NEWS
Maggie Toulouse Oliver to suspend campaign for lieutenant governor, citing health issues
Toulouse Oliver had been set to run on Democratic ticket with Deb Haaland this fall
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SANTA FE 鈥� Maggie Toulouse Oliver abruptly suspended her campaign for lieutenant governor Thursday, just two weeks after easily winning the Democratic nomination for the state鈥檚 second-in-command job.
Toulouse Oliver, who is currently New Mexico鈥檚 secretary of state, made the announcement with a statement on social media that cited recent changes to her health.
鈥淪uspending my campaign will allow me to focus on my family while ensuring I can continue to fulfill my duties as secretary of state,鈥� Toulouse Oliver said in her statement.
Toulouse Oliver had been poised to run on an all-female ticket with Democratic gubernatorial nominee Deb Haaland in the November general election after defeating state Sen. Harold Pope Jr. in the June 2 primary election with roughly 80% of the votes cast in the contest.
In a statement after Toulouse Oliver announced her decision, Haaland thanked the outgoing secretary of state for her public service and friendship.
鈥淚t is a courageous decision to run for office and it鈥檚 a decision all New Mexicans understand when you must step back to prioritize your family and health,鈥� Haaland said.
Under New Mexico鈥檚 system, governor and lieutenant governor candidates run independently in the primary election. The winners of those races who share the same party affiliation are then paired on a ticket for the general election.
Toulouse Oliver, a former Bernalillo County clerk, announced her campaign for lieutenant governor in October 2025. She was first elected as secretary of state in 2016, after former Secretary of State Dianna Duran鈥檚 resignation after being charged with using campaign funds to fuel a gambling habit.
Toulouse Oliver twice won reelection to new terms, but was barred under state Constitution from running again for the state鈥檚 top election job in 2026.
This is a developing story that will be updated.
Dan Boyd covers state government and politics for the Journal in Santa Fe. Follow him on X at @DanBoydNM or reach him via email at dboyd@abqjournal.com.
