New Mexico DA Bregman Launches Gubernatorial Campaign Amid Crime Concerns

SANTA FE, N.M. — Democratic District Attorney Sam Bregman announced his candidacy for governor on Thursday amidst escalating crime and public safety concerns in New Mexico’s largest city, Albuquerque. With a planned National Guard deployment to assist local law enforcement, Bregman’s campaign seeks to address persistent violent crime rates that far exceed the national average.

Bregman, who became a prominent figure in New Mexico politics following his appointment as district attorney in 2023, is leveraging his legal experience against former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland for the party’s nomination. Currently, no Republicans have entered the gubernatorial race, leaving an open field as Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham prepares to leave office at the end of her term.

“I think most voters are tired of the radical right, and they’re not very receptive to the radical left either — and I’m not either,” Bregman told The Associated Press. “Most people want someone who is just going to focus on the same issues that they do when they’re at the breakfast table,” he said, emphasizing the need to address wages, healthcare, and neighborhood safety.

According to Sisto Abeyta, a political analyst and president of Tri-Strategies New Mexico, the high crime rates are symptomatic of deeper social issues, including a struggling economy and lack of affordable housing, which he asserts are inextricably linked to crime. “The economy equates to crime, housing equates to crime,” Abeyta noted. “Why are there drug addicts? There’s not enough mental health services,” he added.

Bregman has publicly committed to turning the tide on crime, detailing his initiatives as district attorney that include hiring more attorneys, forming a dedicated team to tackle violent gun crimes, and enhancing pretrial detention protocols for dangerous defendants. So far, his office has secured murder convictions against at least 300 individuals.

“We have started to turn the tide when it comes to crime in general — still a long road to go,” Bregman stated. His record has been challenged by local Republicans, who argue crime has surged under his watch.

Recent legislation allowing independent voters to participate in major party primaries is expected to shift the dynamics of the election. Polling indicates that approximately 23% of registered voters in New Mexico, or about 310,000 residents, are unaffiliated with either major political party.

Brian Sanderoff, an Albuquerque-based pollster, observed that many younger unaffiliated voters view the major parties unfavorably. “Now, all of a sudden, the state’s taking away a barrier” to participation in primaries, he added.

Bregman sees law enforcement experience as a valuable asset in New Mexico politics. His predecessor, former Republican district attorney Susana Martinez, successfully transitioned to a two-term governorship, illustrating a common career trajectory for legal professionals in the state.

As the gubernatorial race heats up, Bregman is positioning himself as a centrist candidate focused on pragmatic solutions. His campaign comes as Albuquerque faces increased scrutiny over crime, particularly along the city’s historic Route 66 corridor, prompting emergency measures from law enforcement.

Whether Bregman can gain traction and secure the Democratic nomination against formidable opponents like Haaland remains to be seen, but his past role in shaping public policy on crime places him at the forefront of this critical political battle as New Mexico heads toward its 2026 gubernatorial election.