Deb Haaland Enters 2026 New Mexico Governor Race

Deb Haaland, former Interior Secretary and the first Native American to hold a cabinet position, has officially announced her candidacy for governor of New Mexico in the 2026 election. She was the first major candidate to declare her run, potentially discouraging other candidates from entering the race. Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo, highlighted her 35 generations in New Mexico and her record in Congress and the Interior Department in her campaign video. She aims to address issues like crime, the economy, and education, and her early announcement could clear her path in the primaries. With Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham term-limited and Senator Martin Heinrich not running, Haaland is a frontrunner in the Democratic primary. No Republican candidates have announced their candidacy yet, although former Rep. Yvette Herrell and Nella Domenici might join the race.