Governor: Gregg Hull (R)
Candidate Q&A
Name: Gregg Hull
Political Party: Republican
Age: 59
Education: Diploma - Pagosa Springs High School
Occupation: Mayor of Rio Rancho (2014鈥2026); Entrepreneur (2000 - 2012)
City of Residence: Rio Rancho
Campaign Website:
What steps do you believe should be taken to improve New Mexico's economic competitiveness?
New Mexico needs to compete aggressively for business. I'll use targeted incentives to attract high-paying jobs, expand our energy portfolio including oil and gas, improve major transportation corridors, and reform medical malpractice laws that drive employers away. Rio Rancho secured $6 billion in investment 鈥 I'll do the same statewide.
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?
Legislators serve in what amounts to a part-time job. Per diem payments are appropriate to pay legislators for the days they work in Santa Fe. Since this would require a constitutional amendment, I support placing this on a ballot and allowing the citizens to decide.
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.
We should produce even more oil than we do currently and revenues from the production should be explored for possible reduction of gross receipts and personal income taxes. In doing so, we must make sure local revenues for cities, towns, and counties are not adversely affected.
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 oppose a blanket ban on data centers 鈥 they bring jobs and investment. But location matters. Facilities should be sited where water and power resources can actually support them, like southeastern New Mexico where produced water is available. Smart siting beats heavy-handed bans.
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?
I support stricter accountability for juveniles who commit violent crimes. My zero-tolerance policy applies across the board 鈥 age doesn't change the harm done to victims. New Mexicans deserve a justice system that takes violent crime seriously, regardless of who commits it.
Would you support or oppose a ban on selling certain types of firearms, including semiautomatic firearms and machine guns?
I oppose any ban on any firearms. Law-abiding New Mexicans have a constitutional right to own firearms, and I will defend that right as Governor. The focus of enforcement should be on violent offenders and prohibited possessors 鈥 not on restricting the rights of responsible citizens.
Do you support or oppose using New Mexico鈥檚 National Guard to assist local law enforcement with issues related to public safety?
I support deploying the National Guard to assist law enforcement where needed. Increasing police presence statewide is a core commitment of my campaign. Every tool available should be on the table to make New Mexico safer 鈥 including the Guard, especially for border security and the fentanyl crisis.
What changes would you propose to improve New Mexico鈥檚 Children, Youth and Families Department?
CYFD needs meaningful reform 鈥 the agency has failed too many children in its care. As Governor, I'll demand accountability, improve caseworker capacity, and ensure law enforcement has the tools to respond quickly to child abuse. Protecting kids is my top priority, and CYFD must rise to that standard.
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?
We must reform the Public Education Department, expand tutoring access, strengthen special education support, and hold schools accountable for results. I'll also grow Career Technical Education and recruit teachers to underserved communities. Every child deserves a quality education 鈥 that's not a goal, it's an obligation.
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?
Unmanaged forests are the fuel that feeds fires. We need to manage our state forests but also work with the federal government to get active management there, too. At the same time, we can put our forests to work with timber harvesting that creates jobs and supports our economy.
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?
No. While I support our families, I understand that businesses are struggling to keep New Mexicans working with rising costs. This is yet another one of those costs. While I encourage paid family and medical leave, I do not believe the state should mandat
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