2026 Governor & LT. Governor Primary Candidate Info
NOTICE: The information provided below was gathered from public news outlets, social media, campaign websites, and other official public records.
Public safety remains a top priority for New Mexico voters. Below are the stances of the 2026 candidates regarding crime, gun regulations, and ICE cooperation.
Gubernatorial Candidates
Sam Bregman
Democratic Party
What should New Mexico do to address one of the highest crime rates in the nation?
We need a balanced approach: more law enforcement resources, stronger prosecution of violent offenders, and real accountability. We must address root causes by investing in mental health treatment and addiction services.
What changes do you think the state needs to make on gun regulations?
We should enforce the laws we already have and focus on keeping guns out of the hands of violent criminals. I support targeted, commonsense measures that protect public safety without infringing on responsible gun ownership.
How do you think the state should address Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities?
Public safety requires trust. Local agencies should focus on keeping neighborhoods safe, not acting as federal immigration agents. ICE agents who violate the Fourth Amendment should be held accountable.
Deb Haaland
Democratic Party
What should New Mexico do to address one of the highest crime rates in the nation?
New Mexicans deserve to feel safe. I will make sure law enforcement has the tools and staff needed to address violent crime and drug trafficking, while addressing the root causes of crime.
What changes do you think the state needs to make on gun regulations?
We must pass the Stop Illegal Gun Trade Act to provide oversight on restricted weapons. We have a responsibility to keep guns out of the hands of minors.
How do you think the state should address Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities?
I will work with the Legislature to ban ICE agents from wearing masks on the job and restrict ICE from operating within 500 yards of schools, courthouses, or churches.
Gregg Hull
Republican Party
What should New Mexico do to address one of the highest crime rates in the nation?
I’ll make police pay competitive and expand grants to help hire new officers. I’ll strengthen behavioral health services so trained civilian teams can handle mental health calls.
What changes do you think the state needs to make on gun regulations?
New Mexico needs better enforcement of existing laws targeted at repeat offenders. I support responsible ownership through education and tax credits for gun safes.
How do you think the state should address Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities?
New Mexico must cooperate with all law enforcement agencies. Sanctuary city policies shield dangerous offenders and undermine the rule of law.
Duke Rodriguez
Republican Party
What should New Mexico do to address one of the highest crime rates in the nation?
Demand that persons convicted serve their entire sentence. Deploy NM State Police to under-resourced cities and refer complex crimes to the U.S. attorney for federal prosecution.
What changes do you think the state needs to make on gun regulations?
New Mexico does not need more restrictions on responsible ownership. It needs harsher penalties for criminals who use guns to harm others.
How do you think the state should address Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities?
Cooperate with ICE detainer requests on criminal defendants and those with active warrants. Do not interfere with targeted ICE activities toward those without criminal involvement.
Doug Turner
Republican Party
What should New Mexico do to address one of the highest crime rates in the nation?
Fix cashless bail rules and return authority to judges to keep habitual offenders detained. Policies should emphasize tougher enforcement and lengthening sentences for violent crimes.
What changes do you think the state needs to make on gun regulations?
The Second Amendment is a constitutional right. I will oppose further attempts to restrict those rights for law-abiding citizens in New Mexico.
How do you think the state should address Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities?
I believe in strong enforcement. The priority should be fighting cartels, removing violent criminals, and ending incentives for illegal entry.
Lieutenant Governor Candidates
David Gallegos
Republican Party
What should New Mexico do to address one of the highest crime rates in the nation?
Back our police, strengthen penalties for repeat offenders, and fix a broken pretrial detention system. We need accountability for prosecutors who refuse to pursue cases.
What changes do you think the state needs to make on gun regulations?
Focus on criminals who misuse firearms, not on restricting constitutional rights. Disarming law-abiding citizens does nothing to stop violent crime.
How do you think the state should address Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities?
We should cooperate with federal law enforcement, not obstruct it. Policies that limit cooperation make our communities less safe.
Manny Lardizabal
Republican Party
What should New Mexico do to address one of the highest crime rates in the nation?
Increase policing and hold criminals accountable. Hire more officers to improve clearance rates and support Christian community organizations for rehabilitation.
What changes do you think the state needs to make on gun regulations?
Protect Second Amendment rights. Repeal restrictive laws like universal background checks and support constitutional carry.
How do you think the state should address Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities?
Fully cooperate with ICE to enforce federal law. End sanctuary policies and ensure local law enforcement honors ICE detainers.
Harold Pope
Democratic Party
What should New Mexico do to address one of the highest crime rates in the nation?
Take a data-driven approach by investing in mentorship and behavioral health. I support community-based policing and ensuring accountability.
What changes do you think the state needs to make on gun regulations?
I support common-sense gun safety including limits on high-capacity magazines. We must ban online ammunition sales to minors.
How do you think the state should address Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities?
Local resources should not be used for federal immigration enforcement that tears families apart. Our agencies should not cooperate with ICE.
Maggie Toulouse Oliver
Democratic Party
What should New Mexico do to address one of the highest crime rates in the nation?
Invest in behavioral health, youth career programs, and poverty reduction. We need programs like Albuquerque Community Safety to address root causes.
What changes do you think the state needs to make on gun regulations?
I supported oversight of gun dealers and high-capacity magazine restrictions. Sensible regulations can be enacted without violating rights.
How do you think the state should address Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities?
New Mexico must protect our communities. I advocated for banning armed federal agents from New Mexico polling sites.
Have additional questions or comments? Email nmbiz@nmbizcoalition.org or call (505) 836-4223.
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