State senator Steve Lanier launches bid for governor as ‘common-sense’ candidate

SANTA FE — First-term state Sen. Steve Lanier of Aztec has entered New Mexico’s race for governor, saying he would bring a common-sense approach to the state’s top executive office.

Lanier last week became the second Republican to officially launch a gubernatorial campaign, joining Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull, who officially announced his candidacy last month.

Three Democrats have also announced campaigns: former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman and former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima.

Lanier, who was elected to the Senate last year to represent a San Juan County-based district, is a former county commissioner and retired high school history teacher who has spoken publicly about witnessing a deadly 2017 school shooting in Aztec.

He would not have to give up his Senate seat to run for governor, as the four-year term he was elected to last year runs through 2028. But he would have to step down if elected.

In a Tuesday interview, Lanier said he plans to focus on issues including economic development, education, crime and New Mexico’s doctor shortage on the campaign trail.

He also said he would seek to work with Democrats if elected, pointing out Democrats currently hold a majority in both legislative chambers.

“I think people are tired of the bickering back and forth,” Lanier told the Journal.

As a state senator, Lanier has sponsored legislation creating an annual $500 rebate for state taxpayers and making it a crime to solicit noncitizens to register to vote. However, none of the eight bills he sponsored or co-sponsored during this year’s 60-day session were ultimately approved.

Lanier voted last week in favor of a special session bill authorizing up to $162 million to cover food assistance benefits for eligible state residents until mid-January.

But he voted against a separate funding bill during an October special session that provided money for food banks, public television stations and other programs.

In his campaign for governor, Lanier said he plans to run a positive race but would push back when necessary.

“I’m an old football coach, so I know how to defend myself,” he quipped.

New Mexico’s gubernatorial race is open next year, as incumbent Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is barred under the state Constitution from seeking a third consecutive term.

The last Republican to be elected governor in the state was Susana Martinez, who served two terms before stepping down at the end of 2018. But no GOP candidate has won a statewide race since former Supreme Court Justice Judith Nakamura did so in 2016.

New Mexico’s statewide primary election will take place June 2, with the general election set for November 2026.