Ariana Marmolejo Regional Communications Strategist (West) | Conservation Voters New Mexico
Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM) Action Fund has endorsed Secretary Deb Haaland for the 2026 gubernatorial elections. CVNM's political action committee chose Haaland after evaluating suitable candidates. Haaland, who is a 35th-generation New Mexican and a member of Laguna Pueblo, has already broken barriers as the first Native American woman to head a State Party and serve in the U.S. Congress, as well as the first Native American in a cabinet position during the Biden-Harris administration.
Demis Foster, CVNM's CEO, praised Haaland's service record, saying, "She has been an outspoken advocate in protecting our public lands, ensuring we have safe water to drink, and tackling the climate crisis." Foster expressed confidence in Haaland's ability to lead New Mexico through environmental challenges.
Recent years have seen significant environmental progress in New Mexico under Governor Lujan Grisham's leadership through laws like the Energy Transition Act of 2019 and methane and ozone rules in 2021 and 2022. Despite these advancements, heightened attacks on environmental policy have amplified the need for strong leadership. Molly Taylor, also a CVNM CEO, commented, "The 2026 election represents a critical window for hope, opportunity, and progress for tens of thousands of New Mexicans."
The CVNM Action Fund has also launched the Green Gov 2026 website to highlight Haaland's environmental platform and serve as a resource for voters. Conservation Voters New Mexico Action Fund is dedicated to electing candidates who champion conservation issues.
