Govenor's Race
The Governor is the chief executive of New Mexico – the leader who sets the direction of our state. Their decisions affect whether working families can afford housing, whether children get quality education, whether our economy creates opportunities for everyone, and whether New Mexico is prepared for the next wildfire, drought, or crisis.
What does the Governor do?
The Governor is vested by the New Mexico Constitution (Article V, Section 4) with the supreme executive power of the state. They serve four-year terms with a two-consecutive-term limit, and must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a New Mexico resident for five years.
The Governor:
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Proposes the state budget – Submits a balanced budget proposal to the Legislature every January (and is statutorily required to submit a balanced budget)
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Signs or vetoes laws – Can veto legislation and uses line-item veto authority to strike specific appropriations while signing the rest of the budget
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Appoints key officials – Nominates cabinet secretaries, agency heads, and members of boards and commissions, with Senate confirmation required at the start of each gubernatorial term
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Commands the state's military forces – Serves as commander-in-chief of the New Mexico militia, including the National Guard during emergencies like wildfires, floods, and public health crises
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Grants pardons and reprieves – A constitutional power (except in cases of treason and impeachment) historically significant in New Mexico
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Represents New Mexico – Works with other governors, the federal government, Tribal nations, and international partners on issues that affect New Mexicans
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Sets the executive agenda – Uses the State of the State address, executive orders, agency direction, and budget priorities to drive policy
Key Issues the Next Governor Will Face
Building Economic Opportunity for All Families
New Mexicans want to know that they and their children can get ahead, not just get by. Too many families face low-wage jobs with limited benefits and few opportunities to advance. The next Governor will work to:
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Attract new industries beyond oil and gas
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Invest in job training, apprenticeships, and higher education
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Support small businesses, entrepreneurs, and rural economies
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Strengthen worker protections and fair wages
Clean Energy and Good Jobs
Wind, solar, and other clean-energy industries can bring good jobs to New Mexico, but only if the transition is managed deliberately. The next Governor will be responsible for:
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Incentivizing clean-energy investment (federal Inflation Reduction Act-era incentives have driven major projections of new clean-power investment in NM, though federal policy uncertainty is real)
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Protecting workers and communities transitioning from fossil-fuel jobs
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Ensuring rural and Tribal communities share in the benefits of new energy development
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Balancing environmental protection with long-term economic security
Education and Opportunity for the Next Generation
New Mexicans are rightly concerned about our education system and what it means for our kids' futures. The next Governor will set education priorities and work with the Public Education Department, Public Education Commission, and Legislature to:
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Fund schools fairly across all communities — rural, urban, and Tribal
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Pay teachers and staff competitive wages
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Expand early childhood education (a signature issue for the current administration)
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Connect students to career and technical education pathways
Healthcare Access and Lower Costs
Healthcare expenses remain a top concern for families across New Mexico. The Governor oversees the state's Medicaid program and sets broader health policy priorities. The next Governor will work to:
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Expand healthcare access in rural and Tribal communities
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Lower prescription drug costs
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Strengthen mental health and substance use treatment
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Protect coverage for people with pre-existing conditions
Public Safety, Water, and Resilience
New Mexico faces real threats from drought, wildfires, and extreme weather – and every community deserves to feel safe. The next Governor will lead on:
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Preparing for and responding to wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters
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Protecting rivers, acequias, and groundwater under the 50-Year Water Action Plan
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Reducing violent crime while investing in prevention and treatment
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Tackling the opioid and fentanyl crisis through treatment, recovery, and enforcement
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Addressing homelessness and the affordable housing crisis
What You
Can Do
✅ Research where candidates stand on the economy, education, clean energy, and water
✅ Ask candidates how they'll support rural and Tribal communities, working families, and small businesses
✅ Show up: public comment on agency rules and budget hearings shapes decisions long before elections
✅ Vote in the Governor's race – the office touches every part of life in New Mexico