2026 New Mexico gubernatorial election explained

See also: 2026 United States gubernatorial elections.

The 2026 New Mexico gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the next governor and lieutenant governor of New Mexico. Due to term limits, incumbent Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will be ineligible to seek re-election to a third consecutive term.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Potential

• Deb Haaland, U.S. Secretary of the Interior (2021–present) and former U.S. Representative from (2019–2021)^[1]
• Martin Heinrich, U.S. Senator (2013–present)^[2]
• Tim Keller, mayor of Albuquerque (2017–present) and former New Mexico State Auditor (2015–2017)^[2]
• Howie Morales, Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico (2019–present)^[2]

Declined

• Teresa Leger Fernandez, U.S. representative from (2021–present)^[2]
• Jerry Ortiz y Pino, state senator from the 12th district (2005–present)^[2]

Republican primary

Candidates

Potential

• Gregory A. Baca, minority leader of the New Mexico Senate (2021–present) from the 29th district (2017–present)^[2]

Declined

• John Block, state representative from the 51st district (2023–present)^[2]
• Crystal Diamond, state senator from the 35th district (2021–present)^[2]

Independents and third parties

Candidates

Publicly expressed interest

• Greg Baldwin, voice actor^[3]

Notes and References

1. Web site: About all that DNC cabinet chatter. Egan. Lauren. Stokols. Eli. Johansen. Ben. August 23, 2024. August 27, 2024. Politico. "With Interior Secretary DEB HAALAND expected to run for governor in 2026, there was also conversation about whether Sen. MARTIN HEINRICH (D-N.M.) could be looking to replace her in a Harris cabinet.".
2. Web site: Some lawmakers already gearing up for 2026 governor's race. Nott. Robert. March 24, 2023. March 30, 2023. The Santa Fe New Mexican.
3. Web site: Avatar: The Last Airbender's Uncle Iroh Star 'Spills the Tea' in New Cosplay Appearance . . en-US . October 12, 2024 . October 12, 2024 . Geolas . Paris.