Records Show King, Haaland Used Epstein-Linked Jet in 2014 Campaign

Newly released files reveal the Democratic candidates for governor and lieutenant governor took a private flight arranged by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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In the final days of their 2014 campaign for governor and lieutenant governor, Gary King and Deb Haaland announced they would return over $36,500 in campaign donations from companies associated with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Records show the two candidates and two staffers actually took a private jet arranged by Epstein to attend fundraising events in Washington, D.C. just a day before the announcement.

Why it matters

The use of Epstein's private jet and acceptance of his donations raises ethical questions about the candidates' judgment and transparency, especially given Epstein's criminal history. It also highlights the influence wealthy individuals can have on political campaigns through donations and access.

The details

Emails from the Epstein files show a redacted person emailed Epstein on Aug. 21, 2014, telling him Gary King 'wanted to speak to you about possibly using your plane to get him from Sante Fe evening of Sept 8th (around 8pm) so he could make a breakfast in DC on Sept 9th.' A flight manifest shows King, Haaland, and two staffers took the private jet on Sept. 8. The campaign later reported a $22,060 expenditure to the charter jet company, Injet. The campaign also received $5,000 from Epstein's company JEGE LLC on July 7, 2014 and another $5,200 on Sept. 1, 2014.

  • On Aug. 21, 2014, an unknown person emailed Jeffrey Epstein about Gary King wanting to use Epstein's plane.
  • On Sept. 8, 2014, King, Haaland, and two staffers took a private jet arranged by Epstein from Santa Fe to Washington, D.C.
  • On Sept. 9, 2014, King announced the campaign would return over $36,500 in donations from Epstein-linked companies.

The players

Gary King

The Democratic candidate for governor of New Mexico in 2014, who used a private jet arranged by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his campaign.

Deb Haaland

The Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor of New Mexico in 2014, who also used the private jet arranged by Epstein during the campaign.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender whose companies provided donations to the King-Haaland campaign and arranged the private jet flight the candidates took.

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What they’re saying

“Deb never had any interaction with him and the way in which the plane was chartered was never communicated to her.”

— Hannah Menchhoff, Campaign spokesperson for Deb Haaland (New Mexico Political Report)

“Jeffrey Epstein is a despicable predator who committed heinous crimes and Deb strongly supports a full investigation into the crimes committed both in New Mexico and abroad.”

— Hannah Menchhoff, Campaign spokesperson for Deb Haaland (New Mexico Political Report)

What’s next

The New Mexico Attorney General's office has indicated it will investigate the use of Epstein's resources by political candidates in the state.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability around political donations, especially from individuals with known criminal histories. It also raises questions about the judgment of candidates who accepted Epstein's support and access despite his well-documented crimes.