In New Mexico governor’s race, Deb Haaland’s historic bid tests Democrats' political hold

(AP) — If Deb Haaland wins New Mexico’s race for governor this year, she’ll make history as the first Native American woman to lead a state. But first she has to convince New Mexicans that they should keep Democrats in charge. The state persistently ranks near the bottom nationally on poverty, crime and public education, and disenchanted voters are pleading for change.

A loss would be embarrassing for Democrats, who hold all the top state offices and have controlled the Legislature nearly continuously for almost a century. Haaland blames President Donald Trump for compounding the state’s problems by cutting social programs that New Mexicans disproportionately rely on and increasing the cost of living by waging war against Iran. She proposes expanding existing tax credits and spending more on safety net programs to help families make ends meet.

Haaland, a citizen of Laguna Pueblo in west-central New Mexico, once relied on government assistance as a single mother. She rose through the ranks, serving in Congress for two years before being tapped as President Joe Biden’s interior secretary. A victory in the governor’s race could elevate Haaland’s standing in the Democratic Party.

The party recently named New Mexico as one of the earliest states for its next presidential primary, bolstering its prominence in national politics and ensuring more visits from White House hopefuls. Gregg Hull, the Republican contender and a former mayor of fast-growing Rio Rancho, said New Mexico can no longer afford more of the same and is “primed for a shift.” If he wins, Hull promises to cut taxes, which he said will fight poverty by allowing people to keep more money in their pockets. “I think the time has come to have a leader who is going to focus on the true solutions to these problems,” Hull said.

Haaland’s national star power meets Hull’s local pitch Haaland has leveraged her national profile into a nearly $20 million campaign fund and endorsements from big Democratic names, including former President Barack Obama and former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Elizabeth Warren joined Haaland at an Albuquerque daycare center this week to read stories to preschoolers and promote New Mexico’s fledgling universal childcare program, which Haaland has pledged to preserve.

“I have known and worked with Deb Haaland for many years, and she is a f… Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.U.S.