The political journey of Deb Haaland, former Interior Secretary under the Biden administration, has hit a rough patch as she vies for the top position in New Mexico.
Haaland, a Democrat and a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe, is seeking the gubernatorial seat in the state's primary. However, her campaign recently suffered a setback when another Native American tribe endorsed her rival.
According to Axios, Sandia Pueblo, a tribe located north of Albuquerque in central New Mexico, has thrown its support behind Haaland's opponent, prosecutor Sam Bregman. Despite its small size of approximately 500 members, the Sandia Pueblo tribe wields considerable influence in the state, operating one of New Mexico's largest casinos and driving entertainment and commerce in the state's most populous area.
This endorsement for her opponent is indicative of a shift in Haaland's standing among New Mexico's Native Americans, a demographic she successfully rallied during her 2021 confirmation hearing for Interior Secretary. During her tenure in the Biden administration, Haaland's popularity may have diminished due to her support for certain policies.
As reported by Axios, Haaland's tenure as Interior Secretary was marked by conflict with the Navajo Nation, New Mexico's largest tribe. The contention arose over the Biden administration's prohibition on oil and gas leasing on lands near Chaco Canyon. Haaland also faced backlash for her limited engagement with the media and sparse interviews.
One interview that did garner attention, albeit not necessarily positive, occurred during "LGBT History Month" in October 2023. Haaland, aligning with the progressive ideology of the Biden administration, shared an interview she conducted with a drag queen dressed as a park ranger.
The video, which featured Haaland expressing her admiration for the LGBT and transgender flags, was met with mixed reactions on social media. Some viewers criticized the video, calling it "embarrassing for our government" and likening the expectation of taking it seriously to "gaslighting."
Despite these controversies, Haaland's campaign may still resonate in the predominantly Democratic state, which backed then-Vice President Kamala Harris over President Donald Trump in 2024 by six points, as per 19th News. The outlet also highlighted Haaland's historic achievements as one of the first two Native American women elected to the House and the first Native Cabinet secretary in 2021.
19th News reported that the Democratic nominee is favored to win the general election in New Mexico, a state characterized by its rural landscape, high poverty rates, and consistent Democratic leanings. However, Axios quoted Sisto Abeyta of TriStrategies, a Democratic political consultant, expressing concerns about Haaland's campaign, stating it "has come off as a little lackluster with no direction."
As Haaland's campaign continues, it remains to be seen whether her past achievements and historic milestones will be enough to overcome the recent challenges and secure her the governorship of New Mexico.
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