Deb Haaland looks to make history again — this time as governor of New Mexico

July 30, 2025

Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has announced her candidacy for governor of New Mexico, aiming to become the first Native American woman elected governor in U.S. history. Haaland, who already made history as one of the first Native American women in Congress and as the first Native American Cabinet secretary, will compete in the Democratic primary against Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman and former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima. The Democratic nominee will likely have an advantage in the general election, as New Mexico consistently votes Democratic despite being rural with high poverty rates.

Who is affected

New Mexico voters and residents
Native American communities
Democratic and Republican parties in New Mexico
Current state leadership under term-limited Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

What action is being taken

Deb Haaland is running for governor of New Mexico
Multiple candidates are entering the Democratic primary race, including Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman and former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima
Rio Rancho Mayor Greg Hull is seeking the Republican nomination
Campaigns are organizing for the 2026 gubernatorial elections

Why it matters

Haaland could potentially make history as the first Native American woman elected governor in U.S. history
The race represents a continuation of Democratic leadership in New Mexico following term-limited Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
New Mexico's consistent Democratic voting pattern despite being rural with high poverty rates makes it a political outlier
The 2026 gubernatorial elections include races in key battleground states that could shift the balance of power

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The 19th