First Republican enters race for governor of New Mexico in 2026 as Democrat terms out of office
October 17, 2025
New Mexico has its first Republican contender for governor ahead of the 2026 elections, as the three-term city mayor of fast-growing Rio Rancho launched his campaign. Gregg Hull on Friday outlined priorities, including greater state investments in the health care workforce and roadways, in pursuing the Republican nomination ahead of an open race for governor. He also described a “zero-tolerance” approach to crime that would revisit the state’s bail reforms. New Mexico has alternated between Democratic and Republican governors since the early 1980s. Trump lost the presidential vote three times in New Mexico, but he gained ground in 2024.