Republican Party of New Mexico Announces 2026 Pre-Primary Convention Results, Highlighting Unified Push for Statewide Victories

Ruidoso, NM – March 8, 2026 – The Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) concluded its 2026 Pre-Primary Convention this weekend in Ruidoso, drawing approximately 700 attendees, including nearly 450 delegates from counties across the state. Delegates cast paper ballots to determine which candidates would qualify for the Republican primary ballot in key statewide and federal races, setting the stage for a competitive election cycle aimed at reclaiming control in New Mexico.

The convention focused on nominations for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Commissioner of Public Lands, and U.S. Congressional Districts 1, 2, and 3. In a statement released today, RPNM Chairwoman Amy Barela praised the event and the candidates, emphasizing party unity and a shared commitment to New Mexican values.

“This weekend’s pre-primary convention proved that we have a group of outstanding candidates who will fight for the values New Mexicans care about,” said Chairwoman Barela. “The state of our party is incredibly strong. New Mexico Republicans are more unified than ever before, and we are committed to showing New Mexico voters why Republicans are worthy of their trust this November. It’s time we take our great state back. Congratulations to all our candidates and thank you to everyone who stepped up to run.”

The results, based on delegate votes, determined qualification for the primary ballot. Candidates needed sufficient support—typically at least 20% of the vote in contested races—to advance, though the exact threshold can vary by race rules. Below are the detailed outcomes:

U.S. Representative for the 1st Congressional District (Votes based on delegates from the district):

• Ndidiamaka Okpareke: 98 votes – Qualified for the primary ballot.

• Steve Jones: 16 votes – Did not qualify.

U.S. Representative for the 2nd Congressional District:

• Gregory G. Cunningham: 114 votes – Qualified for the primary ballot.

• Jose Orozco: 17 votes – Did not qualify.

U.S. Representative for the 3rd Congressional District:

• Martin Zamora: 167 votes – Qualified for the primary ballot.

Governor:

• Doug W. Turner: 104 votes – Qualified for the primary ballot.

• Duke Rodriguez: 39 votes – Did not qualify.

• Greggory D. Hull: 239 votes – Qualified for the primary ballot.

• James F. Ellison: 7 votes – Did not qualify.

• Steve D. Lanier: 31 votes – Did not qualify.

Lieutenant Governor:

• Aubrey Blair Dunn: 77 votes – Did not qualify.

• David M. Gallegos: 278 votes – Qualified for the primary ballot.

• Manuel Lardizabal: 61 votes – Did not qualify.

Secretary of State:

• Ramona L. Goolsby: 408 votes – Qualified for the primary ballot.

Attorney General:

• Samuel L. Kane: 412 votes – Qualified for the primary ballot.

Commissioner of Public Lands:

• Michael Jack Perry: 414 votes – Qualified for the primary ballot.

The convention’s outcomes reflect a streamlined field of candidates heading into the June 2, 2026, primary election, with several races featuring multiple qualifiers poised for intra-party competition. In uncontested races, such as Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Commissioner of Public Lands, the sole candidates advanced automatically.

As New Mexico gears up for the general election in November, RPNM leaders expressed optimism about flipping key seats from Democratic control, citing issues like economic development, public safety, and border security as rallying points. Voters are encouraged to stay informed through the RPNM website and local county party channels for updates on the qualified candidates’ campaigns.

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