Election 2026 New Mexico

Supporters of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland cheer her on during her speech during an primary election night watch party after winning the Democratic nomination Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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These candidates for governor worked for Joe Biden. Some don't really talk about it though

These candidates for governor worked for Joe Biden. Some don't really talk about it though

Joe Biden isn't on the ballot this fall, but three of his administration members are running for governor. There's former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in New Mexico, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra in California and former senior adviser Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia. They are navigating their connections to Biden differently. Haaland and Becerra avoid mentioning Biden, while Bottoms embraces his endorsement. Republicans are highlighting these ties as potential weaknesses. Biden's presidency ended under disapproval, and his legacy remains tarnished, affecting the candidates' strategies.