


Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
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.
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.’
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.


Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
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