Deb Haaland Wins New Mexico Democratic Governor Primary

Deb Haaland has secured the Democratic nomination for governor of New Mexico, positioning her to potentially become the first Native American woman elected to lead a U.S. state. She defeated Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman in Tuesday’s primary election. Haaland, a citizen of Laguna Pueblo and a former U.S. Interior Secretary, will face Republican nominee Gregg Hull, the former mayor of Rio Rancho, in the November general election.

The winner will succeed Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is term-limited. Democrats have held every statewide elected office in New Mexico since 2017.

Haaland celebrated her primary victory at a historic plaza in Albuquerque’s Old Town, where supporters gathered for music and traditional dancing. On the campaign trail, she has focused on reducing costs for families, emphasizing her deep ancestral roots in the state, and leveraging her experience in Washington. She described herself as a 35th-generation New Mexican.

Her Republican opponent, Gregg Hull, pledged to give voters a real choice, arguing that one-party control in Santa Fe has failed. He pointed to his record as mayor of Rio Rancho as a blueprint for governing and...