Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
10.2%
28%
New Mexico Republican Governor nominee?
$122.2K
JUN 9, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleCannabis industry executive
PartyRepublican
LocationNew Mexico
BackgroundCannabis industry executive
Notable personal detailsDuke Rodriguez is a New Mexico Republican political candidate and a cannabis industry executive. He has led Ultra Health, a medical cannabis company operating in New Mexico, and previously served as a cabinet secretary in New Mexico state government under Gov. Gary Johnson. In 2025, he entered the race for the Republican nomination for Governor of New Mexico in the 2026 election cycle.
SourcesShowHide
apnews.comsourcenm.comkob.comglobenewswire.comnmpoliticalreport.comen.wikipedia.orgmirrorstandard.comabcnews.go.comreddit.comco.otero.nm.usrunwithduke.comnewsradiokkob.comabqjournal.comyahoo.comfortune.comdurangoherald.comnewmexiconewsport.comupenn.edujustice.govnews.unm.edupinonpost.comthefederalist.comznetwork.orguscatholic.orgfinance.yahoo.comkoat.comkrqe.comballotpedia.orgsantafenewmexican.comkunm.orgnmsuroundup.comivoterguide.comfacebook.comballotready.orgnga.orgcongress.govjustfacts.votesmart.orgwikidata.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgfec.govgovinfo.gov
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.
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.
apnews.com+40
Articles
AJAlbuquerque Journal1 month ago
New Mexico primary results show deep political polarization as voters reject moderate candidates
Negative
WWTOP2 months ago
New Mexico voters choose party nominees for governor as revenue soars from oil boom
Neutral
AJAlbuquerque Journal2 months ago
Trump attorney orders NM GOP governor candidate Duke Rodriguez to stop using president's image in ads
Negative
AJAlbuquerque Journal3 months ago
Taxes, immigration detention and state fairgrounds plans
Neutral
Polls
New Mexico Republican Governor nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
New Mexico Republican Governor nominee?
Endorsers of Duke Rodriguez for New Mexico Republican Governor nominee?
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Fundraising