Native Vote 2026
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) on Thursday outlined her vision for making New Mexico more welcoming to entrepreneurs and small businesses during an address to the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, pledging to reduce regulatory barriers while investing in education, public safety, and economic development.
Drawing on her own experience as a former small business owner, Haaland said she understands the challenges entrepreneurs face. Before entering public office, she traveled across New Mexico selling homemade salsa to help support her family, an experience she said shaped her approach to economic policy.
“State government shouldn’t be the barrier to your dream of starting a business. Government must be a partner,” Haaland said. “I understand the obstacles small business owners face and I want to change that so New Mexicans can create jobs and build our economy. But I also know that we must address education and public safety so that our state can attract new industries that create opportunities for our kids right here at home.”
As part of her economic agenda, Haaland proposed creating a statewide Office of Small Business. The office would coordinate business development programs, help fill gaps left by federal funding reductions, and provide an online clearinghouse for grants, capital opportunities, and other resources for entrepreneurs.
Haaland also outlined proposals aimed at improving housing affordability by streamlining the state’s permitting and inspection processes. Her plan calls for increasing the capacity and efficiency of state inspectors to reduce construction timelines. She also proposed a moratorium on new residential building codes while the state catches up with recent code changes and pledged to increase transparency around future code updates.
Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Terri Cole welcomed Haaland’s appearance before the organization.
“We appreciate Deb Haaland for meeting with the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and sharing her vision for New Mexico, including her plans on education, public safety, and economic development,” Cole said. “As a former small business owner, Deb Haaland understands the struggles that small businesses face. It is important that we elect a governor who prioritizes business and works to make New Mexico a business friendly state.”
Haaland’s campaign said she has visited all 33 New Mexico counties, meeting with business owners, workers, and families to discuss their priorities and concerns.
The campaign also pointed to Haaland’s record in public office, highlighting her efforts in Congress to secure grants and loans for New Mexico businesses and funding for small business incubators. As Secretary of the Interior, the campaign said, she helped support local economies through historic federal infrastructure investments.
The address comes as Haaland continues to emphasize economic development and affordability as central themes of her campaign for governor.
