Key tribe shuns Deb Haaland in New Mexico governor race

A key Indigenous tribe in New Mexico won't support former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in Democratic primary for governor in the state, Axios has learned.Why it matters: It's a signal that Haaland, who is Laguna Pueblo, isn't galvanizing New Mexico's Native Americans as she did during her 2021 confirmation hearing for interior secretary, when she rallied Indigenous people in the U.S.Driving the news: Sandia Pueblo, a central New Mexico tribe north of Albuquerque, endorsed Haaland's opponent, prosecutor Sam Bregman, in a letter last week.Sandia Pueblo Gov. Felix Chaves wrote that the tribe was confident Bregman would respect tribal sovereignty and support critical water and irrigation policies. The tribe has only around 500 members, but it operates one of the state's largest casinos and helps drive entertainment and commerce in New Mexico's biggest metropolitan area.State of play: Bregman, a district attorney and father of Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman, faces Haaland in the state's Democratic primary in a closely watched 2026 race.New Mexico is one of the nation's bluest states in terms of the state legislature and congressional delegation, with the country's highest percentage of Hispanic residents. It is a critical bellwether two years before presidential elections.It's also a state where Native American voters can swing a close election.What they're saying: "At a time when Native Americans across the country are demanding justice and representation, Sam is the only candidate who has consistently shown up and delivered," Chaves said in a statement to Axios. "The Pueblo of Sandia Tribal Council is proud to stand with him."A Haaland campaign spokesperson did immediately not respond to Axios' request for comment late Monday.Zoom in: In an interview with Axios, Bregman said it "was a huge honor" to receive the endorsement, and he continues to meet with other tribes across the state."I think that they appreciate the work that I've done with them, really trying to address crime on all the surrounding pueblos in Albuquerque."Flashback: Haaland officially launched her campaign for governor of New Mexico in February to fanfare among some progressives just weeks after President Trump took office.The former congresswoman was seen as a strong candidate to keep New Mexico's governorship in Democratic hands.If elected, she'd be the nation's first Native American woman governor.Yes, but: Since her announcement, Haaland's campaign has come off as a little lackluster with no direction, said Sisto Abeyta, a New Mexico-based Democratic political consultant of the Nevada-based firm TriStrategies."It doesn't seem like Deb has a message."Haaland has yet to convey to voters what she would do differently than current Democratic New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in the area of education, which is consistently ranked last in the nation.Between the lines: The Sandia endorsement is a reminder that Native American voters in New Mexico are not monolithic, and Haaland will have to work to win over those voters, Abeyta said.The intrigue: As Interior Secretary, Haaland clashed with the Navajo Nation, the largest tribe in New Mexico, over the Biden administration's ban on oil and gas leasing on lands near Chaco Canyon.Haaland also faced criticism for avoiding the media and giving few interviews, except for planned appearances, such as on "Late Night with Seth Meyers."The Interior Department turned down several requests from Axios for interviews.

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