Former Biden Interior Secretary Deb Haaland Announces Bid for New Mexico Governor
Haaland is the inaugural contender to enter the competitive field for the 2026 race.
TroibNews 
Deb Haaland, the former Interior Secretary, officially announced her campaign for governor of New Mexico on Tuesday morning, marking one of the first significant political actions by a member of former President Joe Biden’s administration since his departure from office.
“In Congress and as secretary of the Interior, I’ve fought for our state,” Haaland shared on X, accompanied by a video detailing her campaign. “I helped New Mexico businesses open their doors, secured clean energy jobs, and worked to bring water and infrastructure projects to rural communities.”
Prior to her role as the first Native American Cabinet secretary under Biden, Haaland served in the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2021 and previously chaired New Mexico’s Democratic Party. As Interior secretary, she was responsible for overseeing the administration's initiatives aimed at reducing fossil fuel reliance and promoting clean energy.
With current Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham term-limited, and Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich having announced he would not run for the governorship, Haaland finds her path to the general election largely unobstructed. She is the first major candidate to enter the race and has been anticipated to run for some time.
As of now, no Republicans have declared their candidacy. Potential contenders from the GOP include former Representative Yvette Herrell and Nella Domenici, who previously ran for the Senate. Notably, New Mexico has no statewide Republican officeholders, with its entire congressional delegation comprised of Democrats.
In her campaign video, Haaland reflected on her personal experiences. “In my life, I’ve learned that nothing comes easy,” she remarked, emphasizing her background growing up in a military family, raising her child alone, and maintaining 35 years of sobriety. “But here in New Mexico, struggle makes you fierce.”
Haaland isn't alone among Biden administration alumni considering a return to public office; former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is contemplating a Senate run in Michigan, while there are rumors regarding Gina Raimondo potentially seeking another gubernatorial term in Rhode Island.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
“In Congress and as secretary of the Interior, I’ve fought for our state,” Haaland shared on X, accompanied by a video detailing her campaign. “I helped New Mexico businesses open their doors, secured clean energy jobs, and worked to bring water and infrastructure projects to rural communities.”
Prior to her role as the first Native American Cabinet secretary under Biden, Haaland served in the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2021 and previously chaired New Mexico’s Democratic Party. As Interior secretary, she was responsible for overseeing the administration's initiatives aimed at reducing fossil fuel reliance and promoting clean energy.
With current Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham term-limited, and Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich having announced he would not run for the governorship, Haaland finds her path to the general election largely unobstructed. She is the first major candidate to enter the race and has been anticipated to run for some time.
As of now, no Republicans have declared their candidacy. Potential contenders from the GOP include former Representative Yvette Herrell and Nella Domenici, who previously ran for the Senate. Notably, New Mexico has no statewide Republican officeholders, with its entire congressional delegation comprised of Democrats.
In her campaign video, Haaland reflected on her personal experiences. “In my life, I’ve learned that nothing comes easy,” she remarked, emphasizing her background growing up in a military family, raising her child alone, and maintaining 35 years of sobriety. “But here in New Mexico, struggle makes you fierce.”
Haaland isn't alone among Biden administration alumni considering a return to public office; former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is contemplating a Senate run in Michigan, while there are rumors regarding Gina Raimondo potentially seeking another gubernatorial term in Rhode Island.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
