Ken Miyagishima Gubernatorial Candidate Shares Insights on His Alamogordo Roots and More with Anthony Lucero

In a candid interview with Anthony Lucero on Krazy KALH Radio, former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima officially announced his campaign for Governor of New Mexico in the 2026 election. The long-form conversation, streamed via YouTube and KALHRadio.org, offered voters a detailed look at Miyagishima’s platform—and a heartfelt reflection on his personal ties to Alamogordo.

“My grandparents owned businesses in Alamogordo, and they’re featured on the Founders Park murals at 10th and White Sands,” Miyagishima shared. “I even went to North Elementary School here. This community helped shape me.” His remarks underscored a lifelong connection to Otero County, despite his political career being centered in Las Cruces.

With over 22 years in public service—including 15 as mayor and eight as a county commissioner—Miyagishima emphasized his executive experience. “I’m the only candidate who’s actually run a government,” he told Lucero. “I’ve dealt with public safety, social services, and the nuts and bolts of city and county operations.”

His campaign priorities include:

• Repealing the Arnold Tool Assessment, which he argues contributes to “catch and release” judicial outcomes. He believes eliminating it would restore judicial discretion and improve public safety.

• Opposing cashless bail, which he says undermines accountability and community trust. “We need a system that protects victims—not one that lets violent offenders walk free,” he stated.

• Capping medical malpractice insurance rates to retain doctors in New Mexico. He cited trial lawyer lobbying as a barrier to reform and pledged to challenge entrenched interests.

• Reducing housing construction costs by 25% through state partnerships with contractors. He envisions these homes as recruitment tools for essential workers—teachers, police, firefighters, and medical professionals—as well as for eligible Native American community members.

Lucero pressed Miyagishima on his tough-on-crime stance and strong support for law enforcement, noting that it diverged from the typical Democratic platform. Miyagishima embraced the distinction of being referred to as a Blue Dog Democrat. “I follow the JFK model—fiscally conservative, moderate on social policies, and committed to public safety,” he said. He reiterated his support for strong police actions under the New Mexico State Police, designed to assist local departments without replacing them.

He also voiced disapproval of several policies under Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, particularly in the areas of judicial reform and healthcare. “We’ve lost too many doctors, and our public safety system is broken,” he said. “I respect the office, but I believe we need a new direction.”

Miyagishima is a member of the Democratic field that includes former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and District Attorney Sam Bregman. With Governor Lujan Grisham term-limited, the June 2026 primary is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.

For more on Miyagishima’s platform and campaign developments, visit Ballotpedia or tune into AlamogordoTownNews.org and Krazy KALH Radio’s ongoing coverage.

To hear the complete interview click below…

Sources:

Interview with Anthony Lucero on Krazy KALH Radio, October 11, 2025

Ballotpedia: Ken Miyagishima

More News from Alamogordo

• Alamogordo’s Battle of the Food Trucks – Round 4 Draws Crowds, Honors Local Culinary Talent The Battle of the Food Trucks – Round 4 was full of culinary delights at the Washington Park
• Alamogordo Police Log: 89 Incidents Reported in Early October, Including Juvenile Referrals, a Bomb Threat, Drug Arrests, and Traffic Crashes The Alamogordo Police Department recorded a total of 89 incidents between September 29 and October 5, 2025