Deb Haaland, the former Interior secretary known for her advocacy of conservation and clean energy, has declared her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for governor in New Mexico. If successful, she could become the first Native American woman to serve as governor in any state.
New Mexico, a significant oil-producing state, is home to 23 federally recognized tribes, including parts of the Navajo Nation and the Fort Sill Apache.
Haaland is the first candidate to kickstart her campaign for the upcoming election, as current Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will be termed out of office in 2026. Notably, Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich has opted out of the gubernatorial race, and no Republican contenders have yet announced their candidacy.
Haaland has appointed Scott Forrester as her campaign manager and is in the process of assembling a team of experienced political strategists. While formal paperwork is pending with the secretary of state, Haaland's bid marks the beginning of what is expected to be a lengthy campaign.
New Mexico's political landscape has seen shifts between Democratic and Republican control since the 1980s. Despite former President Donald Trump's popularity in the state, Democrats currently hold sway over all elected statewide offices, congressional seats, and the state legislature.
Haaland's stance on oil and gas development and her support for the Green New Deal are likely to be focal points of her campaign. The state's significant oil production from the Permian Basin, coupled with Haaland's conservation efforts, presents a complex challenge in balancing economic growth with environmental concerns.
New Mexico's Democratic lawmakers have outlined progressive plans for utilizing the state's oil revenues to fund various social programs, including free school meals, tuition-free education, and childcare subsidies. In contrast, the Republican nominee in the previous gubernatorial race proposed individual rebates and educational stipends to enhance early literacy.
As the campaign unfolds, Haaland's approach to managing the state's financial windfall and her vision for New Mexico's future will be closely scrutinized by voters.
