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Wednesday, September 24, 2025Dem Light Guv Race Would Be A Slugfest If SOS Joins Land Commissioner In Contest; Stephanie Answers Maggie's Tease With Name Endorsement, Plus: Udall And Kenny Thomas Pop Into Guv Race
State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard has been in the race since March and is of no mind to end her political career at the hands of the SOS. The two Dem titans both boast good name ID and political savvy. The race would be fierce. Even without a formal entry Toulouse Oliver has rattled Garcia Richard's cage. As soon as MTO publicly dangled her possible run the twice elected land commissioner rolled out an endorsement from former Dem US Senator Jeff Bingaman seemingly designed to send MTO a message not to get in. Actor Jane Fonda, a fave of progressives and Anglo boomer women, is also backing Garcia Richard. She once lived here and her former husband, Ted Turner, has extensive state land holdings. MTO is a former two term Bernalillo County Clerk and a twice elected Secretary of State who terms out at the end of 2026. Her base is the biggest voting county in the state and she may believe it gives her the edge in a primary. She did, however, lose statewide in 2014 when she lost the SOS race to Republican Dianna Duran. If this match-up happens, it could be a fight to the political death. Both would be so bloodied by the end that recovering from defeat would be improbable. THREE WAY RACE  Either Garcia Richard or Toulouse Oliver could handle the sparse duties of lieutenant governor but if they think it could be the gateway to being elected Governor, history is a harsh reminder. No #2 in modern state history has gone up that ladder. Both of them are long-term public employees and getting a four year gig (or eight) would get them closer to the years they need to enhance their PERA checks. Speaking of endorsements, former US Senator Tom Udall, 77, wants a fellow progressive to advance to the governorship so he has come out for Deb Haaland. He did so on the very day that that Haaland opponent Sam Bregman was announcing his 189 page Blueprint for New Mexico and when Bregman also came with a name endorsement. Basketball legend Kenny Thomas gave him the nod. The two endorsements restate the obvious in the Guv campaign--Haaland is the fave of most women and progressives while Bregman and Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima are more favored by men and centrists. This is the Home of New Mexico Politics. |
 
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