ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — Duke Rodriguez, CEO of Ultra Health Cannabis, announced his candidacy for governor in an advertisement published Sunday in the Albuquerque Journal.
Rodriguez joins Republican primary challengers Sen. Steve Lanier of Aztec and Rio Rancho Mayor Greg Hull in the race.
The announcement was written as an open letter to voters, asking for public support and involvement. In the letter, Rodriguez described himself as having “bold ideas” that “political parties, D.C. insiders and candidates won’t like.”
He outlined policy priorities that include guaranteed health care for New Mexicans, expanding access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and reducing waste and inefficiency in government.
Rodriguez emphasized that he is not seeking financial contributions. Instead, he said he is looking for a running mate, framing the effort as an open call to New Mexicans. He also invited residents to share ideas for improving the state and encouraged readers to visit his campaign website, RunWithDuke.com.
Rodriguez is a cannabis entrepreneur and previously served as a state cabinet secretary under former Gov. Gary Johnson.
Ahead of his announcement, Rodriguez has faced questions about his residency. The New Mexico Constitution requires candidates for governor to have lived in the state for at least five consecutive years before the election. Rodriguez owns homes in Albuquerque and Scottsdale, Arizona, but has said he has maintained a New Mexico residence since moving to the state in 1971.
