Bregman Highlights Haaland's Link to Epstein Files in New TV Ad

As primary race heats up, Haaland campaign calls ad 'false attack'

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:53am

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A fractured, abstract painting in shades of grey and blue depicting a silhouetted figure holding a gavel, representing the political battle over accountability for crimes connected to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.The political fallout from Jeffrey Epstein's New Mexico connections continues to shape the state's gubernatorial race.Santa Fe Today

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Sam Bregman has launched a television ad highlighting his opponent Deb Haaland's inclusion in the Epstein files, a set of records related to the disgraced financier. Haaland's campaign has dismissed the ad as a 'false attack', saying she had no relationship with Epstein and was unaware of how a 2014 flight she took was chartered.

Why it matters

The Epstein legacy in New Mexico has become a political issue, with the state attorney general's office reviving an investigation into alleged criminal activity at Epstein's former Zorro Ranch. Bregman's ad reflects public dissatisfaction with how investigations into Epstein's alleged crimes have been handled, and the prominence of Epstein-related connections in political campaigns.

The details

Bregman's 30-second TV ad states 'Unlike others, I'm not in the Epstein files' without mentioning Haaland by name. A 2014 flight log shows Haaland, who was then the running mate of gubernatorial candidate Gary King, took a jet chartered for King by Epstein to Washington on a fundraising trip. Haaland's campaign has said she had no knowledge of Epstein's involvement in securing the charter flight.

  • In 2014, Haaland took a flight chartered by Epstein with gubernatorial candidate Gary King.
  • Bregman released the TV ad highlighting Haaland's Epstein connection on Wednesday.

The players

Sam Bregman

Democratic gubernatorial candidate who launched the TV ad highlighting Haaland's link to the Epstein files.

Deb Haaland

Democratic gubernatorial candidate whose inclusion in the Epstein files is featured in Bregman's ad. Haaland previously served as U.S. Interior Secretary under President Biden.

Gary King

Former gubernatorial candidate who had a flight chartered by Epstein in 2014 that Haaland also took.

Raúl Torrez

New Mexico Attorney General who has revived an investigation into alleged criminal activity at Epstein's former Zorro Ranch.

Michelle Lujan Grisham

Current New Mexico Governor who has welcomed the reopening of the investigation into Epstein's former ranch.

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What they’re saying

“Unlike others, I'm not in the Epstein files. So I can hold perpetrators who committed crimes at Epstein's ranch accountable.”

— Sam Bregman, Democratic gubernatorial candidate

“Deb says that Jeffrey Epstein was a despicable predator who committed heinous crimes and she supports a full investigation into his crimes. She knew nothing about the way in which the plane was chartered and supports a full investigation into Epstein's crimes.”

— Hannah Menchhoff, Haaland campaign spokeswoman

“As long as invoking Epstein-related connections offers a political advantage, candidates will continue to use it, particularly in campaigns where they are trailing financially or in public support.”

— Jessica Feezell, University of New Mexico political science professor

What’s next

The state House has approved the creation of a truth-finding commission with subpoena power to investigate individuals connected to Epstein's Zorro Ranch. The commission's findings could further impact the gubernatorial race.

The takeaway

The prominence of the Epstein files in New Mexico's gubernatorial race reflects ongoing public frustration over how investigations into Epstein's alleged crimes and connections have been handled. Candidates are likely to continue using Epstein-related issues for political advantage, especially in close races.