Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has secured the Democratic primary nomination in New Mexico’s gubernatorial race, according to projections by NBC News.
Haaland is positioned as the front-runner in the general election to succeed the term-limited Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham. If elected, she would become the first Native American woman to serve as governor in the state, where no Republicans currently hold statewide office.
Haaland defeated Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman for the Democratic nomination. Bregman is known as the father of Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman.
In the upcoming election in November, Haaland will compete against Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull, who won the GOP gubernatorial primary.
Throughout her campaign, Haaland has emphasized her historical candidacy, often highlighting her ancestral ties and running advertisements in the Diné language.
Previously, she served as the first Native American woman elected to Congress and held the position of chair of the state Democratic Party. She was also President Joe Biden’s interior secretary for his entire term.
Democratic Governors Association Chair and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear praised Haaland as a staunch advocate for New Mexico, citing her efforts to secure investments and create jobs, along with her commitment to tackling rising costs and improving healthcare.
In interviews, Haaland has expressed her intent to focus on President Donald Trump and his policies during the general election campaign. She criticized the Trump administration’s impact on New Mexicans, particularly concerning healthcare and food accessibility.
Haaland described the current federal government as being in a “horrible era” and stressed the importance of addressing the needs of New Mexicans.
New Mexico has high enrollments in both Medicaid and federal food assistance programs, which faced cuts from legislation signed by Trump.
Haaland has spoken positively about President Biden, calling him “absolutely an asset” to her campaign and commending his administration’s support for New Mexico and Indigenous communities, while not naming him directly in her campaign ads.
Source: www.nbcnews.com via Google News.
