Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo Endorses Deb Haaland for New Mexico Governor

Native Vote 2026

The Ohkay Owingeh Tribal Council and Ohkay Owingeh Tribal Administration have announced their unanimous endorsement of Deb Haaland for governor of New Mexico in the 2026 general election.

Ohkay Owingeh, known as “Place of the Strong People,” was called San Juan Pueblo until 2005, when tribal citizens returned to the community’s original name.

In a letter to Haaland, the Tribe cited her experience, character and commitment to issues affecting the tribal community and New Mexico.

“Your plan for the state demonstrates a clear dedication to environmental stewardship, equal access to education, affordability, public safety, healthcare, and responsible economic development. Your knowledge of policy and governance makes you an ideal candidate to advance those goals that will benefit our tribal community and the state at large.”

Haaland, a citizen of Laguna Pueblo and former U.S. secretary of the Interior, said she was honored to receive the Tribe’s endorsement.

“I am honored to earn the endorsement and support of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. I will ensure Tribal communities have a seat at the table. As governor, I will continue to work for future generations and advance goals that will benefit Tribal communities across New Mexico as we work to create safer communities, make healthcare accessible, provide a high quality public education, and lower costs,” said Haaland.

Haaland became one of the first Native American women elected to Congress and was the first Native American to serve as a presidential Cabinet secretary. She represented New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District from 2019 to 2021 before President Joe Biden nominated her to lead the Interior Department.

During her congressional and Cabinet service, Haaland advocated for tribal sovereignty, self-determination and economic opportunity. Her campaign has highlighted her work involving sacred sites, Native-owned businesses, missing and murdered Indigenous people, and federal investments in tribal infrastructure.

Haaland won the Democratic nomination for governor in June and is now campaigning for the Nov. 3 general election.

The Ohkay Owingeh endorsement adds to a list of support Haaland has received from Native leaders and organizations in New Mexico. Her campaign has cited endorsements from New Mexico Native Vote, Native Organizers Alliance, Advance Native Political Leadership, former New Mexico Indian Affairs Secretaries Alvin Warren and Lynn Trujillo, state lawmakers and other Native leaders. Haaland has also received endorsements from other Pueblo communities, including Sandia Pueblo, according to reporting on the race.