023-2024. Though disqualified from the Republican primary for Governor, he is also running as a write-in candidate for State Treasurer. His background includes degrees from Clemson, MIT, and Stanford, and professional roles as an electric utility analyst, engineer, and principal grid analyst.