Governor: Doug Turner (R)
Candidate Q&A
Name: Doug Turner
Political Party: Republican
Age: 57
Education: Bachelor鈥檚 degree from American University in Washington, DC, and a master鈥檚 degree from the Universit茅 Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium
Occupation: Small business owner
City of Residence: Albuquerque
Campaign Website:
What steps do you believe should be taken to improve New Mexico's economic competitiveness?
New Mexico can become much more competitive when we make it easier to build, hire, and invest here. As a businessman, I'll cut taxes, slash red tape, unleash our energy sector, and fix our failing schools 鈥 delivering accountability that career politicians in Santa Fe have never provided.
New Mexico is the only state that does not pay its legislators a salary, though lawmakers do receive per diem payments and can qualify for a legislative pension. Do you support or oppose the proposed constitutional amendment calling for a new legislative salary tied to the median family income level?
It makes sense to reasonably compensate legislators. Currently the system limits who can realistically serve, often excluding members of working families, small business owners, and younger leaders who today cannot afford to serve. The goal is to ensure the legislature reflects New Mexicans and respects taxpayers but doesn鈥檛 enrich politicians.
With New Mexico now the nation鈥檚 second-highest oil producing state, would you support or oppose changes to the state鈥檚 gross receipts tax and personal income tax structures? Please explain.
Our rates are not competitive regionally and we are ranked 49th nationally in sales tax burden. I will work to cut both personal income tax and GRT, a regressive tax that hurts low income households and stifles small businesses. Putting money back in New Mexican鈥檚 pocket will support economic growth.
Would you support or oppose imposing water use limits on data centers? In addition, would you generally support or oppose banning data centers in New Mexico?
I don鈥檛 oppose data centers and, when thoughtfully planned, welcome the significant investments they can bring to New Mexico. It is essential that we balance all economic growth with sound resource management that protects the environment and natural resources and the needs of residential, municipal, agriculture and other users.
Amid a recent string of high-profile criminal cases involving juvenile defendants, do you support or oppose imposing stricter sentences for adolescents convicted of certain violent crimes?
We must hold violent offenders accountable for the harm they cause, including juvenile offenders which may include stricter sentences. However, we must also work to improve early identification, risk assessment, intervention (family- and school-based) and mental health services to address issues before juveniles reach deeper involvement in crime.
Would you support or oppose a ban on selling certain types of firearms, including semiautomatic firearms and machine guns?
No. The Second Amendment is a constitutional right that must be preserved. I oppose banning semiautomatic firearms used legally by millions for self-defense and sport. However, I support rigorous enforcement of existing laws preventing convicted felons from obtaining firearms, particularly addressing violent crime in New Mexico.
Do you support or oppose using New Mexico鈥檚 National Guard to assist local law enforcement with issues related to public safety?
When it comes to public safety, I will not take any tool off the table. If local law enforcement need backup, the National Guard can help. My priority in this area is working with communities throughout the state to fix our underlying crime problem so the Guard is not needed.
What changes would you propose to improve New Mexico鈥檚 Children, Youth and Families Department?
As a father this is personal. We must stop failing our most vulnerable kids. I strongly believe CYFD must remain under the governor鈥檚 authority. I鈥檒l bring hands-on management, expand training pipelines, and ensure decisions prioritize child safety. CYFD must rebuild around transparency, qualified staff, stable leadership, and child well-being
What steps should be taken to bring New Mexico into compliance with the 2018 court ruling that found New Mexico is failing to provide a sufficient education to all students?
As Governor, I鈥檒l fix education for ALL New Mexicans. I will prioritize literacy and math, expand charter and school-choice options, and hold schools accountable for student outcomes. For kids who can鈥檛 read at grade level, we鈥檒l get them the support they deserve instead of passing them along unequipped
New Mexico has seen a string of devastating wildfires and floods in recent years. What policy steps, if any, should the state take to address these natural disasters?
New Mexico must treat wildfire and flood risk as permanent readiness, environmental, and public safety issues, not just seasonal problems. That means stronger forest and fuels management, faster interagency coordination (state, local, tribal, and federal), better emergency communications, and smarter use of resources to protect communities before a fire starts.
Would you support or oppose a paid family and medical leave program that would require most employees and employers to pay into a state-run fund?
I oppose a state-mandated paid leave program that burdens small businesses and working families with new taxes. New Mexico needs economic growth, not more government programs. We should incentivize private-sector solutions and let employers compete for workers by offering better benefits voluntarily.
Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
No
Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain.
No
Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
No