Gubernatorial Race New Mexico: Dusoma Foundation Marla.AI Cheat Sheet and Voter Card

Dusoma Foundation “Voter card”:

My question is not how a governor would spend an unexpected $1 billion windfall. Any politician can spend money that arrives. The real test of leadership is what happens when New Mexico loses funding or faces a billion-dollar gap. I want leaders who can create resources, build partnerships, and recover lost opportunities. For example, if workforce shortages threaten the future of Los Alamos National Laboratory, I want a governor who can make the case that investments in housing, healthcare, education, and workforce development are mission-critical recruitment tools. The question is not “How will you spend the money?” but “How will you bring new money, investment, and opportunity into New Mexico when we need it most?”

My Ideal Governor

My ideal governor is not simply a manager of government programs, but a builder of opportunity. They recognize that housing, healthcare, workforce development, education, technology, and economic growth are interconnected parts of a larger system. When resources are scarce, they do not begin with cuts—they begin with partnerships, investment, and creative problem-solving. They understand how to bring together institutions such as Los Alamos National Laboratory, universities, businesses, philanthropies, and local communities to solve shared problems. Most importantly, they can articulate a compelling vision for New Mexico’s future and persuade others to invest in making that vision a reality.

Cheat Sheet:
The governor of New Mexico is Michelle Lujan Grisham. She has served since 2019 and is in her second term, which ends in January 2027. New Mexico governors are limited to two consecutive terms, so she is not running again in the 2026 election.

A few quick facts that may be useful tonight:

Democrat.
Former U.S. Representative for New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District.
Former New Mexico Secretary of Health.
Grew up in New Mexico and was born in Los Alamos.
The governor’s residence, often called the Governor’s Mansion, is in Santa Fe.

For the 2026 New Mexico governor’s race, there is no public evidence that Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has formally endorsed a candidate for governor as of today.

However, the leading Democratic candidates are Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman. Haaland has accumulated support from much of New Mexico’s Democratic establishment, including the state’s congressional delegation.

Politically, Haaland is generally viewed as closer to the progressive wing of the party and more aligned with many of the governor’s priorities on climate, public lands, reproductive rights, and social programs. That does not mean Lujan Grisham has endorsed her, only that many analysts would see Haaland as the more natural ideological successor.

Who should I vote for in the primary? Ask me 5 multiple choice questions about my wants, needs and values

Your decision is less about party ideology and more about which candidate is most likely to:

Support practical humanitarian work
Invest in workforce development and economic mobility
Use technology effectively without hype
Improve healthcare access
Help New Mexico attract funding, jobs, and innovation

Answer these five questions. Pick the option that feels closest to your actual priority.

What would make the biggest positive difference in New Mexico over the next 10 years?

A. Expanding social programs and protecting vulnerable populations.
B. Growing jobs, business investment, and economic opportunity.
C. Building a stronger innovation ecosystem around science, technology, and education.
D. Improving government efficiency and accountability.

If you had $100 million to spend, where would you put it?

A. Housing, healthcare, and direct assistance.
B. Small business growth and workforce training.
C. Research, AI, manufacturing, and technology education.
D. Government modernization and performance measurement.

Which statement sounds most like you?

A. The measure of a society is how it treats vulnerable people.
B. People need jobs and income more than programs.
C. We should use technology and innovation to solve large-scale problems.
D. Government should focus on doing fewer things better.

Which issue would most influence your vote?

A. Civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and reproductive freedom.
B. Economic growth and job creation.
C. Healthcare access and outcomes.
D. Government competence and fiscal responsibility.

Imagine your ideal governor. Which description fits best?

A. A coalition-builder focused on social justice.
B. A pragmatic executive focused on economic growth.
C. A visionary innovator focused on the future.
D. A reformer focused on efficiency and accountability.

1. A and C 2 housing. Poverty stabilization 3 C. 4 C. 5 a visionary

Your answers point to an interesting mix:

Strong A on Question 2 (poverty stabilization, housing, basic needs)
Strong C on Questions 3 and 5 (technology, innovation, future-oriented leadership)
Question 4 is healthcare access and outcomes
Question 1 is a blend of A and C

That combination is not the typical progressive voter and not the typical tech-growth voter. Your pattern is closer to:

“Use innovation and technology to solve humanitarian problems.”

Kathryn’s New Mexico Governor Scorecard

The Core Question

New Mexico faces major challenges: housing shortages, healthcare access problems, workforce gaps, poverty, and uncertainty in federal funding.

I am looking for a governor who can create opportunity, attract resources, and solve problems—not simply manage decline.

1. Can This Candidate Bring New Money Into New Mexico?