ALBUQUERQUE — Deb Haaland announced plans for a televised debate ahead of the June 2 Democratic primary for governor, scheduling a May 2 forum at Central New Mexico Community College as pressure mounts from her primary opponent to face voters on stage.
Haaland’s campaign said the debate will be held at CNM’s Smith Brasher Auditorium and broadcast statewide on PBS. The event will be free and open to the public.
The announcement comes after her primary challenger, Sam Bregman, publicly criticized Haaland for declining earlier debate invitations.
In a Facebook post dated Feb. 28, Bregman said he had been calling for debates for months and accused his opponent of avoiding the stage.
“In my line of work, when you’re confident in your case, you welcome the trial,” Bregman wrote. “It’s been 161 days since I called for debates. This morning, I learned my opponent declined multiple televised debates. You don’t get to run from questions and then ask to run this state.”
Haaland’s campaign framed the newly announced event as an opportunity for Democratic voters to hear directly from candidates about their plans for the state.
“I am excited to share my agenda with New Mexicans,” Haaland said in a statement. “From standing up to Donald Trump to lowering costs to expanding access to health care, I have the most experience of any candidate running for governor. I look forward to meeting on the stage and letting voters decide.”
Haaland previously served as U.S. secretary of the interior and represented New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District in Congress. She is seeking to succeed term-limited Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.
Her campaign has emphasized affordability issues, including proposals aimed at lowering everyday costs, expanding access to health care and strengthening economic opportunities for working families.
The May 2 debate is expected to be one of the most visible events of the Democratic primary campaign as early voting approaches, giving voters a chance to compare candidates ahead of the June 2 election.
