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.
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.
Gonna have to give this some thought. Almost sounds like a Democrat ploy with a Drug Dealer as Governor
ANYONE would be better than a Dimocrat – especially Haaland – who is about as cognitively aware as Biden.
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
Hmmm… from one drug kingpin to another.
Geeza Louiza
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.