Deb Haaland, a member of Laguna Pueblo, is set to make history as the first Native American female governor in the United States in elections scheduled for 3 November. Recent polling indicates she maintains a substantial lead over her Republican opponent, businessman and Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull. Her candidacy reflects broader Democratic strength in New Mexico, where the party controls the legislature, holds all statewide offices, and has implemented policies such as universal childcare that have garnered national attention.
Haaland’s political ascent began in 2018 when she was elected to Congress as part of a progressive cohort that included Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib. During her House tenure, she sponsored legislation addressing the missing and murdered Native Americans crisis. Following Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential election victory, Haaland became the first Native American to lead a cabinet agency when appointed Secretary of the Interior. In that position, she oversaw establishment of a missing and murdered unit within the Bureau of Indian Affairs and advocated for protection of culturally significant lands including Chaco Canyon and Bears Ears.
Returning to New Mexico to campaign for governor, Haaland has pledged to expand social safety net programs, enhance rural healthcare access, and protect natural resources and sacred lands. She has secured endorsements from prominent Democrats including former President Barack Obama and has received campaign support from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Her campaign has generated considerable enthusiasm among New Mexico’s Indigenous population, which comprises over 12 percent of the state’s residents.
Haaland’s candidacy arrives during a historically significant year for Native American political representation. According to Advance Native Political Leadership, a record 358 Indigenous candidates are running for office across local, state, and federal elections nationwide. The election cycle could also produce the first Indigenous woman elected to the US Senate, depending on outcomes involving former Alaska Congresswoman Mary Peltola and Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. Supporters characterize Haaland’s potential victory as representative of growing Indigenous political power and influence.
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