Deb Haaland Wins New Mexico Governor’s Race, Makes History as First Native American Woman Governor in US

Former US Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has won the New Mexico gubernatorial election, becoming the first Native American woman elected governor in American history.

The Democratic candidate defeated Republican Gregg Hull in the November 3, 2026 election, marking a historic milestone for Indigenous representation in American politics. The Associated Press called the race for Haaland on election night, with early results showing her securing approximately 57.2 per cent of the vote.

Haaland, 65, is a member of the Laguna Pueblo, a federally recognised Native American tribe in New Mexico.

Before entering the gubernatorial race, she served as the US Secretary of the Interior under former President Joe Biden from 2021 to 2025. In that position, she became the first Native American to lead a cabinet department. She also made history in 2018 when she became one of the first two Native American women elected to the US Congress.

In her victory speech, Haaland highlighted the significance of her election, noting that Native Americans have faced generations of discrimination and efforts to suppress their languages and cultures.

She described her victory as an opportunity to inspire Indigenous children and demonstrate that they can aspire to the highest positions in American public service. Her election is particularly significant given the history of Native American political representation in the United States.

During her campaign, Haaland highlighted several priorities, including improving public education, expanding healthcare access, addressing violent crime and tackling the state’s fentanyl crisis.

She also pledged to address challenges within New Mexico’s child welfare system and improve access to essential services for communities located far from major healthcare facilities.

One of her proposed early actions is a temporary halt on new large-scale data centre projects while lawmakers consider legislation regulating the industry.

Haaland will succeed outgoing Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is prevented by term limits from seeking another term. She is expected to assume office on January 1, 2027. Her victory represents a major moment in US political history, breaking a longstanding barrier for Native American women in state leadership.