Democratic Candidates Clash Over Debates in NM Governor's Race

Haaland declines invitations from TV stations, opts for 'policy forum' on public TV

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The two Democratic candidates vying for the party's nomination in the open race for New Mexico governor are at odds over debates. Former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has declined invitations from two Albuquerque-based TV stations to participate in debates with her opponent Sam Bregman, prompting Bregman's campaign to accuse Haaland of 'running scared'. Haaland's campaign says she will instead take part in an 'innovative policy forum' on public TV, as well as other candidate forums.

Why it matters

Debates are seen as an important part of the democratic process, allowing voters to directly compare candidates and their positions. Haaland's decision to avoid traditional debates has raised questions about transparency and her willingness to engage with her opponent and the public.

The details

Bregman, the Bernalillo County district attorney, has been challenging Haaland to debate him since September 2025. Haaland's campaign cited scheduling and a desire to support public broadcasting as reasons for declining the TV station invitations. Bregman's campaign has accused Haaland of 'intentionally dodging the debate stage', saying voters deserve more transparency. Haaland's campaign countered that she has been meeting with New Mexicans frequently and agreed months ago to a debate on PBS.

  • The New Mexico primary election will take place on June 2, 2026.
  • The general election is then set for November 2026.

The players

Deb Haaland

Former U.S. Interior Secretary and Democratic gubernatorial candidate in New Mexico.

Sam Bregman

Bernalillo County district attorney and Democratic gubernatorial candidate in New Mexico.

Hispano Chamber of Commerce

An Albuquerque-based organization that hosted a candidate forum this week.

Dukes Up Productions

An Albuquerque charitable corporation that will host Haaland's 'innovative policy forum' on public TV.

KRQE-TV

An Albuquerque-based network television station that invited both Democratic candidates to participate in a live Q&A forum, though Haaland declined their invitation for a debate.

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What they’re saying

“I am excited to share my agenda with New Mexicans. From standing up to Donald Trump to lowering costs to expanding access to health care, I have the most experience of any candidate running for governor. I look forward to meeting my opponent on the stage and letting voters decide.”

— Deb Haaland (abqjournal.com)

“Deb Haaland and her campaign know exactly what the difference is between a real debate and a forum. A debate is independently moderated, covers a broad range of issues, and allows candidates to challenge each other's claims in real time. A forum is controlled and limited and it's not the same thing.”

— Joanie Griffin, Bregman campaign spokeswoman (abqjournal.com)

“Deb continues to share her vision with thousands of New Mexicans every day and agreed months ago to a debate that airs statewide on PBS before early voting begins. Deb is the only candidate who has travelled to all 33 counties and spoken to thousands of New Mexicans.”

— Hannah Menchhoff, Haaland campaign spokeswoman (abqjournal.com)

What’s next

Additional debate invitations could be in the works, with KOB-TV news director Matt Grubs saying the station plans to ask gubernatorial candidates to debate, though a date has not yet been set.

The takeaway

The debate dispute between the Democratic gubernatorial candidates highlights the importance of transparency and direct engagement with voters in high-profile political races. While Haaland cites scheduling and a desire to support public broadcasting, Bregman's campaign argues that traditional debates are crucial for allowing candidates to challenge each other's claims and for voters to make informed decisions.