ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Duke Rodriguez, the 67-year-old president and CEO of Ultra Health, is contemplating a Republican bid for New Mexico governor in 2026. While widely recognized for leading the state’s largest cannabis company, Rodriguez is keen to highlight his extensive experience in healthcare and public administration as he evaluates a potential campaign.
“I’m not hiding the fact [that] I’m developing this conversation. It’s a real, honest possibility,” Rodriguez stated, expressing over 90% confidence in joining the race. He has engaged in discussions with national Republican groups and local GOP officials to assess the viability of his candidacy.
Rodriguez emphasizes that his interest in the governorship stems from a desire to effect meaningful change rather than personal ambition. “This is sincere. I don’t need the title,” he remarked, underscoring his commitment to public service.
Before founding Ultra Health in 2010, Rodriguez served as secretary of New Mexico’s Human Services Department under former Governor Gary Johnson and held a senior executive role at Lovelace Health System. His professional background also includes experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
Rodriguez is prepared to invest $2 million of his own funds into a gubernatorial campaign, contingent upon his confidence in securing a majority vote. “We see Republicans get to 45, 46% in general elections. I have to know I can get to 50% plus one,” he stated.
His policy priorities include reforming and stabilizing Medicaid and public pension programs. Rodriguez advocates for stronger Medicaid verification and eligibility requirements, particularly concerning non-citizens, to ensure responsible allocation of resources.
In the Republican field, Rodriguez would join Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull, who has officially declared his candidacy. Other potential GOP contenders include retired state Supreme Court Justice Judith Nakamura and former Lieutenant Governor under former Gov. Susana Martinez, John Sanchez.
On the Democratic side, the race features prominent figures such as former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman. Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima is expected to announce his candidacy on May 27, while Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales is also considering a run.
Rodriguez’s potential candidacy brings a unique perspective to the gubernatorial race, blending his experience in healthcare administration, public service, and the cannabis industry. He plans to make a final decision regarding his campaign by September 2025.
As the 2026 election approaches, New Mexico voters can anticipate a dynamic and multifaceted contest, with candidates from diverse backgrounds vying to lead the state into the future.
I’m hoping that John Sanchez runs for Governor. We shall see.
I was not in favor of MLG legalization of cannabis and still do not approve the bill. I know Rodriquez is a smart business but this would be my biggest take on not voting for him.
My sister started smoking pot in her early twenties, she’s now 64 and her cognitive decline is due to all the years of being addicted to pot.
Every vacant building, every strip shopping center has a cannabis store. I’m sure business is booming and that is why Mr. Rodriquez can afford the 2 million out of pocket.
Biggest revenue for New Mexico aIreland the abortion clinics and the cannabis industry. What does that say about our state.
WHAT ABOUT OIL AND GAS, AGRICULTURE AND TOURISM?
I agree with you. I can’t even take my daughter outside to play with our dog because the girls in their twenties sharing a house next door come out with their friends and start smoking weed. It’s so strong, the smell hits us instantly. I don’t want my ten-year-old exposed to that crap. If it were any other business, I would consider this guy. But pot? He will not be able to count on my vote in the primary.
And what will your feelings be when these girls turn 21, come outside drunk from the never ending availability of alcohol and are loud, disorderly while intoxicated. What if they are smoking cigarettes? That also has a distinct smell and is addictive even more so than Marijuana.
I agree with you 100%!
That was the first thing I thought of. I have known people who were addicted to pot and they were worthless. All they did was smoke it, get high and had no ambition to do any better than working just to support their addiction.
It should have never been legalized.
Plus now you don’t know who is driving intoxicated by alcohol or marijuana. the outcome is the same, an accident waiting to happen .
This state will continue to circle the drain as long as NM votes for the people on the left. And you can disguise yourself as a Republican, but I would look at what has this person done to lift up NM? We need someone who is honorable and has moral ethics.
There weed sucks .
If you want seeds, look me up on Twitter and I can help you out.
Riiight. All we need is a former Big Pharma executive for governor. Hard pass.
Agreed!
Gonna have to give this some thought. Almost sounds like a Democrat ploy with a Drug Dealer as Governor
Can you imagine having this conversation 30 years ago??? We want the biggest drug dealer in NM to be governor???
Well, you have a gang banger for a governor right now.
ANYONE would be better than a Dimocrat – especially Haaland – who is about as cognitively aware as Biden.
I don’t want someone who is just “a little better than a Democrat”….that’s setting out sights pretty low. How about going out and getting the best for the job…someone who won’t bow to political correctness and will fight for what’s right without apologizing for it…..
While I like Gregg Hull and John Sanchez, I will definitely keep an open mind about Duke Rodriquez for governor.
Gonna need to reach out to Duke. Seems he has some stones for the job.
OBVIOUSLY we DON’T NEED MORE WEED
IT’S RUINING ROUTE 66 THROUGH TUCUMCARI
You are right! Everything that was already bad about New Mexico got worse when we legalized pot…..it draws the worse from other states, our streets look like 3rd world countries with all the trash etc out on them and bums everywhere. All of this got worse almost immediately when we legalized pot. I don’t care if it does bring in revenue…I work in the public school system and as bad as it was before…it’s rampant now! When we legalize something it tells our kids that it’s ok. And pot “takes your want to away”. It’s always been there…(at least the last 50-60 years) but when it was legalized everything got worse…a big portion of JH age kids and up are completely without any sort of motivation and it dramatically increased when we legalized pot. I don’t think we need a governor who is complicit in this.
Hmmm… from one drug kingpin to another.
Geeza Louiza
Agreed…
Well I think there is a lot of anti Marijuana bias and that is somewhat understandable But Duke Rodriguez has a lot more experience than a former weatherman. Running the states largest Marijuana growing and sales business should be a plus, not a minus as the state needs to be run more like a business but instead of profits, it should be for better infrastructure and lower taxes. Pot shops on every corner will go away as it did in California, Colorado and many other states as time passes and the new wears off. I would not throw away a proven leader that just might be the one that gets us a qualified Republican Governor win so I will be watching for his positions and policies to be forthcoming before I decide who will get my support.
Rio Rancho is well run, clean, has no homeless population to speak of. If he can do it for a city, I’d like to see if he can do it for our State.
Concerns: 1. Marijuana business & potential ties to cartels
2. ties to Democratic platform, what are they
3. stance on education, healthcare, child welfare, abortion
4. Stance on state & Federal constitutions 1st, 2nd
5. Stance on border, illegal immigration, deportation of
illegal aliens, sanctuary status of state
6. Stance on unfunded mandates (solar, wind, EPA) and
their effects on small business
There is quite a bit to be addressed before the primaries. What we don’t need is another pandering lying chameleon posing as a politician whether Democrat, Republican, or other as Governor
I just want someone who supports 2A and give about the people of New Mexico then illegals and who truly love our military veterans. If there’s a real true republican that’s support what I said then you get my vote.