Ken Miyagishima Announces Democratic Candidacy for Governor of New Mexico

Residents of the 2nd largest city in New Mexico trusted Ken Miyagishima as their Mayor for 16 years (2007-2023), per NewMexicoConservativeNews.com. Now Miyagishima has made the decision to run for the Democratic candidate for governor.

During a press conference on May 27th, 2025 at the Las Cruces Home Builders Event Center, Ken Miyagishima proudly declared his candidacy for Governor of New Mexico. Miyagishima, emphasized his commitment to tackling the pressing challenges facing New Mexico communities.

"My focus will be on critical issues such as housing, medical malpractice reform and crime reduction, and homelessness,” he stated.

"New Mexico deserves a leader who listens and is dedicated to strengthening our communities," Miyagishima added. "I will work tirelessly to ensure that every voice is heard and that our policies reflect the diverse needs of our population."

He recognized his opponents with respect but conveyed his conviction that holding positions as a congressperson, cabinet member, or district attorney does not automatically make someone fit for the governorship. "We've traveled that path before and witnessed the same unsatisfactory outcomes, consistently ranking low in most areas, except for having one of the highest crime rates in the nation. This must change."

Miyagishima highlighted his connections with fellow mayors, including Marty Walsh, Mitch Landau, and Pete Buttigieg, who served in the last presidential administration. The President acknowledged that mayors are closest to the communities they serve, skillfully balancing diverse interests with limited resources. "It's time to offer another mayor an opportunity," Miyagishima stated.

The announcement sparked enthusiasm among supporters and community leaders. Drew Sandoval, a local advocate, stated, "Ken Miyagishima has always prioritized the people of Las Cruces, I am looking forward to the same emphasis to the people of New Mexico. His experience and dedication make him the ideal choice for Governor."

Miyagishima was just 28 in 1992 when he was elected to the first of two terms he would serve on the Dona Ana County Commission. He moved to the City Council in 2001, first as the representative for District 6. Then, after losing to Bill Mattiace in the mayoral race of 2003, Miyagishiam came back in 2007 to win the first of four straight terms as mayor.

His 16 years in office make Miyagishima the longest-serving mayor since Martin Lohman was elected our city’s first mayor in 1907. 

Las Cruces has a city manager form of government as does Alamogordo and many New Mexico cities. That means the mayor has less control over day-to-day operations than mayors in other cities like Albuquerque. Still, Miyagishima was a powerful force in setting agendas and priorities in leading the city government. 

Born Kenneth Daniel Gallegos Miyagishima in Biloxi, Mississippi in 1963, he is of both Japanese and Mexican descent. He has lived in Las Cruces since 1971. He attended public schools and in 1985 graduated from New Mexico State University with degrees in finance and real estate. In 1984 – while still attending NMSU – Ken began his insurance and financial services business, which he still owns today. Ken is married to Rosario Rodriguez, and together they have four children. He served on multiple boards benefiting Las Crucens and is a member of 3 chambers of commerce. He was in the US Conference of Mayors and was given the prestigious 2016 Antonio Villaraigosa Award.

For further details about Ken Miyagishima's campaign and to stay updated on upcoming events, please visit: kenfornewmexico.com

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