New Mexico Supreme Court Upholds Rodriguez's Gubernatorial Candidacy

Ruling Rejects Attempts to Remove Republican Candidate from Primary Ballot

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:50pm

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The New Mexico Supreme Court has ruled that Republican gubernatorial candidate Duke Rodriguez will remain on the ballot for the June 2, 2026 primary election, rejecting multiple legal challenges that sought to strike his name from the ballot.

Why it matters

The Supreme Court's decision preserves voter choice in the upcoming gubernatorial primary, preventing efforts to limit the field of candidates through legal maneuvers. The ruling affirms the integrity of New Mexico's electoral process and the right of qualified candidates to seek office.

The details

The Supreme Court unanimously affirmed a lower court's decision that Rodriguez had met the requirements to appear on the ballot. Two separate lawsuits, one filed by private citizens and another by a competing Republican candidate, had attempted to disqualify Rodriguez, but both were rejected by the courts.

  • On February 3, 2026, Rodriguez submitted around 8,000 petition signatures to the Secretary of State, qualifying him to run for governor.
  • On February 12, 2026, plaintiffs James Maes and John Rockwell sued to remove Rodriguez's name from the ballot.
  • On February 27, 2026, a separate lawsuit filed by Republican candidate James Ellison was dismissed by a judge.
  • On March 4, 2026, a district court judge ruled in favor of Rodriguez, allowing him to remain on the ballot.
  • On April 1, 2026, the New Mexico Supreme Court affirmed the lower court's decision, finalizing Rodriguez's candidacy.

The players

Duke Rodriguez

The Republican gubernatorial candidate whose candidacy was upheld by the New Mexico Supreme Court.

James Maes and John Rockwell

Private citizens who sued to remove Rodriguez's name from the ballot, but were unsuccessful.

James Ellison

A competing Republican candidate for governor who also unsuccessfully sued to disqualify Rodriguez.

Judge Curtis Gurley

The district court judge who ruled in favor of Rodriguez, allowing him to remain on the ballot.

Judge Matthew Wilson

The district court judge who dismissed the lawsuit filed by candidate James Ellison.

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What they’re saying

“Now that the New Mexico Supreme Court has spoken, no questions remain. I, Duke Rodriguez, can legally run for governor. And I will continue my run for governor.”

— Duke Rodriguez, Republican Gubernatorial Candidate

“The lesson here is that if you come for the Duke, you better not miss.”

— Jacob Candelaria, Albuquerque Attorney

What’s next

With the legal challenges resolved, Duke Rodriguez will continue his campaign for the Republican nomination for governor of New Mexico, leading up to the June 2, 2026 primary election.

The takeaway

The New Mexico Supreme Court's ruling preserves voter choice in the upcoming gubernatorial primary, rejecting attempts to limit the field of candidates through legal maneuvers and affirming the integrity of the state's electoral process.