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ELECTIONS
Former Las Cruces mayor now running as independent for governor
Ken Miyagishima was previously running as a Democrat
SANTA FE — A former Las Cruces mayor who is running for governor against announced he will run as an independent candidate.
Ken Miyagishima made the announcement in a news release Monday. Miyagishima, who announced his gubernatorial campaign in May, was previously a Democrat.
He stated he made the decision after "meeting with thousands" of Democrats and independents.
“I’ve been reflecting on our political scene, both in New Mexico and across the nation. The divisions and constant fighting are holding us back from addressing the real issues we face," Miyagishima said. "By becoming an independent candidate, I aim to foster a political environment that embraces fresh ideas and encourages community involvement."
By making the party affiliation switch, Miyagishima joins other gubernatorial independent candidates including Meliton Isaac Gonzales, Tristan Kumar and Jake Smith, a Rio Rancho resident.
Miyagishima's platform includes issues such as medical malpractice reform, health care, education, as well as crime and debt reduction.
Miyagishima was the longest-serving mayor of the southern New Mexico city from 2007-23.
