Republican Gregg Hull said he intends to remain involved in public life after losing New Mexico’s gubernatorial election to Democrat Deb Haaland on Tuesday. The former Rio Rancho mayor conceded at about 10:20 p.m., then told reporters he hoped to find another way to serve the state, although he had not settled on his next role.
Hull said his immediate plans were to take several days off, catch up on sleep and talk with his wife about their longer-term future. He pointed to their children and grandchildren living in New Mexico as part of their commitment to the state. He also praised Haaland’s campaign and said he wanted her to succeed as governor because the state’s future depended on it.
Before conceding, Hull said his campaign had achieved its goal of drawing attention to problems involving health care, the economy and CYFD. He said conversations with residents had offered an opportunity to discuss solutions and show that those problems could be addressed. Afterward, he maintained that he was proud of how he had conducted the race.
The contest was tight in Sandoval County, home to Rio Rancho, where Hull spent several years as mayor. Unofficial results nevertheless showed the county favoring Haaland. Hull’s running mate, lieutenant governor candidate David Gallegos, attributed the outcome to voters’ attachment to the Democratic Party. Gallegos said he believed party loyalty had outweighed consideration of the candidates’ individual records and proposals.
Rio Rancho Mayor Paul Wymer, a Republican who has worked with Hull, said he was disappointed by Haaland’s victory but had no reservations about cooperating with her administration. He pointed to the city’s working relationship with Gov. Lujan Grisham’s administration and expressed confidence that similar cooperation could continue under Haaland.
Hundreds attended Hull’s election watch party at Hotel Albuquerque. Among them were Wymer, retired KOAT-TV chief meteorologist Joe Diaz and Republican congressional candidate Ndidiamaka “Didi” Okpareke, who lost to Democratic incumbent Melanie Stansbury in the 1st Congressional District. Doug Turner, who opposed Hull in the June primary, also attended and described the race as a difficult undertaking for Republicans, a minority party in New Mexico.
At around 8:45 p.m., as news pointed toward a Haaland victory, Hull urged supporters to remain hopeful and noted that people were still voting. He declined to concede at that point and closed his remarks with a prayer. The gathering thinned over the following hour, while Hull danced with loved ones before returning to thank his family and supporters in his concession.
The defeat came as Democrats won most major races in New Mexico and Republicans suffered losses elsewhere in the country. Hull nevertheless struck an upbeat tone afterward, telling reporters he could leave the campaign with pride. “I ran a clean campaign,” he said.
