Sam Bregman, a Democratic New Mexico district attorney and father of a Major League Baseball star, officially launched his campaign for the governor’s office in New Mexico. His entry into the race sets the stage for a primary battle against former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in the predominantly blue state.
In his campaign announcement, Bregman emphasized his centrist platform, positioning himself against what he sees as the extreme ideologies of President Donald Trump and the Republicans, as well as the perceived ineffectiveness of some congressional Democrats. This primary contest is expected to reflect the broader struggle within the Democratic Party as it navigates the post-Trump era.
With a background as a seasoned attorney and the father of Red Sox standout Alex Bregman, Sam Bregman was appointed as the District Attorney of Bernalillo County by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in January 2023. As Lujan Grisham is term-limited, the field is wide open for Democratic hopefuls in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Highlighting the challenges facing New Mexico, Bregman’s campaign video portrays the state under siege by figures like Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and the Republican establishment in Washington. He presents himself as the candidate who can shield the state from these perceived threats. Notably, his son Alex Bregman, a prominent baseball player who recently joined the Red Sox, did not feature in the launch video.
Bregman’s platform promises a tough stance on issues like crime, vowing to crack down on criminal elements and ensure public safety. Recent spikes in crime rates have led to a state of emergency declared by Governor Lujan Grisham in Albuquerque, prompting the deployment of the National Guard to address the situation.
In his campaign messaging, Bregman also criticizes what he terms as the ‘radical left’ for fracturing the party and conceding ground to the Republicans. He calls for unity in combating the influence of Trump and his supporters, stressing the need for a cohesive front against divisive politics.
The upcoming primary will pit Bregman against Deb Haaland, who served as the Interior secretary in the Biden administration and represented New Mexico’s closely contested 1st District in Congress. Both candidates have previously led the state’s Democratic Party, with Bregman and Haaland viewed as frontrunners in the 2026 gubernatorial race, though Republicans are hopeful of mounting a competitive challenge in other statewide contests.
