ELECTION 2026
Democrats select Garcia Richard as lieutenant governor candidate
State land commissioner replaces Maggie Toulouse-Oliver on the November ballot
Published
Modified
Land commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard was selected Thursday as the Democratic Party鈥檚 candidate for lieutenant governor.
Democrats chose the running mate for gubernatorial nominee Deb Haaland through ranked voting.
Garcia Richard narrowly defeated Harold Pope Jr. 255 votes to 218. Toni Pinedo received three votes, and Geoffrey Luehring received one.
鈥淥ur state central committee of Democrats from across New Mexico spoke, and they chose Stephanie. New Mexico Democrats could not be more excited to be campaigning for the Deb and Stephanie ticket across New Mexico,鈥� state party chair Sara Attleson said in a statement.
鈥淲ith valuable experience in the State Land Office, State Legislature and the classroom, Stephanie will bring a highly capable and qualified voice to the Roundhouse alongside our next governor, Deb Haaland,鈥� she added.
Garcia Richard will replace Maggie Toulouse-Oliver on the November ballot. Toulouse-Oliver beat Pope in June鈥檚 Democratic primary before dropping out of the race because of health issues.
The Democrats will face Republican gubernatorial nominee Gregg Hull and running mate David Gallegos in the November election.
鈥淚 am deeply humbled and honored to earn the trust of the DPNM State Central Committee and to join Deb Haaland on this ticket.鈥� Garcia Richard said in a statement. 鈥淣ew Mexicans work incredibly hard, and they deserve a government that works just as hard for them. From my time in the classroom to the State House and the State Land Office.
鈥淚 have never stopped fighting for our communities. Deb and I share a vision for a New Mexico where we lower costs, increase access to healthcare, build safer communities, and provide a world-class public education for every child,鈥� she added.
This story will be updated.
