Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
10.2%
28%
Republican
Duke Rodriguez
Republican candidate for Governor in New Mexico
New Mexico Republican Governor nominee?
$122.2K
JUN 9, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — New Mexico Republican Governor nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
0.1%chance to win
$122.2KJUN 9, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleCannabis industry executive
PartyRepublican
LocationNew Mexico
BackgroundCannabis industry executive
Notable personal detailsDuke Rodriguez is a New Mexico-based cannabis industry executive and former healthcare executive who ran for the Republican nomination for Governor of New Mexico in 2026. He has been president and CEO of Ultra Health and has described prior senior leadership experience with Lovelace Health System. He also served as secretary of the New Mexico Human Services Department during Gov. Gary Johnson’s administration.
SourcesShowHide
runwithduke.comultrahealth.comsourcenm.comkunm.orgelectionresults.sos.nm.govglobenewswire.comapps.npr.orgeasternnewmexiconews.compbs.orgnmpoliticalreport.comnewmexicopbs.orgtransparencyusa.orgnmsentinel.comkanw.orgchavescounty.govrld.nm.govvote411-prod.s3.amazonaws.comcfis.state.nm.ushsd.state.nm.uscivoren.comballotready.orgnewsradiokkob.comabqjournal.comapnews.comyahoo.comfortune.comdurangoherald.comnewmexiconewsport.comupenn.edujustice.govnews.unm.edupinonpost.comthefederalist.comznetwork.orguscatholic.orgen.wikipedia.orgfinance.yahoo.cominstagram.comkoat.comkrqe.comsantafenewmexican.comnmsuroundup.comnytimes.comfacebook.comjustfacts.votesmart.orggovinfo.govcongress.govncsl.orgwikidata.orgnga.orgfec.goviqconnect.house.gov
Political Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
The candidate supports reducing government waste and redirecting existing resources rather than raising taxes, and emphasizes free-enterprise and pro-business economic approaches. He proposes fixes to pensions, infrastructure investment, and affordability measures while promoting budget discipline and ‘truth-in-budgeting.’
Healthcare
Supports a state-level guaranteed healthcare proposal for New Mexicans and prioritizes expanding access by recruiting providers, reducing bureaucracy, consolidating systems, and cutting waste; emphasizes strengthening healthcare access and reforming Medicaid/health systems. Proposes measures intended to increase provider supply and improve rural access without raising taxes.
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Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate has not published a clear, comprehensive policy on abortion access. He has said the state should not build abortion clinics and instead focus on primary care clinics, but has not articulated positions on bans, gestational limits, or codifying Roe v. Wade.
Climate & Energy
Supports protecting existing energy jobs while promoting "next‑gen" energy development and emphasizes keeping utilities and fuel affordable. Policy language focuses on workforce and affordability rather than aggressive emissions targets or international climate agreements.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate emphasizes public safety through law enforcement and tougher penalties for repeat offenders, prioritizing enforcement to reduce crime. Campaign materials frame his approach as strengthening enforcement rather than proposing new gun restrictions.
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 15, 2026
Duke Rodriguez recently ran in New Mexico’s Republican governor primary, but voters rejected him as Gregg Hull won the nomination. During the campaign, Rodriguez drew attention for a lawsuit challenging the state’s universal child care program and for a dispute over campaign ads that used Donald Trump’s image without endorsement. After the primary, he published an opinion piece arguing New Mexico needs stronger leadership and accountability.
runwithduke.com+51
Articles
AJAlbuquerque Journal3 months ago
New Mexico primary results show deep political polarization as voters reject moderate candidates
Negative
WWTOP3 months ago
New Mexico voters choose party nominees for governor as revenue soars from oil boom
Neutral
AJAlbuquerque Journal4 months ago
Trump attorney orders NM GOP governor candidate Duke Rodriguez to stop using president's image in ads
Negative
AJAlbuquerque Journal4 months ago
Taxes, immigration detention and state fairgrounds plans
Neutral
Latest Polls
New Mexico Republican Governor nominee?
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Duke Rodriguez currently averages 10.2%, ranking second in this race, 17.8 points behind the next candidate.
Polling average: 10.2%Position: secondMargin: -17.8 ptsLatest poll: 12.0% (May 18 - 20)Polls included: 3
Average recalculated from polls through May 18 - 20.
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements
- Fundraising