Former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination for New Mexico governor in a decisive primary victory over Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman. Meanwhile, Gregg Hull, the former mayor of Rio Rancho, secured the Republican nomination after defeating two rivals in a three-way race. The November 3 general election will pit Haaland, a former Biden administration official, against Hull, who has promised to focus on lowering energy costs and supporting the oil and gas industry.
Haaland’s Path to Nomination
Haaland, who served as Interior Secretary during President Biden’s term, led the Democratic primary with 78.3% of the vote to Bregman’s 21.7%, according to early results. She was backed by prominent Democrats, including Sen. Ben Ray Lujan and ex-Sen. Tom Udall. Haaland emphasized her personal struggles and policy goals, including opposing Medicaid cuts, boosting healthcare affordability, and overhauling the state’s child welfare system. Her campaign raised significant funds, overwhelming the New Mexico Secretary of State’s website with finance reports.
Hull’s Victory and Campaign Promises
Hull, who served as Rio Rancho’s mayor for 12 years, won the Republican nomination with a margin of over 10,000 votes in a three-way race. He defeated public relations professional Doug Turner and former healthcare executive Duke Rodriguez. Hull vowed to present voters with “a real choice” in November, focusing on lowering energy costs, supporting the oil and gas industry, improving education, and reducing crime. He also called for party unity, urging Republicans to reach out to those who did not support him in the primary.
The General Election Showdown
The November race will feature Haaland, a progressive Democrat with federal experience, against Hull, a Republican who has positioned himself as a champion of economic growth and energy sector support. Haaland has framed her campaign around economic fairness and social welfare, while Hull has emphasized job creation and energy policy. Both candidates have highlighted their personal backgrounds—Haaland as a single mother who relied on government assistance, and Hull as a longtime mayor with local government experience.
Term-Limited Incumbent and Endorsements
Incumbent Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM), who is term-limited, did not endorse either Democratic candidate. Haaland’s campaign was supported by former Biden Cabinet members, including ex-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, while Hull’s victory was celebrated by New Mexico Republicans as a step toward a competitive general election.