If you’re looking for a ballot with a governor's race on it in New Mexico this year, you’re going to be looking for a long time. Honestly, the biggest thing to understand about who is running for governor of New Mexico 2024 is that... well, nobody is. At least not for an election this year.
Politics in the Land of Enchantment can be a bit of a maze if you aren't staring at the calendar every day. New Mexico follows a midterm cycle for its top spot. That means while the rest of the country was focused on the presidential race in 2024, New Mexico's Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, was just hitting the midpoint of her second term. She isn't up for reelection until 2026.
But wait. Just because the election isn't tomorrow doesn't mean the engines aren't revving. In fact, the 2026 race is already looking like a total showdown. Because Lujan Grisham is term-limited—she can’t run for a third consecutive term—the seat is wide open. And in New Mexico politics, an open seat is like a dinner bell for every ambitious politician in the state.
Why the 2024 governor's race doesn't exist
It’s a common mix-up. People see "Election Year" and assume the whole ticket is up for grabs. New Mexico’s state constitution is pretty specific about this stuff. Governors serve four-year terms, and those terms are offset from the presidential cycle.
The last time New Mexicans voted for governor was 2022. That’s when Lujan Grisham defended her seat against Mark Ronchetti. It was a heated, expensive, and frankly exhausting race that ended with her securing 52% of the vote. Since the next one isn't until November 3, 2026, the "2024 race" is really just a shadow game of fundraising, polling, and quiet announcements.
The term limit factor
New Mexico governors are limited to two consecutive terms. Period. You can come back later after sitting out for four years, but Lujan Grisham has to pack her bags at the end of 2026. This creates a "lame duck" period that usually starts right about now. It’s why you’re starting to see big names pop up in the news. They want to make sure you know their name before the primary season officially kicks off in June 2026.
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The 2026 lineup: Who is actually making moves?
Even though the "who is running for governor of New Mexico 2024" question is technically a year or two early, the field is already getting crowded. We aren't talking about rumors anymore. Real people are filing paperwork and holding rallies.
The Democratic Heavyweights
Since Democrats currently hold a "trifecta" in New Mexico (meaning they control the Governor’s office, the State House, and the State Senate), the Democratic primary is basically the main event.
Deb Haaland is the name everyone is talking about. The current U.S. Secretary of the Interior—and former New Mexico Congresswoman—officially launched her bid in early 2025. She’s a powerhouse. If she wins, she’d be the first Native American governor in U.S. history. That carries a ton of weight in a state with 23 federally recognized tribes. Early polling from Public Policy Polling has shown her with a massive lead over other potential contenders.
Then you’ve got Sam Bregman. He’s currently the District Attorney for Bernalillo County (Albuquerque), and he isn't playing around. He’s already snagged some big endorsements from groups like the Teamsters and several Pueblos. He’s positioning himself as the "tough on crime" Democrat, which plays well in Albuquerque where public safety is a constant headache for voters.
Ken Miyagishima, the former long-time mayor of Las Cruces, is also in the mix. He represents the southern part of the state, which often feels ignored by the Santa Fe and Albuquerque "power corridor."
The Republican Challengers
The GOP has been struggling to regain the Roundhouse since Susana Martinez left office. They need a candidate who can flip the suburban voters who have trended blue lately.
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- Gregg Hull: The Mayor of Rio Rancho. He’s been leading one of the fastest-growing cities in the state for a decade. He’s got the executive experience, which is usually a strong selling point for a governor's race.
- Steve Lanier: A State Senator who just took office in 2025 but wasted no time eyeing the top spot. He’s leaning hard into traditional conservative values.
- Jim Ellison: A former Public Regulation Commissioner. He’s a bit of a wildcard but has name recognition in the energy sector.
What voters are actually worried about
If you ask a local what they want from the next governor, they aren't going to talk about national talking points. New Mexico has some specific, deep-seated issues that define every election cycle.
Education is always at the top. New Mexico consistently ranks near the bottom of national lists for K-12 education. Any candidate, whether it's Haaland or Hull, is going to have to explain why the massive influx of oil and gas money isn't fixing the schools faster.
Crime and Public Safety. This is the big one for 2026. Albuquerque’s crime rates are a constant talking point. It’s why candidates like Sam Bregman are gaining traction. People are tired of feeling like the state is "lawless," a word you’ll hear a lot in political ads over the next year.
The Energy Transition. New Mexico is a top oil producer, but the current administration has pushed hard for green energy. Balancing the massive revenue from the Permian Basin with the desire for environmental protection is a tightrope walk.
Navigating the 2026 Timeline
If you're wondering when the real action starts, mark these dates on your fridge.
- February 3, 2026: This is the filing deadline for candidates who want to get "pre-primary designation" from their parties. Basically, it’s the "I’m serious" date.
- June 2, 2026: The Primary Election. This is when the Democrats and Republicans pick their champions.
- November 3, 2026: The General Election. This is the big dance.
Actionable Steps for New Mexico Voters
While the governor isn't on the ballot in 2024, your participation still matters. The people who are running for local offices this year will be the ones implementing the next governor’s policies.
- Check your registration: New Mexico now has Automatic Voter Registration as of July 2025. Still, it’s smart to check the Secretary of State’s portal to make sure your address is current, especially if you moved recently.
- Follow the money: Watch the campaign finance reports for Haaland, Bregman, and Hull. In New Mexico, whoever raises the most by the end of 2025 usually has the momentum to clear the primary field.
- Look at the 2024 State House races: Every single seat in the New Mexico House of Representatives is up for grabs in 2026, but the 2024 cycle set the stage for which party has the advantage.
- Attend a town hall: With the 2026 cycle already heating up, candidates are doing "listening tours" across the state. This is your chance to ask them face-to-face about things like water rights or the cost of housing before they get too "managed" by campaign consultants.
Basically, the answer to who is running for governor of New Mexico 2024 is a lesson in patience. The seat is empty, the field is growing, and the stakes are massive. We aren't voting for a governor this November, but the race to replace Lujan Grisham is already the biggest story in the state.
Keep an eye on the DA’s office in Albuquerque and the Interior Department in D.C. That's where the real battle is happening right now. Don't let the 2024 noise distract you from the 2026 storm that's brewing.