Can a gubernatorial candidate with a 30 year track record do an ethnic rebrand to make himself more competitive?

Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima, 62, is trying and comes with this eyebrow raising newspaper ad that for the first time identifies him as Ken "Gallegos" Miyagishima.

Miyagishima has long been known as a successful Japanese-American politician. His electoral success goes back to1992 when he was elected to the Dona Ana County Commission. He served as a popular Las Cruces Mayor from 2007 to 2023.

Now as a candidate in the June '26  Dem Guv primary he is seeking a broader profile as he competes against well-known contenders Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman.  

The name change could be seen as a long-shot play from a long-shot candidate. Miyagishima has not been competitive with his fund-raising. 

Hispanic voters are plentiful in Democratic primaries and among independents who are now able to vote in party primaries. History confirms that voters can be swayed by a candidate's ethnic background. 

Miyagishima's major problem is not ethnicity but that he is a conservative/moderate Dem running in a party dominated by progressives. 

His major impact on the race thus far may be slowing down BernCo District Attorney Bregman who is courting the same middle of the road voters as Miyagishima, leaving the large progressive bloc to Deb Haaland.  

If nothing else the former mayor's name change could give him an excuse to hold a rebranding party to  raise money for his flagging campaign. 

MIYAGISIHIMA AND GALLEGOS 

Ken Miyagishima's middle name, "Gallegos," reflects his mixed Mexican and Japanese heritage. "Gallegos" is a Spanish surname from his mother's side of the family, while "Miyagishima" is his Japanese family name from his father's side. The use of both names symbolizes recognition of both parental lineages and cultural backgrounds.

MAYORAL RUNOFF 

From the ABQ City Clerk's office: 

Early voting will take place Monday, December 1 through Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 17 polling locations across Albuquerque. On Election Day, Tuesday, December 9, 50 polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Absentee ballots will be mailed to voters who have requested them beginning November 18. 

The last day to request an absentee ballot is November 25. . .All absentee ballots must be received by the Clerk’s Office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. Same-day registration will also be available during the Early Voting period and on Election Day. 

We'll be away from this space for a bit and return next Wednesday, Nov. 19. See you then. 

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