Deb Haaland, chasing history, wins Democratic New Mexico governor nod
Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland won New Mexico Democratic gubernatorial primary elections held June 2This brings her one step closer to becoming the first Native American female governor in U.S. history.
NBC News And Decision Desk Headquarters Shortly after the polls closed, Haaland was predicted to win the nomination to replace outgoing Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham as District Attorney for the state’s Second Judicial District, Sam Bregman.
Haaland previously made history as the first Native American Cabinet secretary when Biden appointed her to head the Department of Interior, which manages federal lands. Before that, he was a member of Congress.
United States Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland speaks during the White House screening of the National Geographic Documentary Film “Candy Cane” at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, DC on December 17, 2024.
She is the second Native American woman to be a major party’s nominee for governor. Paulette Jordan ran Office in Idaho as a Democrat But in 2018 lost to Republican Brad Little in the ruby red state.
Haaland, on the contrary, is running in a blue state and has a strong chance of becoming governor of his state. Both Cook Political Report And Sabato’s Crystal Ball consider the general election a “likely Democrat” victory.
Haaland becomes Biden’s second cabinet member to run for governor, while former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is also seeking the seat in California.
The former Home Secretary ran a liberal-leaning campaign against the moderate Bregman. defending the Democratic Party In a profile in Vogue.
“I know people are disappointed in the Democrats. I’m not saying the Democrats are perfect,” Haaland told the magazine. “But I still think our values have triumphed for the most vulnerable people in our country, the first people any politician should be thinking about.”
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Haaland made resistance to the Trump administration a key part of her campaign, she told the Albuquerque Journal. Press state attorney general for more funding to file a lawsuit against the administration.
“We will continue to sue the administration,” he said. “If this is effective, then we should fight it in the courts every chance we get.”
Live election results: Primary races called in Iowa, New Mexico and New Jersey
Senator Ben Ray Luján expected to win reelection
Also in New Mexico, Luján appeared to handily defeat Matt Dodson to win the Democratic re-election nomination. Associated Press And Decision Desk Headquarters The race for the incumbent was called shortly after the polls closed.
He will face Republican candidate Larry Marker in November, as Marker garnered enough votes in the primary to advance to the November ballot. According to Associated Press And NBC News.
Senator Ben Ray Lujan attends a press conference with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Senate Democrats on US President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Capitol Hill in Washington DC on February 24, 2026.
Both Cook Political Report And Sabato’s Crystal Ball They say Democrats will likely keep the Senate seat.
In races for the rest of the state’s congressional delegation, Democrat Melanie Ann Stansbury will face Republican Didi Okpareke for the 1st District seat, while incumbent Democrat Teresa Leger Fernandez will face Republican Martin Zamora for the 3rd District seat.
The only person running for a House seat in the state saw Gregory Cunningham defeat Jose Orozco to get onto the Republican ballot. A.P. And DDHQHe will face incumbent Democrat Gabriel Vasquez for the state’s 2nd District.
This article first appeared on USA TODAY: New Mexico governor election results: Deb Haaland advances – reports
