New Mexicans vote in gubernatorial primaries as revenue soars from oil boom

By — Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press By — Savannah Peters, Associated Pres Savannah Peters, Associated Pres Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/new-mexicans-vote-in-gubernatorial-primaries-as-revenue-soars-from-oil-boom Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter New Mexicans vote in gubernatorial primaries as revenue soars from oil boom Politics Jun 2, 2026 6:40 PM EDT ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexicans will choose Democratic and Republican nominees for governor Tuesday as the state grapples with high rates of violent crime, chronically underperforming schools and cuts to federal programs that are key safety nets for residents. Despite New Mexico's persistent challenges, the primary election comes at a time of promise for the next governor. Surging oil prices caused by the Iran war have translated into an influx of tax revenue to state coffers. New Mexico is the nation's second-largest oil-producing state behind Texas, and the industry's revenue funds an array of progressive social programs that include universal childcare. LIVE RESULTS: New Mexico midterm primaries For the first time, the primary is open to voters who are independent. The state's semi-open primary system, which was signed into law by Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham last year, allows the roughly 23% of New Mexico voters who are not affiliated with a political party to request either a Democratic or Republican ballot. While voters will decide primaries in three congressional seats, a U.S. Senate seat and a long list of statewide offices, the governor's race is the main attraction. Former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland , who also served a term in the U.S. House, and Albuquerque-based District Attorney Sam Bregman are seeking the Democratic nomination to replace Lujan Grisham, who reached her term limit. Haaland, a citizen of Laguna Pueblo, could become the first Native American woman elected governor in the U.S. Her campaign has focused on reducing costs for families, emphasizing her ancestral roots in the state and touting her experience working in the nation's capital. She was out campaigning Tuesday, making her first stop at San Felipe Pueblo, a Native American community north of Albuquerque. "Don't just honk, vote!" Haaland said as she waved a campaign sign and encouraged passing motorists to turn into the voting center parking lot. She was greeted with hugs by women from the pueblo. Meredith Ansera, a project coordinator with the pueblo, said she worked with Haaland during her tenure as a tribal administrator who helped oversee education and childcare programs. "She knows what our needs are and she's been there," said Ansera, who cast her ballot early last week. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Haaland leads Bregman in fundraising. Her campaign has highlighted