Former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has secured the Democratic nomination for governor of New Mexico following Tuesday’s (June 2) primary election. Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe, won decisively with 72% of the vote, defeating Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman. If elected in November, Haaland would become the first Indigenous woman to serve as governor of New Mexico.
Haaland’s campaign focused on lowering costs for healthcare, education, and community safety. She emphasized her personal experiences, stating, “I’ve been through hard times. I’m a single mom, I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck, I survived off SNAP and WIC.” Haaland, who served as the 54th U.S. Secretary of the Interior, was one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress.
Her opponent, Bregman, garnered 27.7% of the vote and expressed his commitment to New Mexico’s future despite the loss. He stated, “We didn’t even come close to the results we wanted. But here’s the thing, at the end of the day, don’t you lose hope, New Mexico.”
In the Republican primary, former Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull emerged victorious over Doug Turner and Duke Rodriguez. Hull will face Haaland in the general election on November 3.
Haaland has pledged to combat rising healthcare costs, oppose President Donald Trump’s Medicaid cuts, and overhaul the state’s child welfare agency. She launched her campaign in February 2025 and has consistently advocated for a better New Mexico. During her victory speech, Haaland reached out to Democrats, independents, and Republicans, stating, “If I didn’t earn your vote this primary election, I want you to know I’m going to work every day to earn it now.”
Haaland’s victory marks a significant step towards potential historic leadership in New Mexico. As she moves forward, she remains committed to addressing the challenges facing New Mexicans and building a more prosperous state.
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