Gregg Hull planning to focus on problem-solving, not party labels, in race for governor

SANTA FE — Gregg Hull knows the dismal recent track record of New Mexico Republicans running for statewide office.

But the Rio Rancho mayor, who officially announced his campaign for governor this week, said he’s optimistic his pragmatic approach to crime, health care, education and other topics can lead to a breakthrough in next year’s race.

“I think for the majority of people in the state it’s not so much about Republican or Democrat anymore, it’s about can we get results,” he said during an interview.

Hull is the first Republican to officially enter the 2026 race for governor, though several other potential GOP candidates have expressed interest in the contest.

He initially planned to launch his gubernatorial campaign in June, after confirming his plans to run in April.

But Hull said he decided to delay the planned launch in order to travel the state and watch how the gubernatorial field took shape.

“I could have spent a lot of money on a kickoff campaign, or I could invest my time in actually getting around New Mexico,” said Hull, who estimated he has taken part in at least 30 parades around the state over the last several months.

He said the response from voters during his campaign swing was largely positive, while adding that many state residents were familiar with his work as Rio Rancho’s mayor.

After Hull decided to move forward with his gubernatorial bid, he formally launched his campaign this week by releasing a nearly two-minute video, something he said was done in an attempt to keep his campaign as efficient as possible.

While Hull said he plans to ramp up his fundraising efforts, whoever wins the Republican Party nomination in June 2026 will likely face a well-funded Democratic opponent in next year’s general election.

Democratic candidates Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman both reported hefty campaign hauls this week, with Haaland reporting more than $4 million in donations during a recent six-month reporting period and Bregman taking in nearly $2.5 million.

But Hull said he’s not daunted by the race’s financial landscape or the fact that no Republican has won a statewide race in New Mexico since Judith Nakamura won election to the state Supreme Court in 2016.

“As the only declared candidate on the Republican side, we don’t need a lot of cash right now, quite frankly,” he said. “We’ve had the liberty to get out and talk with people without any opposition whatsoever.”

He also said he’s planning to tout his record on public safety, economic development and infrastructure issues as Rio Rancho mayor, a post he’s held since 2014.

“Obviously to be a formidable opponent you’re going to have to have a message of success, and we have that,” Hull said.

He also said recent New Mexico governors have embraced a “one-size-fits-all” approach, instead of working with local leaders on plans that best fit their communities.

Hull’s current term as mayor runs through March’s local election in Rio Rancho, and he has not decided whether he will seek another term as he also pursues his gubernatorial campaign.