SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Deb Haaland, known for her advocacy of conservation and clean energy, has officially announced her Democratic campaign for governor of New Mexico, marking a significant move in the state's political landscape as it stands as the second-largest oil production state in the nation.
As a member of the Laguna Pueblo and the first Native American cabinet secretary under President Joe Biden, Haaland has the potential to become the first Native American woman to serve as governor of any U.S. state. New Mexico is home to 23 federally recognized tribes, with significant areas belonging to the Navajo Nation and land of the Fort Sill Apache. Scott Forrester has confirmed his role as her campaign manager.
Current Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will be leaving office after her term ends in 2026. Notably, Democratic U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich recently declined to run in the governor’s race, and no Republican candidates have emerged so far, setting the stage for a potentially unchallenged Democratic primary.
Since the 1980s, New Mexico's governorship has alternated between Democratic and Republican control. While former President Donald Trump has gained popularity in this heavily Hispanic and Native American border state, he lost all three of his elections here. Conversely, the Democratic Party has solidified its hold on statewide offices, congressional seats, and both chambers of the state legislature.
If successful, Haaland would lead the state during a time of financial prosperity due to the booming oil production in the Permian Basin, which extends into western Texas. Her political background includes her roles as a former congresswoman, state party chair, and grassroots canvasser for President Barack Obama.
Haaland has openly criticized unrestricted oil and gas development and has shown support for the Green New Deal, a series of initiatives designed to facilitate a transition to low-carbon energy in the U.S. The Democratic lawmakers in New Mexico have implemented a progressive framework that utilizes revenue from oil and natural gas to fund initiatives like free meals in public schools, zero-tuition opportunities in colleges and trade schools, discounts on childcare, and tax incentives for families with children.
New Mexico's annual oil production has recently outpaced that of North Dakota, further illustrating its growing significance in the national energy landscape. In the previous 2022 gubernatorial race, Republican nominee Mark Ronchetti, a former television meteorologist, proposed a different strategy for oil and gas revenues, advocating for individual rebates and educational stipends aimed at enhancing early literacy. He ultimately lost to Lujan Grisham by a margin of six points.
Amid ongoing high rates of violent crime and homelessness, which have become pressing issues for the current administration, Lujan Grisham’s legislative agenda prioritizes addressing these concerns, particularly as homeless encampments have proliferated in cities along the upper Rio Grande.
In summary, with Deb Haaland entering the gubernatorial race, her campaign signals a notable focus on issues that intertwine energy policy, social equity, and environmental protection within the context of New Mexico's diverse demographics and economic landscape.
