Kalle Benallie
ICT
ALBUQUERQUE — In a centuries-old town, Deb Haaland celebrated her nomination as the Democratic candidate for governor of New Mexico against Sam Bregman. If she wins in November against Republican Greggory Hull, she will become the first Native American woman to be governor in the United States.
“We’re showing everyone that a better New Mexico is possible,” Haaland said, who is Laguna Pueblo. “New Mexicans want a leader who will stand up for working people and who is ready to take on Donald Trump. I proudly accept your nomination as the Democratic nominee of the great state of New Mexico.”
Nearly 200 people attended Haaland’s watch party in Old Town Plaza. They walked around, enjoyed a cocktail at a local bar, and sipped on agua frescas from a food truck during the summer evening. Multiple signs were scattered around that read: “Governor 2026 Deb Haaland New Mexico.”
Before Haaland arrived on the stage to talk about her campaign and acceptance as the Democratic nominee, Deborah Idar, from Texas, who was with her grandson and visiting a friend said she decided to go to the event as she was in the area and has supported Haaland since her Secretary of the Department of Interior position.
Haaland made history nationally as one of the first Native American women to be in Congress, along with Sharice Davids, Ho-Chunk. Haaland placed her in the history books again when she became Interior Secretary and was the first Native American person and woman to lead a cabinet-level agency.
“I think she’s an awesome person and just came out here to support her and hope to see her tonight,” Idar, Mexicana, said. “We need more women in power. We’ve had a lot of time with men in power. I think a woman brings in a different kind of perspective, understanding of the earth, Indigenous people, especially being an Indigenous person herself.”
Esmeralda Barrera, descendant of Comanche and Apache in Texas, was at the event for several hours before Haaland came out because she and Idar realized she was going to speak later.
Barrera agrees with some of Haaland’s platforms like land conservation and her commitment to the community. Barrera has been a New Mexico resident for more than 40 years.
“This land was stolen land so then it needs to come back to the people, that’s what I feel. I mean that’s karma, that’s what needs to happen and a lot more women involved too — changing things back to better than what they are,” Barrera said about Haaland possibly becoming the first Indigenous woman to be governor of New Mexico.
The event began with several performances from Pueblo Laguna singers and hoop dancers. A few New Mexico government leaders spoke in support of Haaland at the center of Old Town at the gazebo.
New Mexico state Rep. Derrick Lente, Sandia Pueblo and Isleta Pueblo, talked about his time with Haaland in law school.
“How times have changed in a way where we are now witnessing history in the making,” Lente said. “And it’s because of all of you here tonight.”
Javier Martinez, speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives, also spoke.
“Far too long people like us have not been invited to the table. Even though we built the damn thing. Well, guess what? Ladies and gentlemen, guess what? We’re not only at the table now, but we’re bringing all of you with us to the table,” Martinez said.
He ended his speech chanting Haaland’s name a few times before exiting the stage.
“Que Viva Deb Haaland! Que Viva Deb Haaland! Que Viva Deb Haaland! Que Viva Deb Haaland!” Martinez shouted.
Then the time for Haaland came.
Her sisters introduced her before she walked down the gated barriers and was greeted with cheers, chants and a mariachi band to celebrate her win.
Haaland stated the issues she supports such as affordable healthcare, education, safe communities, better wages and renewable energy.
“I know that for a fact, New Mexicans aren’t strangers to hard work. We know long hours and long days, but the system is rigged against working people,” Haaland said. “So I will work to lower costs while making certain New Mexicans have good paying jobs, so that you can pay rent and buy groceries, and even fill up your car, to get to work in spite of Donald Trump’s inflated gas prices.”
She added that as governor she will focus on the New Mexico community first.
“We can’t afford someone who will be Donald Trump’s puppet in the governor’s office, and that’s what’s at stake in this election,”Haaland said. “But I want to be clear, the general election is about more than what we stand to lose.”
New Mexicans will place their vote in the general election on Nov. 3.
