Deb Haaland's Journey: a Trailblazer Facing Mixed Reactions

WHO:

ABC News - Deb Haaland, a citizen of Laguna Pueblo, is a candidate for New Mexico governor.

ABC News - Gregg Hull, a former three-time mayor, is the Republican candidate for New Mexico governor.

AP News - David Bearshield, who is Cheyanne and Arapaho, supports Hull.

AP News - Ann Chavez Barudin of Santo Domingo Pueblo expressed emotional support for Haaland.

WHAT:

ABC News - Haaland secured the Democratic nomination for New Mexico governor.

AP News - Haaland aims to become the first Native woman governor in the U.S.

ABC News - Haaland mentioned President Trump in her primary victory speech, blaming him for making life more expensive for New Mexicans.

AP News - Hull criticized Haaland's opposition to the oil and gas industry, which is vital for New Mexico's economy.

WHERE:

ABC News - The events took place in San Felipe Pueblo, New Mexico.

AP News - Albuquerque’s historic Old Town plaza was the site of Haaland's primary victory celebration.

WHEN:

ABC News - Haaland's primary victory speech occurred on the final day of voting earlier this week.

AP News - A memoir by Haaland is set for release this month.

WHY:

ABC News - Haaland's candidacy is motivated by a desire for more Native representation in politics.

AP News - Hull argues that New Mexico needs a regime shift after years of Democratic rule to address issues like educational outcomes and poverty.

HOW:

ABC News - Haaland campaigned by encouraging voters to stop and vote in her community.

AP News - Advocacy groups are working to recruit more Native Americans to serve in political roles, with over 1,000 interested individuals.

(UPDATED June 5, 2026 08:19 UTC)

Deb Haaland has secured the Democratic nomination for governor of New Mexico, aiming to become the first Native woman governor in the U.S., while former three-time mayor Gregg Hull is running as the Republican candidate. Support for Hull comes from David Bearshield, who is Cheyanne and Arapaho, while Ann Chavez Barudin of Santo Domingo Pueblo has expressed her emotional support for Haaland. In her victory speech, Haaland criticized President Trump for rising costs affecting New Mexicans, and Hull countered by highlighting the importance of the oil and gas industry to the state's economy.