UMVA has learned that Gregg Hull, the former Mayor of Rio Rancho, has secured the Republican nomination in New Mexico's highly competitive open-seat gubernatorial race.
Hull, a frontrunner going into Election Day, ran on a platform of public safety, government experience, and economic growth, resonating with voters and setting him up for a strong challenge in the general election.
In a crowded field, Hull emerged victorious over businessman Doug Turner and former New Mexico Human Services Secretary Duke Rodriguez, who both presented distinct visions for the state's future.
Turner positioned himself as a business-savvy conservative and outsider, focusing on job creation and education reform, while Rodriguez, a healthcare executive and former state cabinet secretary, prioritized addiction treatment, healthcare, and government reform.
Throughout the campaign, Hull consistently argued that New Mexico requires a tougher stance on violent crime, fentanyl trafficking, and border security, and criticized the Democratic leadership in Santa Fe for not doing enough.
Hull's win solidifies Republican support behind a candidate many in the party see as a strong contender heading into November, when he will face off against Deb Haaland, former President Joe Biden's Interior Secretary.
The general election will mark a significant test for Republicans seeking to reclaim the governor's office in New Mexico for the first time since 2019, and the contest is expected to be one of the most closely watched in the state.
