WASHINGTON ― Deb Haaland is projected to win Tuesday’s Democratic primary in the race for New Mexico governor, putting her on a glide path to making history in November as the country’s first Native American woman elected governor.
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Haaland, a former congresswoman and former interior secretary under President Joe Biden, was widely expected to win in her race against Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman. Both were running to succeed Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is term-limited out.
Haaland benefitted from national name recognition and fundraising prowess; she raised nearly $12 million over the course of her campaign, compared to Bregman’s $4.1 million. She consistently led in polling by double digits, and had the endorsements of all of three of the state’s congressional members, all Democrats, as well as Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.).
The state’s other Democratic senator, Martin Heinrich, did not endorse in this race. He was reportedly mulling a bid for governor himself, but announced in January 2025 he would be staying in the Senate.
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The governor’s seat is expected to stay in Democrats’ hands ― Cook Political Report rates this seat “likely” Democratic ― which means Haaland is well-positioned to defeat the Republican nominee in November. Emphasizing her background as a single mom, Haaland campaigned on a message of improving public education, making life more affordable, improving public safety and standing up to President Donald Trump’s authoritarianism.
“I’m running for governor to defend our New Mexico family,” Haaland says in a recent campaign ad. “When Donald Trump tries to push us down, I’ll lift New Mexico up.”
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