Deb Haaland Leads New Mexico Gubernatorial Race

Deb Haaland, a member of Laguna Pueblo and former U.S. Secretary of the Interior, is leading the race to become the first Native American female governor in the United States. In the upcoming November 3 midterm elections in New Mexico, recent polling shows Haaland holds a comfortable lead over Republican opponent Gregg Hull, the mayor of Rio Rancho.

Haaland's platform emphasizes protecting sacred lands and water resources, improving rural healthcare access, and expanding the social safety net. Her candidacy occurs during a record-setting cycle for Indigenous representation, with 358 Native American candidates running for office across the country.

Support for Haaland includes endorsements from former President Barack Obama and Native-led organizations such as NM Native Vote. The election takes place in a state where Democrats currently maintain control of the legislature and all top executive offices.