Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima Discusses Independent Run for New Mexico Governor on KALHRadio.org with Anthony Lucero

Alamogordo, NM — Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima, now running as an independent candidate for New Mexico governor, appeared on KALH Radio’s “Krazy Radio” to discuss his campaign, his newly announced running mate, and his vision for the state.

Miyagishima, who served as Las Cruces mayor from 2007 to 2023 and is the city’s longest-serving mayor in modern history, left the Democratic Party earlier this year to run as an independent. He joined host Anthony for a candid conversation that covered everything from family Easter plans to pressing statewide issues.

Running Mate Announcement

Miyagishima introduced J.C. Lopez of Albuquerque as his lieutenant governor running mate. Lopez brings nearly 40 years of business experience in the cabinet and refinishing industry. He serves on the board of directors for the Lobo Club, is a well-known University of New Mexico Lobo supporter, and co-founded the West Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.

“We think a lot alike,” Miyagishima said. “We’re here really for the people, not the party. We’re here to try to unite New Mexicans and not divide them.”

As independents, Miyagishima and Lopez can campaign together now, unlike the major-party tickets, whose lieutenant governor nominees won’t be finalized until after the June 2, 2026 Democratic and Republican primaries.

Why He Left the Democratic Party

Miyagishima explained that while he served as a Democratic county commissioner early in his career, he rarely participated in Democratic Party functions during his years on the Las Cruces City Council and as mayor. He re-engaged with the party only when considering a gubernatorial run and found it had changed significantly since the early 1990s.

“I felt, and still do to this day, that in order to move New Mexico forward, I’m gonna need to be able to utilize all different types of policies — whether they’re Democratic, Republican, or independent,” he said. “We’ve got a huge hole to dig ourselves out of, and it’s gonna take all walks of people from all walks of life.”

He noted the internal divisions and infighting in both major parties and said running as an independent allows him to focus on practical solutions without partisan constraints.

Priorities for a Miyagishima Administration

Miyagishima outlined several key issues he would address if elected governor. His platform remains consistent with the priorities listed on his campaign website, kenfornewmexico.com:

• Healthcare and Medical Malpractice Reform: Improve Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements to better match neighboring states like Texas and Arizona to help recruit and retain doctors. He also wants to end “venue shopping,” where lawsuits are filed in more favorable jurisdictions.
• Public Safety: Support cities struggling with crime.
• Homelessness, Mental Health, and Addiction: Partner with effective organizations for real solutions.
• Education: Move away from a one-size-fits-all approach. He called for flexibility to accommodate rural students who help on farms and ranches, while ensuring strong core education. He emphasized expanding training in high-paying trades such as plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and automotive work — jobs that AI is unlikely to replace.
• Economic Development: Focus on “economic gardening” to help existing New Mexico businesses grow, rather than offering subsidies to attract out-of-state companies that often leave after incentives run out. “I’d rather invest in New Mexicans — businesses that are already here supporting other families.”

Miyagishima acknowledged some positive steps by the current administration, particularly expanded childcare assistance to help working families, though he noted the challenge of sustainable funding. He also highlighted ongoing struggles with CYFD, potential federal funding cuts, and Medicaid.

Call for Petition Signatures

To qualify for the November 3, 2026 general election ballot, Miyagishima and Lopez need thousands of valid signatures on their independent nominating petitions by June 23, 2026. Signatures collected earlier for a potential Democratic primary cannot be used.

Miyagishima urged listeners and New Mexicans statewide to visit kenfornewmexico.com to sign the petitions for both him and J.C. Lopez.

The full interview is available for listeners on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/NjIEbrCPFv4?si=x84TehPOXfHVOd4N

Miyagishima’s independent candidacy offers voters an alternative focused on unity and pragmatic problem-solving in a race that also features competitive Democratic and Republican primaries. The general election is set for November 3, 2026.

AlamogordoTownNews.org and KALHRadio.org and affilated media entities will continue to cover the 2026 gubernatorial race and bring local perspectives on statewide issues, local political races, coverage on candidate voting records, and the turmoil that continues to breed within the New Mexico state Republican Party. Content is owned and managed by the Southwestern Trails Cultural Heritage Association and political coverage is not incidental to our mission. It is our mission. It is the core of what a civic betterment organization operating in Otero County must do.

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