Deb Haaland’s historic bid for the New Mexico governorship tests whether voters will keep Democrats in charge despite persistent statewide challenges in poverty, crime, and public education. If she wins the 2026 race, she will become the first Native American woman to lead a state.
Haaland Raises $20 Million with Democratic Support
Haaland has used her national profile to raise a nearly $20 million campaign fund, backed by endorsements from high-profile Democrats including former President Barack Obama and former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren recently joined Haaland at an Albuquerque daycare center to read stories to preschoolers and promote New Mexico’s fledgling universal childcare program, which Haaland has pledged to preserve.
I have known and worked with Deb Haaland for many years, and she is a fighter on behalf of opportunities for all of our children,
Warren said during the campaign stop.
A citizen of Laguna Pueblo who once relied on government assistance as a single mother, Haaland served two years in Congress before President Joe Biden tapped her as interior secretary. Her victory could further elevate her standing within the Democratic Party, particularly after the party named New Mexico as one of the earliest states for its next presidential primary.
Gregg Hull Pitches Rio Rancho Record and Tax Cuts
Republican contender Gregg Hull, a former mayor of fast-growing Rio Rancho, argues that New Mexico is primed for a shift
and can no longer afford Democratic leadership. Hull has emphasized his record of leading Rio Rancho through a period of fast economic growth and promises to apply those lessons to attract large employers and boost worker incomes.
I think the time has come to have a leader who is going to focus on the true solutions to these problems,
Hull said.
New Mexico – Governor Polling:🔵Haaland: 41%*🔴Hull: 24%BSP / Aug 7, 2026(Current Model Result In NM-GOV Is DEM 53% – GOP 42%)https://t.co/InwL9Q8ps3
To combat poverty, Hull proposes gradually phasing out state income tax for all residents while reining in recent growth in state spending, arguing that allowing people to keep more money in their pockets is the best way to build personal wealth.
Oil and Gas Revenues Fund State Budget Reserves
New Mexico’s next governor will inherit a financial cushion built from record revenues as the nation’s No. 2 oil-producing state. Higher energy prices stemming from the conflict with Iran have provided an additional boost to the state’s substantial budget reserves and multibillion-dollar permanent funds used to pay for schools and childcare.
While Hull views this financial windfall as an opportunity to reduce New Mexicans’ tax burden by eliminating income taxes, Haaland favors doubling down on free childcare, free college tuition, and shoring up government assistance for healthcare and food following federal cuts under President Donald Trump. Haaland acknowledges the oil and gas industry’s vital role in funding the state’s social safety net, though she notes that surging energy prices have caused heartache for families facing a higher cost of living.
Voter Reactions to Economic Pressures and Leadership
Voters across New Mexico express sharply contrasting views on the candidates’ economic and public safety platforms. A.J. Rodriguez, a school security guard living in Edgewood, said he prefers Hull’s local executive experience in Rio Rancho and his stance on crime over federal credentials.
Conversely, Alfred Lujan, a 47-year-old journeyman plumber in Albuquerque, said Haaland understands life on a tight budget because of her personal setbacks and comeback story. Meanwhile, Native American voters like Generita Francisco and Angela Bahe of the Navajo Nation expressed pride in Haaland’s political rise and her pledge to help residents enroll in public health benefits, though they vowed to hold her to a high standard if elected.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New Mexico Governor Race
What historic milestone would Deb Haaland achieve by winning the governorship?
If Deb Haaland wins the race, she will become the first Native American woman to lead a state. She is a citizen of Laguna Pueblo and previously served in Congress and as U.S. interior secretary.
How do the candidates differ on state taxation?
Gregg Hull proposes gradually phasing out state income tax for all residents by reining in recent growth in state spending to help families build personal wealth. Deb Haaland favors expanding existing tax credits, doubling down on free childcare and free college tuition, and increasing spending on safety net programs.
What financial resources are available to the next governor?
As the nation’s No. 2 oil-producing state, New Mexico has accumulated substantial budget reserves and multibillion-dollar permanent funds from record oil and gas revenues, which are further boosted by higher energy prices stemming from the war with Iran.