2026 New Mexico gubernatorial election

The 2026 New Mexico gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the next governor and lieutenant governor of New Mexico. Due to term limits, incumbent Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will be ineligible to seek re-election to a third consecutive term.

Democratic primary

Governor

Candidates

Declared

Sam Bregman, Bernalillo County District Attorney (2023–present)^[1]
Deb Haaland, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior (2021–2025), former U.S. Representative from New Mexico's 1st congressional district (2019–2021), and nominee for lieutenant governor in 2014^[2]
Ken Miyagishima, former mayor of Las Cruces (2007–2023)^[3]

Declined

Teresa Leger Fernandez, U.S. representative from New Mexico's 3rd congressional district (2021–present)^[4] (endorsed Haaland)^[5]
Martin Heinrich, U.S. Senator (2013–present)^[6]
Howie Morales, Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico (2019–present) and candidate for governor in 2014^[7]
Raúl Torrez, Attorney General of New Mexico (2023–present) (running for re-election)^[8]

Endorsements

Sam Bregman

Labor unions

LiUNA local 16^[9]
Iron Workers Union Union Local 495^[10]
Albuquerque Police Officers Association^[11]
Teamsters Local 492^[12]
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1564^[13]

Deb Haaland

U.S. Senators

Ben Ray Luján, New Mexico (2021–present)^[5]

U.S. Representatives

Teresa Leger Fernandez, NM-03 (2021–present)^[5]
Melanie Stansbury, NM-01 (2021–present)^[5]
Gabe Vasquez, NM-02 (2023–present)^[5]

Individuals

Dolores Huerta, civil rights icon and labor leader^[14]
Jonathan Nez, former President of the Navajo Nation (2019–2023)^[15]

Organizations

Conservation Voters New Mexico^[16]
EMILY's List^[17]

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size^[a]	Margin of error	Sam Bregman	Deb Haaland	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling (D)^[18]	December 4–5, 2024	557 (LV)	–	18%	50%	6%^[b]	27%

Lieutenant governor

Candidates

Declared

Stephanie Garcia Richard, New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands (2019–present)^[19]

Filed paperwork

Harold Pope Jr., state senator^[20]

Republican primary

Governor

Candidates

Declared

Gregg Hull, mayor of Rio Rancho (2014–present)^[21]

Filed paperwork

Brian Cillessen, business development consultant^[22]
Duke Rodriguez, former secretary of the New Mexico Human Services Department (decision expected in summer 2025)^[23]

Publicly expressed interest

Mark Murphy, state representative from the 59th district (2025–present)^[23]
Judith Nakamura, former Chief Justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court (2017–2020)^[24]

Potential

Yvette Herrell, former U.S. representative from New Mexico's 2nd congressional district (2021–2023)^[25]
Susana Martinez, former governor of New Mexico (2011–2019)^[26]
Mark Ronchetti, former KRQE meteorologist, nominee for governor in 2022, and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2020^[27]
John Sanchez, former Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico (2011–2019) and nominee for governor in 2002^[28]

Declined

John Block, state representative from the 51st district (2023–present)^[4]
Crystal Brantley, state senator from the 35th district (2021–present)^[4]
Nella Domenici, former CFO of Bridgewater Associates, daughter of former U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2024^[29]

Lieutenant governor

Candidates

Declared

Manuel Lardizabal, business owner and nominee for SD-26 in 2020^[30]

Independents

Governor

Candidates

Filed paperwork

Gene Pettit, retired law enforcement officer ^[31]
Trevor Levendowski, Senior Executive, Defense Contractor

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
The Cook Political Report^[32]	Likely D	January 23, 2025
Inside Elections^[33]	Battleground	February 6, 2025
Sabato's Crystal Ball^[34]	Likely D	May 1, 2025
Race to the WH^[35]	Tilt D	June 30, 2025

Notes

^ Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear
^ Laura Montoya with 6%

References

^ Rodriguez, Vince (April 10, 2025). "Sam Bregman announces candidacy for Governor in 2026 election". KOAT-TV. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
^ Boyd, Dan (February 11, 2025). "With 2026 campaign cycle approaching, Deb Haaland officially launches gubernatorial bid". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
^ Burge, Dave (May 27, 2025). "Former Las Cruces mayor to run for New Mexico governor". KTSM-TV. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
^ ^a ^b ^c Nott, Robert (March 24, 2023). "Some lawmakers already gearing up for 2026 governor's race". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Downs, Garrett (February 14, 2025). "Heinrich declines to endorse Haaland for New Mexico governor". E&E News. Politico. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
^ Everett, Burgess (January 24, 2025). "Democratic Sen. Heinrich passes on governor's race". Semafor. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
^ Simonich, Milan (June 8, 2025). "Democrat Howie Morales will not run for governor of New Mexico". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved June 8, 2025.
^ Chacón, Daniel J. (February 11, 2025). "Deb Haaland officially launches campaign for New Mexico governor". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved February 13, 2025. Attorney General Raúl Torrez, who has also been mentioned as a possible contender, said a campaign for governor isn't in the cards...Torrez said in a statement later he intends to run for reelection as attorney general.
^ "LiUNA Local 16 endorses Sam Bregman". Retrieved May 20, 2025.
^ "Iron Workers Union Union Local 495 endorses Sam Bregman". Retrieved May 12, 2025.
^ "Albuquerque Police Officers Association endorses Sam Bregman". Instagram. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
^ "Teamsters Local 492 endorses Sam Bregman". Instagram. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
^ "UFCW endorses Sam Bregman". Instagram. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
^ Clark, Chris (April 7, 2025). "Civil Rights Icon Dolores Huerta Endorses Deb Haaland". ladailypost.com. Daily Post Los Alamos. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
^ Nez, Jonathan (May 12, 2025). "I've had the honor of working alongside my good friend, Deb Haaland. Over the years she has worked tirelessly to make her home, New Mexico stronger. From the halls of Congress to the Department of Interior, she has worked for all of New Mexico. Deb has the lived experience and executive leadership to bring real change to New Mexico. That is why I have endorsed Deb for Governor of New Mexico. I believe she's the experienced leader to fight for the change that all New Mexicans need and deserve". Facebook. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
^ Foster, Demis; Taylor, Molly (May 2, 2025). "CVNM Action Fund Endorses Deb Haaland for Governor – Conservation Voters New Mexico". Conservation Voter New Mexico (CVNM) Action Fund. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
^ Mackler, Jessica (February 12, 2025). "EMILYs List Endorses Former U.S. Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland for Governor of New Mexico". EMILYs List. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
^ Monahan, Joe (April 1, 2025). "Haaland Camp Sharpens Knives As Bregman Preps Entry Into '26 Guv Race; Battle Lines Drawn Between Progressives And Moderates, Also: La Politica's Bill O'Neill Dies In Santa Fe". New Mexico Politics with Joe Monahan. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
^ Clark, Carol A. (March 20, 2025). "Stephanie Garcia Richard Announces Bid For Lt. Governor". Los Alamos Daily Post. Retrieved March 20, 2025.
^ Ross, Alex (July 2, 2025). "State senator advances possible bid for lieutenant governor". Roswell Daily Record. Retrieved July 8, 2025. When reached for comment about a possible campaign, Pope told the Roswell Daily Record in a text message that he was 'still putting things in place' for a campaign launch
^ Hendricks, Kevin (April 15, 2025). "Rio Rancho mayor will join race for GOP nomination for governor". New Mexico Political Report. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
^ "Candidate Explorer – Brian Gregory Cillessen". New Mexico Secretary of State. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
^ ^a ^b Simonich, Milan (June 12, 2025). "Unelected legislator considers running for governor". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
^ Howard, Corey (February 11, 2025). "Deb Haaland becomes first candidate for governor, who else may run". KOAT-TV. Retrieved February 13, 2025. Gregg Hull, the mayor of Rio Rancho, and Judith Nakamura, a former state supreme court justice, are two potential Republican candidates. Both have told Action 7 News they are considering a run for governor
^ Monahan, Joe (January 26, 2025). "Heinrich Stays Put; Rules Out Guv Run As Potential For More DC Power Grows; Haaland Remains Frontrunner For Dem Nod But Watch Is On For Other Contenders; Poll Floated Showing Her Trouncing Bregman In Match-Up". New Mexico Politics With Joe Monahan. Retrieved January 30, 2025 – via Blogspot. Other Republican possibles include...former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell.
^ Chacón, Daniel (June 22, 2025). "The Roundhouse Report: Susana for governor in 2026?". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved June 24, 2025 – via Yahoo News.
^ Tucker, Jeff (May 31, 2025). "OPINION: Unleashed primary voters bode well for centrists, Bregman campaign". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
^ Monahan, Joe (January 14, 2025). "GOP List Of Possible Guv Contenders Adds A Familiar Name; Former Lt. Gov. John Sanchez Takes A Look At A Run That Could Shake Up The Field". New Mexico Politics with Joe Monahan. Retrieved January 15, 2025 – via Blogspot.
^ Ross, Alex (April 14, 2025). "Nella Domenici opts against 2026 run for governor, statewide office". Roswell Daily Record. Retrieved April 14, 2025.
^ Prokop, Danielle (April 30, 2025). "Two candidates toss in names for 2026 lieutenant governor race". Source New Mexico. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
^ https://login.cfis.sos.state.nm.us/index.html#/exploreDetails/NhQZ1hSS7fDiuOZ-mgSgiX1lK5MpzTLbNw12UnzEQ-I1/5/0/125/2026
^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
^ "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
^ "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.

External links

Official gubernatorial campaign websites

Official lieutenant gubernatorial campaign websites

Stephanie Garcia Richard (D) for Lieutenant Governor

[Key-18] Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear

[20] Laura Montoya with 6%

[1] Rodriguez, Vince (April 10, 2025). "Sam Bregman announces candidacy for Governor in 2026 election". KOAT-TV. Retrieved April 10, 2025.

[2] Boyd, Dan (February 11, 2025). "With 2026 campaign cycle approaching, Deb Haaland officially launches gubernatorial bid". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved February 11, 2025.

[3] Burge, Dave (May 27, 2025). "Former Las Cruces mayor to run for New Mexico governor". KTSM-TV. Retrieved May 27, 2025.

[GearingUp-4] Nott, Robert (March 24, 2023). "Some lawmakers already gearing up for 2026 governor's race". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved March 30, 2023.

[NM1-5] Downs, Garrett (February 14, 2025). "Heinrich declines to endorse Haaland for New Mexico governor". E&E News. Politico. Retrieved February 14, 2025.

[6] Everett, Burgess (January 24, 2025). "Democratic Sen. Heinrich passes on governor's race". Semafor. Retrieved January 24, 2025.

[7] Simonich, Milan (June 8, 2025). "Democrat Howie Morales will not run for governor of New Mexico". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved June 8, 2025.

[8] Chacón, Daniel J. (February 11, 2025). "Deb Haaland officially launches campaign for New Mexico governor". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved February 13, 2025. Attorney General Raúl Torrez, who has also been mentioned as a possible contender, said a campaign for governor isn't in the cards...Torrez said in a statement later he intends to run for reelection as attorney general.

[9] "LiUNA Local 16 endorses Sam Bregman". Retrieved May 20, 2025.

[10] "Iron Workers Union Union Local 495 endorses Sam Bregman". Retrieved May 12, 2025.

[11] "Albuquerque Police Officers Association endorses Sam Bregman". Instagram. Retrieved May 15, 2025.

[12] "Teamsters Local 492 endorses Sam Bregman". Instagram. Retrieved May 15, 2025.

[13] "UFCW endorses Sam Bregman". Instagram. Retrieved May 15, 2025.

[14] Clark, Chris (April 7, 2025). "Civil Rights Icon Dolores Huerta Endorses Deb Haaland". ladailypost.com. Daily Post Los Alamos. Retrieved May 6, 2025.

[15] Nez, Jonathan (May 12, 2025). "I've had the honor of working alongside my good friend, Deb Haaland. Over the years she has worked tirelessly to make her home, New Mexico stronger. From the halls of Congress to the Department of Interior, she has worked for all of New Mexico. Deb has the lived experience and executive leadership to bring real change to New Mexico. That is why I have endorsed Deb for Governor of New Mexico. I believe she's the experienced leader to fight for the change that all New Mexicans need and deserve". Facebook. Retrieved May 20, 2025.

[16] Foster, Demis; Taylor, Molly (May 2, 2025). "CVNM Action Fund Endorses Deb Haaland for Governor – Conservation Voters New Mexico". Conservation Voter New Mexico (CVNM) Action Fund. Retrieved May 6, 2025.

[17] Mackler, Jessica (February 12, 2025). "EMILYs List Endorses Former U.S. Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland for Governor of New Mexico". EMILYs List. Retrieved February 13, 2025.

[19] Monahan, Joe (April 1, 2025). "Haaland Camp Sharpens Knives As Bregman Preps Entry Into '26 Guv Race; Battle Lines Drawn Between Progressives And Moderates, Also: La Politica's Bill O'Neill Dies In Santa Fe". New Mexico Politics with Joe Monahan. Retrieved June 22, 2025.

[21] Clark, Carol A. (March 20, 2025). "Stephanie Garcia Richard Announces Bid For Lt. Governor". Los Alamos Daily Post. Retrieved March 20, 2025.

[22] Ross, Alex (July 2, 2025). "State senator advances possible bid for lieutenant governor". Roswell Daily Record. Retrieved July 8, 2025. When reached for comment about a possible campaign, Pope told the Roswell Daily Record in a text message that he was 'still putting things in place' for a campaign launch

[23] Hendricks, Kevin (April 15, 2025). "Rio Rancho mayor will join race for GOP nomination for governor". New Mexico Political Report. Retrieved April 15, 2025.

[NM-SOS-24] "Candidate Explorer – Brian Gregory Cillessen". New Mexico Secretary of State. Retrieved May 15, 2025.

[unelected-25] Simonich, Milan (June 12, 2025). "Unelected legislator considers running for governor". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved June 18, 2025.

[26] Howard, Corey (February 11, 2025). "Deb Haaland becomes first candidate for governor, who else may run". KOAT-TV. Retrieved February 13, 2025. Gregg Hull, the mayor of Rio Rancho, and Judith Nakamura, a former state supreme court justice, are two potential Republican candidates. Both have told Action 7 News they are considering a run for governor

[27] Monahan, Joe (January 26, 2025). "Heinrich Stays Put; Rules Out Guv Run As Potential For More DC Power Grows; Haaland Remains Frontrunner For Dem Nod But Watch Is On For Other Contenders; Poll Floated Showing Her Trouncing Bregman In Match-Up". New Mexico Politics With Joe Monahan. Retrieved January 30, 2025 – via Blogspot. Other Republican possibles include...former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell.

[28] Chacón, Daniel (June 22, 2025). "The Roundhouse Report: Susana for governor in 2026?". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved June 24, 2025 – via Yahoo News.

[29] Tucker, Jeff (May 31, 2025). "OPINION: Unleashed primary voters bode well for centrists, Bregman campaign". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved June 4, 2025.

[30] Monahan, Joe (January 14, 2025). "GOP List Of Possible Guv Contenders Adds A Familiar Name; Former Lt. Gov. John Sanchez Takes A Look At A Run That Could Shake Up The Field". New Mexico Politics with Joe Monahan. Retrieved January 15, 2025 – via Blogspot.

[31] Ross, Alex (April 14, 2025). "Nella Domenici opts against 2026 run for governor, statewide office". Roswell Daily Record. Retrieved April 14, 2025.

[32] Prokop, Danielle (April 30, 2025). "Two candidates toss in names for 2026 lieutenant governor race". Source New Mexico. Retrieved April 30, 2025.

[33] ttps://login.cfis.sos.state.nm.us/index.html#/exploreDetails/NhQZ1hSS7fDiuOZ-mgSgiX1lK5MpzTLbNw12UnzEQ-I1/5/0/125/2026

[34] "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.

[35] "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.

[36] "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.

[37] "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.

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2026 New Mexico gubernatorial election

Democratic primary

Governor

Candidates

Declared

Declined

Endorsements

Polling

Lieutenant governor

Candidates

Declared

Filed paperwork

Republican primary

Governor

Candidates

Declared

Filed paperwork

Publicly expressed interest

Potential

Declined

Lieutenant governor

Candidates

Declared

Independents

Governor

Candidates

Filed paperwork

General election

Predictions

See also

Notes

References

External links