NM braces for political showdown between Haaland and Heinrich

Joe Biden’s Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is reportedly preparing a bid for New Mexico’s governorship in 2026, setting up a potential high-profile showdown with Senator Martin Heinrich, per an Axios report. The move would thrust New Mexico into the national political spotlight as the two influential Democrats vie for control of the state’s executive office.

“Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is quietly preparing to run for governor in New Mexico, setting up a potential Democratic showdown with Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) in 2026,” wrote the outlet.

Haaland’s candidacy could draw significant attention and financial backing from national donors eager to maintain Democratic control of the governor’s office. Haaland’s tenure as Interior Secretary, however, has not been without controversy. Critics have pointed to ethical concerns and questionable decisions that could cloud her campaign.

During her time as Secretary, Haaland faced backlash over her handling of oil and gas leases on federal land. Her role in halting drilling permits drew criticism from industry leaders and state officials concerned about New Mexico’s heavy reliance on oil and gas revenues. Additionally, reports of favoritism in awarding federal grants raised ethical red flags, with some questioning her judgment and transparency.

Fresh off a third-term Senate win, Heinrich brings political capital and over 20 years of political careering. As a sitting senator, he can maintain his position in Washington, win or lose. If he wins the gubernatorial race, Heinrich could appoint his own successor in the Senate, bolstering his political clout within the party.

“They’re both very popular. Deb Haaland is well-liked in New Mexico, well-liked in so many spheres,” Senator Ben Ray Luján told Axios. “Martin is going to come at this with resources, but Deb has a strong base with people back home. When Deb runs, Deb wins, she finds a way to win.”

While Luján’s remarks emphasize Haaland’s local appeal, her tenure in Washington may be subject to greater scrutiny. Unlike Heinrich, Haaland’s role as a Cabinet member under President Biden limits her ability to officially announce a run until the end of the president’s term on January 20, 2025. However, insiders say she’s already laying the groundwork for her campaign, with allies quietly building momentum.

If Heinrich enters the race, he’ll face a tough choice: stay in Washington as a ranking member of the powerful Senate Energy Committee or pursue the governorship. Stepping down would mean giving up seniority in the Senate, something Senator Luján highlighted as critical. “I’ve always been taught that seniority matters, especially in the United States Senate — and New Mexico’s leadership exemplified that,” Luján said.

Despite Heinrich’s political strengths, Haaland’s campaign could lean on her popularity with far-left voters. However, she’ll have to contend with scrutiny over her Cabinet tenure. Critics will likely raise issues related to her federal decisions on natural resource management and ethical lapses that surfaced during her time in office, as well as her decision to ban land around Chaco Canyon from Navajo Nation residents — crippling their economy.

With a year until the campaign can formally kick-off, Haaland’s backers hope to capitalize on her local support base. In contrast, Heinrich’s role in the Senate could tie him to Washington’s hectic schedule, giving Haaland a head start in New Mexico. Heinrich primarily lives in Silver Spring, Maryland.

As the Democrat primary approaches, New Mexico leftists will face a decision between two powerful figures with sharply different records. For Haaland, questions of ethics, transparency, and economic impact during her time as Interior Secretary may become key battlegrounds. For Heinrich, the challenge will be balancing his Senate duties with a state campaign and deciding whether to leave behind the influential post he’s built over a decade in Washington.

New Mexico’s gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a contentious contest between two Democratic power players. Haaland’s controversial record as Interior Secretary will likely be a focal point of the campaign, while Heinrich’s decision to prioritize the governorship over Senate seniority will be scrutinized. Both candidates bring unique strengths and vulnerabilities to the table, promising a primary that will be anything but ordinary.