Native Vote 2026
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) marked the nation’s 250th anniversary on Saturday by celebrating the country’s history while criticizing federal spending cuts enacted under President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”
Haaland said the legislation has harmed working families by reducing federal support programs while benefiting wealthy Americans through tax cuts. According to her campaign, the law led to major reductions in federal programs, placed rural hospitals at risk, and reduced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, prompting New Mexico lawmakers to allocate state funding to help offset the cuts.
The former Interior secretary said the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on both the nation’s achievements and its responsibilities to its people.
“I am proud to celebrate 250 years of our country. As a Pueblo woman, I have a deep connection to our land that goes back farther than our nation’s founding. As the daughter of two military veterans, I will always believe that service is one of the greatest ways to give back to our country. At the same time, it’s important to reflect on how the most powerful country in the world is treating its people,” said Haaland.
“Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is making people sicker, poorer, and hungrier and governors are the first line of defense against these disastrous cuts. I will stand up to anyone who threatens the livelihood of New Mexicans and I will work to lower costs, create safer communities, ensure kids can read sooner, and provide access to quality healthcare.”
Haaland’s campaign said she has traveled to all 33 counties in New Mexico, meeting with residents, workers, and community leaders as she campaigns for governor. The campaign highlighted her experience in Congress, where she worked across party lines on legislation signed into law during Trump’s first administration, and her leadership as secretary of the Interior, where she oversaw more than 70,000 employees and an $18 billion annual budget.
Haaland has centered her campaign on affordability, education, public safety, and healthcare, arguing that state leaders must play a larger role in protecting residents from the effects of federal policy changes.
Her plans for affordability, education, public safety, and healthcare can be found at debhaaland.com/debsplan.
