Scandal-plagued Deb Haaland wants to be governor—But can NM afford her?

According to an Axios report, former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is reportedly preparing to announce her candidacy for governor of New Mexico, according to sources close to her campaign. Haaland, a former congresswoman, is said to be actively organizing a team of experienced political operatives both from New Mexico and nationally, with Scott Forrester, a seasoned campaign manager, expected to lead her efforts. The move suggests she is positioning herself as the Democratic frontrunner for the race, which will likely attract significant attention given her national profile.

This development comes on the heels of far-left Democrat Sen. Martin Heinrich’s decision to remain in the Senate rather than pursue the governorship, a choice that spares Haaland from a potentially contentious primary battle. 

Heinrich, who is widely regarded as a key figure in the state’s Democrat Party, recently received praise from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for his decision to stay in Washington, where he is seen as a crucial ally for advancing Democratic priorities. Although Heinrich has chosen not to endorse a candidate for the governor’s race at this time, his decision clears a path for Haaland to consolidate support among Democrats, particularly within progressive circles, unless a dark horse Democrat candidate comes out to challenge Haaland.

Despite the enthusiasm from “progressive” groups, Haaland’s candidacy is already drawing criticism from conservative voices and skeptics who question her suitability for the role. During her time as Interior Secretary, Haaland faced intense scrutiny over her policies, particularly her aggressive push to restrict oil and gas production, a critical component of New Mexico’s economy. 

Many argue that her actions demonstrated a lack of understanding of the state’s economic realities, prioritizing ideological environmental policies over the livelihoods of countless New Mexicans who depend on the energy sector. Her approach alienated many in the state, including those who saw her tenure as a direct threat to their economic stability.

Moreover, her time at the Department of the Interior was marred by allegations of ethical missteps and a series of controversies that called into question her leadership capabilities. Critics argue that Haaland struggled to effectively manage the complexities of her role, with her tenure marked by delays, mismanagement, and what many perceived as poor decision-making. Concerns about her mental fitness have also surfaced, with detractors pointing to moments of apparent confusion and incoherent public statements as evidence that she may lack the clarity and focus necessary to lead a state as diverse and challenging as New Mexico.

While progressive organizations such as EMILYs List have publicly praised Haaland as a “35th-generation New Mexican” and a leader who can deliver results (unknown what those are), many New Mexicans remain unconvinced. 

Her candidacy will likely polarize voters, forcing them to weigh her progressive credentials and national profile against the controversies and doubts that have followed her political career.

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28 thoughts on “Scandal-plagued Deb Haaland wants to be governor—But can NM afford her?”

      1. Agreed. She is dumber than a rock and to top it off she screwed the Indian nation with stopping the flow of oil that helps to keep them working and earning an income. She is despicable! Traitor to our nation and her people.

    1. She is already the governor no matter what the vote is…why grisham ran off to the dem gov conference to shore it up…photo caption” we hate you ,and you WILL like it”

  1. The Republican Party needs to select a quality person to run to be the next Governor.

    Otherwise Deb will be elected and further send NM down the drain.

    Do Better New Mexico!
    Rev. Rico

    1. Does New Mexico even have a qualified republican to run for governor. This state has nothing but weak republicans. However, there might be someone in Socorro county that might be qualified because they increased the republican voter rolls in 2025 with much work and effort.

        1. At this point in time, I would support Gregg Hull, mayor of Rio Rancho, as the Republican nominee for governor. He has a great track record as mayor.

          1. Robert S. Windhorst

            Greg Hull is a great suggestion for a candidate to run for NM Governor! He actually has done big things for Rio Rancho and has shown the people of this state that there are good republicans that get things done! I look forward to his radio show every week!

  2. I hope she runs and wins, I can’t wait for her to cut all oil productions, force NMs to buy EV they can’t afford nor do they suit our way of life. Any thing and marxist democrat can do will only help wake New Mexicans up to vote them out. I guess New Mexicans have not felt enough pain in their freedoms or in their pocket books. Heck by time the NM legislature gets done this year your anyone will be able to call the police and say you are dangerous and the cops will come take your guns with out due process. u r guilty until you prove your self innocent. I am glad she will be forced to pledge to support the NM constitution just like the little munskin (current gov) did right before she signed laws blatantly against the NM constitution, yes NM vote her in, you deserve it.

  3. Why would she be elected? Because she is a so called Native American? She was a do nothing representative and secretary of the interior… Pray for Gods mercy that the republicans or independents step up and find someone who can beat her with a landslide… Otherwise might as well grab your ankles and kiss your know what goodbye if she is elected as governor in 2026…
    She is not the smartest or brightest bulb in the box that is for sure…

  4. The only Republican for Governor 2026 name I’ve heard to date is Gregg Hull, Rio Rancho’s Mayor. The RPNM needs to find someone better then a burned out city mayor who is tired of being a mayor (he’s in his third term). Otherwise, we’ll be stuck with a Dem Governor for the next 8 years.

  5. This is NEW MEXICO’s answer to Kamala Harris.
    A total “Nothing Burger” person. The fact that she may be running for this state office tells everything you need to know about New Mexico Democrat politics!

  6. We can only pray dembocraps have learned their lesson hiring Loserjan and watching her destroy NM! Haaland has already turned her back on the tribes and New Mexico as a whole.

  7. You might want to look into the two prior positions she held with Pueblo’s on the western side of New Mexico before she ran for Congress. You think her lob as Interior secretary was bad!!!

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