A shadow of California’s challenges looms over New Mexico, and one candidate is determined to prevent a repeat. Jim Ellison, a veteran of the state’s energy sector and former Public Regulation Commissioner, has officially entered the 2026 gubernatorial race, driven by a stark warning about the future of electricity costs.
Ellison’s campaign launch centers on a single, powerful claim: current policies are paving the way for a dramatic surge in energy prices. He predicts rates could double or even triple within the next decade if the state continues on its present course, a prospect he frames as a direct threat to New Mexico’s affordability and economic vitality.
Decades spent navigating the complexities of power and energy have given Ellison a unique perspective. He argues that the current administration’s approach is actively making life more expensive for residents and discouraging new businesses from establishing roots in the state.
The stakes are high, and Ellison positions himself as the leader capable of charting a new direction. He pledges to prioritize electric rate affordability, framing it as a critical issue for voters increasingly concerned about the cost of living.
The Republican field is already taking shape, with Ellison joining Rio Rancho Mayor Greg Hull, state Senator Steve Lanier, and Duke Rodriguez in vying for the governorship. The competition promises a robust debate over the state’s future energy policies and economic direction.
On the Democratic side, the race is led by Deb Haaland, a former congresswoman and Secretary of the Interior, whose historic appointment marked a significant milestone. Her candidacy brings national attention and a strong progressive platform to the contest.
New Mexico’s political history offers a fascinating pattern. For the past six gubernatorial administrations, power has consistently alternated between the two major parties. If this trend continues, the 2026 election could see a Republican reclaiming the governor’s mansion.
