Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull Announces Run for New Mexico Governor

Gregg Hull, the three-term mayor of Rio Rancho who has led the city since 2014, formally launched his campaign for New Mexico governor with a nearly two-minute video filmed in front of the Roundhouse and posted Oct. 14, 2025. Major outlets characterized him as the first Republican to enter the 2026 governor’s race after a process he described as deliberate: “I didn’t rush this decision,” Hull said. “Running for Governor of New Mexico is a serious responsibility, one I take to heart.”

Hull framed his campaign as the product of months on the road across New Mexico and highlighted specific priorities he says voters raised during that listening tour. “After months on the road listening to families, workers, and business owners, one message is clear: New Mexicans want safer communities, better healthcare, and real opportunity for their kids,” Hull said in campaign materials and the launch video. The campaign and subsequent reporting list near-term policy focuses as greater state investments in the health-care workforce and roadways, and a “zero-tolerance” approach to crime that would revisit the state’s bail reforms and seek changes to juvenile justice statutes.

Describing his governing style in local terms, Hull tied his statewide pitch to his record in Rio Rancho. “I’ve taken a very pragmatic approach to solving problems up in Rio Rancho,” Hull said. “That’s how we want to approach the issues in New Mexico.” Campaign visuals and local coverage noted his visible presence in Sandoval County this year, including photos of Hull at the Rio Rancho Events Center on Sept. 29, 2025 used by national wire services.

On the financial front, Hull reported raising $123,000 in the most recent fundraising reporting cycle and campaign disclosure documents indicate much of his monetary support is coming from outside Rio Rancho. The campaign lists its mailing address as 2003 Southern Blvd. SE Box 102-59, Rio Rancho, NM 87124, and materials include the notice “Paid for By Hull For New Mexico.” Hull also postponed a planned June 2 kickoff event earlier in the year to extend his statewide listening tour before the October launch.

Locally, Hull’s statewide bid reshapes the 2026 race for Rio Rancho mayor. KOB reports Hull will not run for reelection as mayor in 2026; the city’s mayoral election is scheduled for March 3, 2026. Michael Meek, chair of the Sandoval County Commission, and Paul Wymer, Rio Rancho city councilor in District 4, have announced mayoral campaigns, and KOB noted that Republican state Sen. Steve Lanier entered the race earlier this month. Candidates cannot file to appear on the March ballot until Jan. 6.

Hull has already attracted local law-enforcement support: retired Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White has publicly endorsed his leadership for statewide office. On the Democratic side, national and state figures already named in the 2026 field include Deb Haaland, Sam Bregman and Ken Miyagishima, setting up a contest in an open race that outlets have framed as occurring as a Democrat terms out of office. The statewide primary is scheduled for June 2, 2026; Hull’s campaign says it will continue statewide outreach and build a finance and organizing operation to contest that date.