LAS CRUCES — Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima announced Sunday that he will run for governor of New Mexico as an independent, stepping away from the Democratic primary in a bid to appeal to voters across party lines in the November general election.
Miyagishima, who served as mayor of Las Cruces from 2007 to 2023, revealed his decision after gathering thousands of petition signatures and meeting initial goals required to pursue an independent candidacy, campaign officials said. The shift comes as New Mexico’s 2026 gubernatorial contests take shape ahead of the June 2 primary and the November 3 general election.
“I’ve been reflecting on our political scene, both in New Mexico and across the nation,” Miyagishima said, framing his campaign around a desire to overcome partisan divisions and focus on practical solutions, according to a campaign statement. He said becoming an independent will allow him to reach voters who are frustrated with traditional party politics.
Miyagishima had been preparing to compete in the Democratic primary against former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman. Instead, he said he will head directly to the general election ballot, seeking at least 14,000 valid signatures from registered New Mexico voters — roughly 3% of votes cast in the previous governor’s race — to qualify as an independent.
In outlining his priorities, Miyagishima emphasized issues he said resonate with a broad range of voters, including reforming medical malpractice laws, improving access to affordable health care and education, addressing crime, and boosting solutions for homelessness. He also cited the need to tackle debt pressures for residents and to build consensus across political lines.
Miyagishima’s campaign materials highlight his long local ties and experience, noting his upbringing in southern New Mexico and deep connections to communities like Alamogordo, where he spent part of his youth. He has stressed the importance of community engagement and bipartisan cooperation in addressing state challenges.
“I aim to create a platform that truly represents and unites everyone, not just a select few,” Miyagishima said in the statement, adding that he would appoint qualified leaders regardless of party affiliation if elected.
Miyagishima’s decision reflects a broader pattern in New Mexico politics, where independent and unaffiliated voters make up a significant portion of the electorate. An independent run could reshape the dynamics of the governor’s race in a state where Democrats have held the office for decades, with term-limited Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham unable to seek re-election.
During his tenure as mayor, Miyagishima was known for efforts on downtown revitalization and community development. His supporters say those experiences underscore his focus on practical governance, though critics argue that a third-party or independent bid could complicate the arithmetic of a statewide election.
To secure a place on the general election ballot, independent candidates in New Mexico must file petitions with valid signatures shortly after the June primary. Miyagishima’s campaign reported having collected about 4,000 signatures so far and expressed confidence in reaching the state threshold.
