ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The 2026 race for governor just got more heated with the first Republican announcing his campaign — Mayor of Rio Rancho, Gregg Hull.

Hull has been rumored to be considering a run for some time, but Tuesday he made it official with the launch of his campaign website.

Hull has been the mayor of Rio Rancho since 2014, and has been re-elected twice since then. From the looks of his launch video, he’s betting on Rio Rancho’s reputation for safety and growth. In a statement from a spokesperson, he says:

“Mayor Hull appreciates the outpouring of support and encouragement he has received to run for governor.

Over the coming weeks, Mayor Hull will continue to meet with New Mexicans, local leaders, and republican stakeholders.”

His spokesperson says his campaign is planning an official kick-off event in June.

So far, Hull is the only Republican to announce his run. Now, you can cross Nella Domenici off the potentials list. She tried running for senate in 2024 against Martin Heinrich and lost. In a statement, she said she received some support and encouragement to run for governor, but:

“While I am honored, I have determined that the best way to help the state that I love is to dedicate my efforts outside of government.” 

Democrats are already reacting to Hull’s campaign. In a statement from the Democratic Governor’s Association, they say:

“Republicans can expect an uphill battle as Gregg Hull and anyone else who jumps in this race will have to answer for their party’s extreme attacks on Americans’ livelihood and efforts to strip away their rights.

No matter who the GOP nominee is, one thing is certain: New Mexicans don’t want a governor who will bring national Republicans’ chaos to their state.”

There are already two democratic candidates for governor. Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman launched his campaign last week. In his announcement video, he called out both the extreme right and the extreme left. 

Bregman is running for the democratic nomination against former Congresswoman and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. Haaland says she is focusing her campaign on the economy, crime, and environmental issues. 

Whichever way you lean in your politics, the 2026 election is going to be different. For the first time, unaffiliated and independent voters will be able to vote in New Mexico’s primaries. But you can only choose to vote one party’s ballot.