New Mexico politics can be a bit of a wild ride, and honestly, the 2026 race is already shaping up to be a doozy. We're looking at an open seat because Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is term-limited. She’s out. That means the field is wide open, and the heavy hitters are already lining up to see who gets to move into the Governor’s Mansion in Santa Fe.
When you ask who is running for governor in nm, you aren't just looking for a list of names. You're looking at a shift in the state's entire power dynamic. This isn't a sleepy midterm; it’s a high-stakes battle for the soul of the Land of Enchantment.
The Democratic Heavyweights Throwing Their Hats In
Democrats have held the Governor's office since 2019, and the primary is usually where the real action happens in blue-leaning New Mexico.
The biggest name on the list is undoubtedly Deb Haaland. You know her as the former U.S. Secretary of the Interior—the first Native American to lead a cabinet agency. She officially launched her bid in February 2025. If she wins, she’d be making history again as the first Native American woman elected governor in the United States. She’s got the name ID and a massive fundraising machine behind her.
But she isn't running alone. Sam Bregman, the Bernalillo County District Attorney, jumped in early. He’s been a fixture in New Mexico law and politics for years. He’s positioning himself as a tough-on-crime Democrat, which might play well in Albuquerque where public safety is a massive, ongoing headache.
Then there’s Ken Miyagishima. He was the mayor of Las Cruces for sixteen years. Sixteen! That’s a long time to build a base in the southern part of the state. He’s leaning into a more "centrist" vibe, even snagging an endorsement from the Forward Party. He’s basically saying he can bridge the gap between the progressive north and the more conservative south.
The Republican Challengers Looking for an Upset
Republicans see an opening. Since Lujan Grisham can’t run again, they think they have a shot at flipping the seat if they can find the right messenger.
Gregg Hull, the Mayor of Rio Rancho, was the first Republican to jump in. He’s been running his city—the third-largest in the state—since 2014. He talks a lot about economic development and infrastructure. He’s trying to show he has the "executive experience" that a governor needs.
Steve Lanier, a State Senator from the Farmington area, is also in. He represents a very different part of the state—the oil and gas heartland. His platform is predictably focused on energy independence and rolling back some of the environmental regulations passed under the current administration.
A late entry that surprised some folks is Duke Rodriguez. He’s the CEO of Ultra Health, which is a massive cannabis company in the state. He’s also a former cabinet secretary under Gary Johnson. His platform is a bit unique, focusing heavily on healthcare and nutrition assistance.
Who Opted Out (And Why It Matters)
Sometimes who isn't running is just as interesting as who is. For a while, everyone thought U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich might go for it. He’s popular and has the resources. But he officially passed on the race early in 2025.
Raúl Torrez, the current Attorney General, also said "no thanks" to the governor's race. He's choosing to run for re-election as AG instead.
And then there's Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales. Usually, the Lt. Gov is the heir apparent, but Morales decided not to seek the top spot this time around. This effectively cleared the path for Haaland to become the clear front-runner on the Democratic side, though Bregman and Miyagishima are definitely not backing down.
What Most People Get Wrong About the NM Primary
A lot of people think the primary is just a popularity contest, but in New Mexico, it’s about the Pre-Primary Convention.
To even get on the ballot, candidates usually try to get 20% of the delegate vote at their party's state convention. If they don't get that, they have to go the "petition route," which is a massive pain and requires thousands of signatures.
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The key dates you need to keep in your calendar are:
- February 3, 2026: Filing deadline for pre-primary designation.
- June 2, 2026: The Primary Election.
- November 3, 2026: The General Election.
Key Issues Shaping the Race
It’s not just about the people; it’s about the problems. Whoever wins is inheriting some big ones.
Public Safety is the number one issue for most voters, especially in the Albuquerque metro area. Bregman is betting his whole campaign on this. On the other side, Republicans like Gregg Hull are arguing that the current Democratic leadership has been too soft on crime.
Education remains a thorn in the state's side. New Mexico consistently ranks near the bottom in national education metrics. Every candidate says they have the "fix," but voters are skeptical after decades of similar promises.
Energy and the Economy are also huge. New Mexico is flush with cash right now thanks to oil and gas revenues from the Permian Basin. But there’s a massive debate about how to transition to green energy without killing the state's golden goose. Steve Lanier is the loudest voice for the traditional energy sector here.
How to Stay Informed and Get Involved
If you're trying to keep track of who is running for governor in nm, don't just look at the TV ads. Those start way too late and are mostly fluff anyway.
Instead, follow the money. The New Mexico Secretary of State's office has a portal where you can see who is donating to whom. It tells you a lot about who a candidate is actually beholden to.
Check out the "Candidate Connection" surveys on sites like Ballotpedia closer to the election. They give the candidates a chance to answer specific policy questions in their own words.
Lastly, pay attention to the debates. In New Mexico, these often happen at local chamber of commerce meetings or university auditoriums before they ever hit the local news. They're usually way more informative than the polished TV versions.
Actionable Next Steps
- Verify your voter registration. If you’ve moved recently, New Mexico allows for same-day registration in many cases, but it’s much easier to handle it now through the Secretary of State’s website.
- Monitor campaign finance reports. The first major reports for 2026 will start trickling in soon. Look for who is getting "out-of-state" money versus local grassroots support.
- Identify your top three issues. Whether it’s the cost of housing, crime, or the environment, write them down. When candidates come to your town, ask them exactly how they plan to address those specific things.
- Mark June 2, 2026, on your calendar. In a state like New Mexico, the primary often determines the final winner. Don’t wait until November to have your say.