New Mexico's Open Primary Gubernatorial Race Heats Up

Two Democrats and three Republicans compete in the state's first contested primaries since 1994.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:19am

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A vibrant, fractured painting depicting the New Mexico state flag waving in the wind, with overlapping geometric shapes and waves of warm earth tones and desert hues, conveying the dynamic and competitive nature of the state's open primary election for governor.New Mexico's open primary election for governor promises a dynamic and competitive race, with voters' choices shaping the state's political future.Albuquerque Today

New Mexico's 2026 gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a highly competitive one, with two Democrats and three Republicans vying for their party's nominations in the state's first open primary since 1994. The new rules allow independent voters to participate without changing their registration, which could boost voter turnout. The top priorities for all six candidates include education, healthcare, and public safety.

Why it matters

New Mexico's open primary for governor is a significant event, as it marks the first time since 1994 that both the Democratic and Republican parties have contested primaries for the state's highest office. The inclusion of independent voters could also have a major impact on the outcome, making this an important election for the state's political landscape.

The details

The Democratic candidates are Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman and former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. The Republican candidates are three-term mayor of Rio Rancho Greg Hull, business owner Doug Turner, and former New Mexico Cabinet Secretary and Cannabis CEO Duke Rodriguez. Independent candidate Ken Miyagishima, the former mayor of Las Cruces, withdrew from the Democratic primary in February 2026 and will run in the general election.

  • The New Mexico open primary election is on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
  • The general election is on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

The players

Sam Bregman

Bernalillo County District Attorney and Democratic candidate for governor.

Deb Haaland

Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and Democratic candidate for governor.

Greg Hull

Three-term mayor of Rio Rancho and Republican candidate for governor.

Doug Turner

Business owner and Republican candidate for governor.

Duke Rodriguez

Former New Mexico Cabinet Secretary and Cannabis CEO, and Republican candidate for governor.

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What they’re saying

“This election cycle, for the first time since 1994— we have a contested Democratic primary and a contested Republican primary for governor. So, hopefully that'll bolster turnout. Oftentimes in the primaries, the gubernatorial candidate runs unopposed.”

— Brian Sanderoff, KOAT political expert

“If you choose not to participate in the primary, you're allowing other voters to decide who gets onto that general election ballot. You're actually giving up your choice and allowing other people to decide who those final candidates are on the general election ballot in November. So, don't let other people make that choice for you. Get out there and exercise your right. Pick your candidate who's going to go on and represent you on the ballot in November.”

— Michelle Kavanaugh, Bernalillo County Clerk

What’s next

The New Mexico open primary election is on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, and the general election is on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Voters can stay updated on the latest developments in the gubernatorial race through the KOAT app.

The takeaway

New Mexico's open primary for governor is a pivotal moment in the state's political landscape, as it marks the first time since 1994 that both major parties have contested primaries for the state's highest office. The inclusion of independent voters could also have a significant impact on the outcome, making this election a crucial one for the future of New Mexico's leadership.