Deb Haaland
Democrat · Challenger · Governor
Background
Deb Haaland (D) served as U.S. Secretary of the Interior from 2021 to 2025 and as U.S. Representative for New Mexico's 1st Congressional District from 2019 to 2021. She won the Democratic primary on June 2, 2026. If elected, she would be the first female Native American governor of any U.S. state.
Sources: AP News; Ballotpedia.
Issue Positions
- Economy
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Supports raising the minimum wage to a living wage, expanding Child Tax Credit and Working Families Tax Credit. Favors targeted tax reform and banning AI rent-fixing algorithms.
- Healthcare
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Defends Medicaid from federal cuts and fights rural hospital closures. Addresses doctor and nurse shortages through expanded residency programs and provider recruitment.
- Immigration
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Supports comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship. Opposes ICE operations near schools, courthouses, and healthcare facilities.
- Climate/Environment
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Supports aggressive clean energy investment and renewable energy expansion. Backs emissions reduction standards and sustainable water practices for industries.
- Gun Policy
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Supports expanded background checks and measures to reduce gun violence.
- Education
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Supports investing in early reading and math tutoring, making schools community hubs, and sustained investment in rural, Tribal, bilingual, and special education.