Haaland teases announcement amid anticipated gubernatorial run

Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland posted cryptic videos to social media ahead of her anticipated run for New Mexico’s governor.

On the social platforms X and Instagram, Haaland posted videos saying, “Are you ready, New Mexico?” alongside Tuesday’s date.

A spokesperson for the former Biden administration official and New Mexico congresswoman did not immediately respond to a question about whether the videos meant Haaland would be formally announcing her run Tuesday.

However, a spokesperson confirmed to The Hill late last month that Haaland plans to enter the race. 

Haaland often describes herself as a 35th generation New Mexican, citing her membership in the Pueblo of Laguna tribe. 

She appears to be well-positioned to win the state as one of its highest-profile politicians. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) recently told Semafor he decided not to run. 

New Mexico has been a reliably blue state in presidential elections. It has a Democratic governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, but Grisham was preceded by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez. Grisham will be term-limited.

Haaland served as Interior secretary under former President Biden and took charge of an agency that manages the nation’s public lands and waters. She previously represented New Mexico’s First District in Congress and was a member of the progressive caucus.