Maggie Toulouse Oliver makes it official, launches bid for lieutenant governor

SANTA FE — Maggie Toulouse Oliver jumped into New Mexico’s lieutenant governor race on Thursday, setting the stage for a possible encore to an already substantive political career.

The state’s current secretary of state, Toulouse Oliver announced her widely expected candidacy with a video citing the high stakes of next year’s election cycle and her past clashes with Republicans over voting-related issues.

“Donald Trump is attacking our democracy and pushing an extreme agenda,” she said. “New Mexico needs a fighter who will stand up to him.”

Her decision to run for lieutenant governor comes roughly one month after Toulouse Oliver acknowledged she was exploring a possible bid.

It also comes just one week after another high-profile Democratic lieutenant governor candidate, State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard, suspended her campaign due to her husband’s health issues.

While two other Democrats — state Sen. Harold Pope Jr. of Albuquerque and Jackie Lee Onsurez of Loving — are still in the race, Toulouse Oliver could have the advantage of a larger political profile due to her nearly nine years holding a statewide office.

She also already has a head start in fundraising, having reported this month more than $23,000 in a campaign account she’ll be able to tap for next year’s election cycle.

Toulouse Oliver, a former Bernalillo County clerk, was first elected as secretary of state in 2016, following former Secretary of State Dianna Duran’s resignation after being charged with using campaign funds to fuel a gambling habit. She twice won reelection to new terms but is barred under state Constitution from running again in 2026.

As New Mexico’s top election official, Toulouse Oliver has supported proposals to allow same-day voter registration in New Mexico and permit independent voters to participate in primary elections without changing their party affiliation. But she’s also clashed with Republicans over plans to implement “straight-party voting,” among other initiatives.

Like other election officials nationwide, Toulouse Oliver has in past years dealt with threats via telephone and email.

After last year’s presidential election, Toulouse Oliver said she experienced online threats and harassment after attempting to interact with New Mexico voters on social media.

Meanwhile, Toulouse Oliver would become New Mexico’s second female lieutenant governor if elected. Democrat Diane Denish previously held the office from 2003 through 2010.

However, the state has never had women serving simultaneously as governor and lieutenant governor.

Former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination for governor next year, in a race that also features Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman and former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima.

Under New Mexico’s system, governor and lieutenant governor candidates run independently in the primary election. The winners of those races who share the same party affiliation are then paired on a ticket for the general election.

Next year’s primary election is set for June 2, with the general election then taking place in November.