If you’ve driven through Santa Fe recently or just happened to catch a snippet of the local news, you probably know the name. But for those asking who is New Mexico's governor right now, the answer is Michelle Lujan Grisham. She’s been steering the ship since 2019. Honestly, it feels like she’s been everywhere lately, from town halls in rural villages to big press conferences about the state’s massive budget surplus.
Lujan Grisham isn't just a placeholder in the Roundhouse. She's the 32nd governor of the Land of Enchantment and actually made history as the first Democratic Latina to be elected governor in the United States. That’s a pretty big deal. Currently, she’s well into her second term, which is scheduled to run through January 2027.
But the political landscape here moves fast. With 2026 already upon us, the conversation is shifting from what she’s doing today to who might take her seat tomorrow.
A Closer Look at Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Second Term
You can’t talk about the current governor without looking at the massive stacks of cash the state has been sitting on. Thanks to record-breaking oil and gas production in the Permian Basin, New Mexico has seen budget surpluses that would make other governors weep with envy.
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Just this month, in January 2026, her administration rolled out a $11.3 billion budget recommendation for the 2027 fiscal year. That is a lot of zeros. She’s pushing hard for things like universal child care and keeping the Opportunity Scholarship alive—which, if you haven't heard, is basically the program that makes college tuition-free for most New Mexicans.
Recent Wins and Ongoing Headaches
It’s not all sunshine and ribbon-cuttings, though. While the bond ratings just got a nice upgrade from Moody’s—meaning the state can borrow money more cheaply for big projects—the governor has had her hands full with public safety.
- The Crime Push: Last year, she spent a ton of time traveling the state for town halls, basically begging the public to pressure lawmakers to pass stricter crime bills.
- Health Care: She’s also been obsessed with health care affordability. Her 2026 legislative priorities include over $80 million just to keep insurance premiums from spiking for families who don't qualify for federal subsidies.
- Environmental Tensions: She’s a big fan of the "hydrogen hub" idea and clean energy, but that sometimes puts her at odds with both the oil industry and hardcore environmentalists who think she’s not moving fast enough.
The 2026 Race: Who is Running to Succeed Her?
Since New Mexico has strict term limits, Lujan Grisham can’t run again this year. This has sparked a bit of a gold rush for the 32nd floor of the Capitol. If you’re wondering who is New Mexico's governor going to be in 2027, the primary season is already heating up.
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The Democratic side is looking pretty crowded. You’ve got former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who officially launched her bid back in February 2025. She’s got massive name recognition. Then there’s Sam Bregman, the Bernalillo County District Attorney, who’s been leaning hard into his "tough on crime" persona. Don't forget Ken Miyagishima, the long-time former mayor of Las Cruces, who's also in the mix.
On the Republican side, the field is just as hungry. People like Gregg Hull, the mayor of Rio Rancho, and State Senator Steve Lanier are trying to build momentum. There’s even talk about former Governor Susana Martinez potentially making a comeback, though that’s mostly just political chatter at this point.
Why the Governor's Role Matters for You
It’s easy to tune out "politics as usual," but the governor’s office in Santa Fe has a direct line to your wallet and your daily life. New Mexico's governor has what’s called "line-item veto" power.
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Basically, they can take a giant spending bill and just cross out specific parts they don't like with a metaphorical red pen. It gives the office an incredible amount of leverage over the state legislature.
Actionable Insights for New Mexicans
If you want to actually stay informed or get involved instead of just Googling names, here is what you can do right now:
- Watch the State of the State: Governor Lujan Grisham is set to give her final State of the State address on January 20, 2026. This is where she’ll lay out exactly where she wants to spend that $11.3 billion.
- Check Your Registration: The primary election is coming up on June 2, 2026. If you want a say in who the next governor is, you need to be registered with a party.
- Track the Money: The New Mexico Sunshine Portal is actually a decent tool. You can see how the state is spending the oil and gas revenue in real-time.
Understanding who holds the power in Santa Fe is the first step in making sure that power actually works for the people living in the high desert. Whether you love her policies or can't wait for a change, Michelle Lujan Grisham’s final year is going to set the tone for the state's next decade.
Keep an eye on the 2026 legislative session starting this month. It’s going to be a wild ride.