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New Mexico gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2026

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2022
Governor and Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico
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General election
Election details
Filing deadline: Pending
Primary: Pending
General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
Poll times:

7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Voting in New Mexico

Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Likely Democratic
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Likely Democratic
Inside Elections: Likely Democratic
Ballotpedia analysis
Federal and state primary competitiveness
State executive elections in 2026
Impact of term limits in 2026
State government trifectas
State government triplexes
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
New Mexico
executive elections
Governor

Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General
Secretary of State
Auditor
Commissioner of Public Lands
Treasurer
Public Education Commission (5 seats)

New Mexico is holding an election for governor and lieutenant governor on November 3, 2026.

New Mexico holds separate gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial primaries, but the nominees run together on a single ticket in the general election.

To learn more about other elections on the ballot, click here.

Candidates and election results

Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:

  • Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
  • Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies

Governor

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for Governor of New Mexico

Sam Bregman, Debra Haaland, and Ken Miyagishima are running in the general election for Governor of New Mexico on November 3, 2026.


Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Lieutenant Governor

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico

Harold Pope Jr. is running in the general election for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico on November 3, 2026.

Candidate
Image of Harold Pope Jr.
Harold Pope Jr. (D)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Expand all | Collapse all

I want to eliminate the Arnold Tool Assessment, I believe this is responsible for “Catch and Release”. I believe once this is removed, our judges can use their discretion to keep or release alleged perpetrators.

I want to stop the loss of doctors leaving New Mexico. I want to help pass legislation that would place a “cap” on Medical malpractice insurance rates. Malpractice insurance is the main cause of doctors leaving the state. Trial lawyers have organizations that “fund” their candidates who are malpractice attorneys and prevent meaningful legislation from being discussed and passed.

I have a plan that will reduce the price of housing construction by 25%. The state can partner with contractors to construct and sell these homes at a reduced rate. We can then use this opportunity to help recruit various professionals such as: police officers, firefighters and corrections officers. I want to also use this opportunity to help recruit teachers and licensed medical professionals. Furthermore, I want to also extend this opportunity to eligible members of our Native American communities.
Besides stopping the exodus of doctors leaving our state. My other goals are to lift New Mexico out of the bottom of various lists such as: poverty, education, childhood development, drug and alcohol dependency. I also want to remove our state from the top of the list when it comes to crime.
My father, Mike K. Miyagishima, Medal of Honor recipient, Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura. Former U.S. Army General Colin Powell and retired U.S. Navy Admiral James G. Stavridis. These are brave men, who also have honor, intelligence and loyalty.
Michael Smerconish Podcast, he’s not left, nor right, but in the middle of mainstream politics.
To serve the public in a honorable and responsible manner and uphold the public’s trust.
I will ask the public to view my past 30 years in office, I upheld the public’s trust and made government work. I will continue to do the same as Governor of New Mexico.
To ensure our residents are safe, have access to proper healthcare and have the necessary means to live a comfortable life. Such as reducing the costs of housing, necessities amenities, goods and services.
That I made New Mexico a leader in innovation, technology and prosperity. That I was able to lift New Mexicans out of poverty and provide good paying jobs that allows our citizens to live the best lives they can.
I subcontracted work from an employee at Winchell’s Donuts when I was 11 years old. I made 50 cents an hour and all of the donuts I could eat.
Rocky, because it’s about an underdog who doesn’t give up.
Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder and Winning by Santana
To promote and pass legislation that protects our residents that allows them to experience all of the good that New Mexico has to offer.
I respect the philosophy of President Abraham Lincoln’s phrase of: "government of the people, by the people, for the people". I respect a legislators prerogative to introduce and pass legislation as long as it is in the best interests of New Mexico. If isn’t in her best interest, then I will veto it.
The legislature will be my board of directors. I plan to meet regularly with those who can and choose to meet with me.
The people, they are kind hearted, generous, fun and most important, very open minded.
Federal monies being cut from Medicaid, and other federal programs.
Why don't elephants use computers? Because they're afraid of the mouse.
There will be two types: Obviously for immediate or imminent danger. The other would be a serious health crisis.
I believe in financial transparency, these are the public’s funds and must be used to the highest degree of responsibility. Government responsibility is a core responsibility and must be upheld to the utmost ability of the office holder.
I would like to have the Arnold Tool Assessment on the ballot to be removed. This would give our judges full discretion to release or keep alleged perpetrators in confinement.
It means we must always put the public’s best interests in front of our own. We must assure the public that this office is used to make their lives and their families lives the best it can be. We must protect the residents to the best of our ability from crime, natural disasters, and criminal elements that could harm their daily lives.


You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:


Voting information

See also: Voting in New Mexico

Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.

General election race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:

  • Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
  • Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
  • Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.[1]
  • Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.

Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.[2][3][4]

Race ratings: New Mexico gubernatorial election, 2026
Race trackerRace ratings
10/14/202510/7/20259/30/20259/23/2025
The Cook Political Report with Amy WalterLikely DemocraticLikely DemocraticLikely DemocraticLikely Democratic
Inside Elections with Nathan L. GonzalesLikely DemocraticLikely DemocraticLikely DemocraticLikely Democratic
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal BallLikely DemocraticLikely DemocraticLikely DemocraticLikely Democratic
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week.

Past elections

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2014.

2022

See also: New Mexico gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2022

General election

General election for Governor of New Mexico

Incumbent Michelle Lujan Grisham defeated Mark Ronchetti and Karen Bedonie in the general election for Governor of New Mexico on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Michelle Lujan Grisham
Michelle Lujan Grisham (D)
 
52.0
 
370,168
Image of Mark Ronchetti
Mark Ronchetti (R)
 
45.6
 
324,701
Image of Karen Bedonie
Karen Bedonie (L)
 
2.4
 
17,387

Total votes: 712,256
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of New Mexico

Incumbent Michelle Lujan Grisham advanced from the Democratic primary for Governor of New Mexico on June 7, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Michelle Lujan Grisham
Michelle Lujan Grisham
 
100.0
 
125,238

Total votes: 125,238
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of New Mexico

Mark Ronchetti defeated Rebecca Dow, Greg Zanetti, Jay Block, and Ethel Maharg in the Republican primary for Governor of New Mexico on June 7, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Mark Ronchetti
Mark Ronchetti
 
58.4
 
68,658
Image of Rebecca Dow
Rebecca Dow
 
15.5
 
18,185
Image of Greg Zanetti
Greg Zanetti
 
13.9
 
16,394
Image of Jay Block
Jay Block Candidate Connection
 
10.6
 
12,469
Image of Ethel Maharg
Ethel Maharg
 
1.6
 
1,845

Total votes: 117,551
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Libertarian primary election

Libertarian primary for Governor of New Mexico

Karen Bedonie defeated Ginger Grider in the Libertarian primary for Governor of New Mexico on June 7, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Karen Bedonie
Karen Bedonie
 
86.1
 
980
Image of Ginger Grider
Ginger Grider (Write-in)
 
13.9
 
158

Total votes: 1,138
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2018

See also: New Mexico gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2018

General election

General election for Governor of New Mexico

Michelle Lujan Grisham defeated Steve Pearce in the general election for Governor of New Mexico on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Michelle Lujan Grisham
Michelle Lujan Grisham (D)
 
57.2
 
398,368
Image of Steve Pearce
Steve Pearce (R)
 
42.8
 
298,091

Total votes: 696,459
(100.00% precincts reporting)
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of New Mexico

Michelle Lujan Grisham defeated Jeff Apodaca and Joseph Cervantes in the Democratic primary for Governor of New Mexico on June 5, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Michelle Lujan Grisham
Michelle Lujan Grisham
 
66.4
 
116,754
Image of Jeff Apodaca
Jeff Apodaca
 
22.2
 
38,975
Image of Joseph Cervantes
Joseph Cervantes
 
11.5
 
20,169

Total votes: 175,898
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of New Mexico

Steve Pearce advanced from the Republican primary for Governor of New Mexico on June 5, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Steve Pearce
Steve Pearce
 
100.0
 
75,162

Total votes: 75,162
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2014

See also: New Mexico gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2014
Governor and Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngSusana Martinez/John A. Sanchez Incumbent 57.2% 293,443
     Democrat Gary King/Debra Haaland 42.8% 219,362
Total Votes 512,805
Election results via New Mexico Secretary of State

See also

New Mexico State Executive Elections News and Analysis
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New Mexico State Executive Offices
New Mexico State Legislature
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Party control of state government
State government trifectas
State of the state addresses
Partisan composition of governors

External links

Footnotes

  1. Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
  2. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
  3. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
  4. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018