Deb Haaland

New Mexico elected its first-ever Native American governor during the general election on Nov.3. Deb Haaland is also the first Native woman governor of any state. While those are important milestones, Haaland said she’s focused on the struggles of all New Mexicans, particularly health and childcare.

In a historic victory, Deb Haaland has become the first female Native American governor in New Mexico – and the entire country.

Going into Election Day, this midterm featured one of the most diverse slates of both Democratic and Republican candidates in recent years. Now it is shaping up to be a wave of historic leadership firsts across the country.

For the first time in 8 years, New Mexicans will be choosing a new governor on November 3rd. Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland from Laguna Pueblo served in the U.S. Congress and then as Interior Secretary. She told KUNM she would continue to support public education through the state’s oil and gas revenue.

With Michelle Lujan Grisham being termed-limited, two candidates are vying to be the next governor of New Mexico. Republican Gregg Hull was mayor of Rio Rancho for 12 years. He tells KUNM that sets him up well to lead the state, especially since he focused on building up the city’s water infrastructure. Hull says he wants to use the state’s robust revenues to address water issues around New Mexico.

Deb Haaland is the Democratic candidate for governor and outlined her priorities on New Mexico in Focus

On Thursday, the Albuquerque Journal held a debate between lieutenant governor candidates. It’s the closest thing voters will get to a gubernatorial debate after the Haaland campaign decided to suspend debate talks after months of back-and-forth.

Gubernatorial candidates Deb Haaland and Gregg Hull answered questions on food security and poverty at a forum at Roadrunner Food Bank.

The KUNM news team is launching a candidate guide to help our community stay informed about what's on the ballot, and it's informed by New Mexicans like you. KUNM’s Jeanette DeDios sat down to hear about what has been learned so far from you – our community.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland announced on Friday she’s endorsing Stephanie Garcia Richard for the Lieutenant Governor slot on her ticket. This came after Maggie Toulouse Oliver, who won the primary race for lieutenant governor, withdrew because of health issues. Meanwhile the Democratic Party’s State Central Committee (SCC) will vote on a replacement candidate.