Lieutenant Governor New Mexico in Statewide, New Mexico

2026 Primary Election

• Maggie Toulouse Oliver — Incumbent New Mexico Secretary of State in NM

  Maggie Toulouse Oliver currently serves as New Mexico's Secretary of State, an office she has held since 2016. Her public service career began in 2007 as Bernalillo County Clerk. She holds both a B.A. and M.A. in political science from the University of New Mexico. As Secretary of State, she has focused on modernizing elections, expanding voter access, and strengthening ethics. She is now running for Lieutenant Governor to fight for transparency, fairness, and to prioritize the needs of New Mexicans.

• Harold James Pope, Jr — Incumbent New Mexico State Senator in Albuquerque, NM

  Harold James Pope Jr. is an incumbent Democratic New Mexico State Senator for District 23, serving since 2021 and reelected in 2024. A retired United States Air Force officer, he announced his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico in the 2026 Democratic primary, stating a desire to "do more" and bring his talents to an executive position. His policy priorities center on protecting people, the environment, democracy, and fundamental rights. He also advocates for an economy that invests in higher wages, quality jobs, better schools, and affordable healthcare. If elected, he would make history as the first African American Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico.

• David M Gallegos — Incumbent New Mexico State Senator in NM

  David M. Gallegos is a Republican candidate for New Mexico Lieutenant Governor in the 2026 primary election. He currently serves as a member of the New Mexico State Senate, representing District 41 since 2021, and previously served in the New Mexico House for eight years. Gallegos's platform focuses on protecting working families, defending energy jobs, and securing the border. He advocates for law enforcement support, stronger border enforcement against drug and human trafficking, American energy independence, and reducing regulations to boost the private sector. He also champions empowering parents in education and improving school accountability, aiming to bring principled leadership to Santa Fe.

• Manuel (manny) Lardizabal — Pastor and small business owner in Albuquerque, NM

  Manuel "Manny" Lardizabal, a Republican, is running for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico in 2026. A pastor, investor, and small business owner since 2004, he has also worked for the New Mexico Department of Corrections and supervised group homes for troubled young people, seniors, and people with disabilities. He advocates for school choice, including vouchers, and emphasizes parents as primary decision-makers in education. Lardizabal believes his personal relationships and business experience offer unique insights into the state's issues. He also highlights his Hispanic heritage as an asset to balance the ticket.

• Aubrey Blair Dunn — Attorney in Albuquerque, NM

  Aubrey Blair Dunn, a Republican attorney from Albuquerque, is running for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico in the June 2, 2026 primary. He earned degrees from New Mexico State University (2004) and the University of New Mexico (2007). Dunn advocates for economic competitiveness by reducing state government, eliminating income tax and GRT, and easing regulations. He also seeks drastic education reform to better prepare students for the workforce. In a notable move, he and gubernatorial candidate Duke Rodriguez have exchanged cross-endorsements, aiming to engage all voters, including unaffiliated voters participating in New Mexico's semi-open primary for the first time.