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Duke Rodriguez, a cannabis entrepreneur and a health care system executive, is officially in the race for governor. 

A Cabinet secretary under former Gov. Gary Johnson, Rodriguez for months had been weighing a bid and speaking with local and national GOP leaders. His announcement was made in a paid advertisement that was published in the Sunday Journal.

"Most political candidates start their campaigns off with a huge announcement party. I view this as a waste. I'd rather get to work making our state better, so I've created this letter to you as a means of announcement and as an impassioned plea for your help," he wrote. 

State Sen. Steve Lanier, R-Aztec, and Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull have already announced their campaigns as Republican candidates for governor in 2026. Democratic candidates Sam Bregman, the 2nd Judicial District attorney; Deb Haaland, former U.S. Interior Secretary; and Ken Miyagashima, former Las Cruces mayor, are also in the race. 

As a former secretary of the state's Human Services Department, Rodriguez said he would bring extensive experience in Medicaid and other health care issues to the governor's office. He is currently the president and CEO of Ultra Health, a cannabis company. His campaign announcement mentioned guaranteed health care for New Mexicans and getting more nutrition assistance funding to people who need it most. 

"Politicians won't like these ideas, but they're necessary because New Mexico is not a poor state ... it's just poorly run," he wrote.