SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico has its first Republican contender for governor ahead of the 2026 elections, as the three-term city mayor of fast-growing Rio Rancho launched his campaign.

Gregg Hull on Friday outlined priorities, including greater state investments in the health care workforce and roadways, in pursuing the Republican nomination ahead of an open race for governor. He also described a “zero-tolerance” approach to crime that would revisit the state's bail reforms and seek changes to juvenile justice statutes.

“I’ve taken a very pragmatic approach to solving problems up in Rio Rancho,” said Hull, a former business executive for a commercial crating company and a motorhome resale business. “That’s how we want to approach the issues in New Mexico.”

Three Democratic candidates are

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