Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
10.2%
28%
New Mexico Republican Governor nominee?
$110.4K
JUN 9, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleCannabis executive
PartyRepublican
LocationNew Mexico
BackgroundCannabis executive
Notable personal detailsDuke Rodriguez is a New Mexico business executive and former state cabinet secretary who ran in the 2026 Republican primary for Governor of New Mexico. He is the president and CEO of Ultra Health, a major medical cannabis operator in New Mexico, and has been involved in the state’s cannabis industry since at least the early 2010s. Prior to Ultra Health, he served as secretary of the New Mexico Human Services Department under Gov. Gary Johnson and worked as a senior executive with Lovelace Health System.
SourcesShowHide
apnews.comrunwithduke.comen.wikipedia.orgkanw.orgcannabisbusinesstimes.comglobenewswire.comnmpoliticalreport.comsourcenm.comkob.comsfchronicle.comnmchamber.orgnewsradiokkob.comabqjournal.comyahoo.comfortune.comdurangoherald.comnewmexiconewsport.comupenn.edujustice.govnews.unm.edupinonpost.comthefederalist.comznetwork.orguscatholic.orgfinance.yahoo.comkrqe.comkoat.comballotpedia.orgsantafenewmexican.comkunm.orgnmsuroundup.comivoterguide.comyoutube.comfacebook.comballotready.orgjustfacts.votesmart.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orglegislation.ballotpedia.orgdata.ballotpedia.orgvoterguide.ballotpedia.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orggovinfo.govfec.govhistory.house.govnga.org
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
The candidate supports reducing government waste and redirecting existing resources rather than raising taxes, and emphasizes free-enterprise and pro-business economic approaches. He proposes fixes to pensions, infrastructure investment, and affordability measures while promoting budget discipline and ‘truth-in-budgeting.’
Healthcare
Supports a state-level guaranteed healthcare proposal for New Mexicans and prioritizes expanding access by recruiting providers, reducing bureaucracy, consolidating systems, and cutting waste; emphasizes strengthening healthcare access and reforming Medicaid/health systems. Proposes measures intended to increase provider supply and improve rural access without raising taxes.
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Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate has not published a clear, comprehensive policy on abortion access. He has said the state should not build abortion clinics and instead focus on primary care clinics, but has not articulated positions on bans, gestational limits, or codifying Roe v. Wade.
Climate & Energy
Supports protecting existing energy jobs while promoting "next‑gen" energy development and emphasizes keeping utilities and fuel affordable. Policy language focuses on workforce and affordability rather than aggressive emissions targets or international climate agreements.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate emphasizes public safety through law enforcement and tougher penalties for repeat offenders, prioritizing enforcement to reduce crime. Campaign materials frame his approach as strengthening enforcement rather than proposing new gun restrictions.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedMar 14, 2026
Duke Rodriguez is still in the running for New Mexico governor after a judge dismissed a lawsuit from a GOP rival that challenged his eligibility over residency, leaving him on the June primary ballot. He also secured a spot on the primary ballot at the New Mexico Republican Party’s pre-primary convention, alongside other Republican contenders. Rodriguez has been publicly campaigning as well, appearing at a forum where multiple Republican and Democratic candidates laid out their plans for the state.
apnews.com+44
Articles
AJAlbuquerque Journal5 months ago
Duke Rodriguez weathers another court challenge, as judge dismisses lawsuit filed by GOP rival
Positive
AJAlbuquerque Journal5 months ago
primary backing in New Mexico governor race
Positive
AJAlbuquerque Journal5 months ago
Gubernatorial candidates speak before business leaders
Neutral
Polls
New Mexico Republican Governor nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements
- Fundraising