John Sanchez

Add another name to the list of possibles for the '26 GOP gubernatorial nomination. 

Long gone but perhaps not forgotten, former Lt. Governor John Sanchez has surfaced as a potential contender following our January 6 blog that sized up the potential field.

Sanchez served as lieutenant governor under Gov. Susana Martinez (2011-2019) for what turned out to be a very long eight years. While earning kudos for his adept service presiding over the state senate, part of his constitutional chores, Sanchez was ghosted by Martinez and her crew. Left with little to do while she went about shattering her popularity with personal and political scandals, there would be no attempt by Sanchez at picking up the pieces. 

Still, he never let go completely. In 2020, when he announced he would not seek the US Senate seat being vacated by Tom Udall, he declared: 

I am not running for the Senate in 2020 but I am going to remain active in politics and policy.

Sanchez made a play for the 2012 GOP US Senate nominee when Dem Jeff Bingaman stepped down. US Rep. Heather Wilson took the prize only to lose the general election to Martin Heinrich. That was the last time Sanchez offered himself up as a political force. He was criticized in that campaign for being deficient in fund-raising but Martinez also hurt him badly by making disparaging comments about his candidacy. Our 2011 reporting on that upheaval is here.

It was back in 2000 when Sanchez made his bones by stunning the state and defeating state House Speaker Raymond Sanchez for his ABQ North Valley seat. 

After a mere one House term Sanchez secured the 2002 GOP gubernatorial nod and found himself facing Democrat Bill Richardson who was already a political legend and who made quick work of Sanchez. Richardson went on to serve two terms.

Now 62 and wealthy from his success as a leading ABQ roofing contractor, Sanchez is mum about his intentions for 2026 but his close friend and political ally, state Rep. Rod Montoya, who cut his political teeth as a top aide to Lt. Gov. Sanchez, is not holding back and paving the way for what could be a Sanchez run. From the Four Corners Montoya opines:

Joe: on your January 6 list of potential GOP contenders, you left out one of the Republican Party’s best bets to retake the governor’s office in 2026--John Sanchez. Coming out of the presidential election, we saw Trump make major inroads with Hispanic and working class voters. John can appeal to those voters and many others and he would likely have Trump’s support given his previous appointment as Trump’s Hispanic Prosperity Initiative Chairman. 

(Our July 2020 reporting on that Trump appointment of Sanchez is here.)

John has won multiple statewide races and was part of the ticket that handed Deb Haaland her only loss. He also delivered one of the biggest wins for Republicans in history when he ousted the Speaker of the House, Raymond Sanchez. Given his experience and reputation, I’m one of many Republicans hoping and praying he jumps in. John is a strong candidate! He’s a great fundraiser (who’s not afraid to spend his own money), he appeals to the Republican base and also has crossover appeal. He’d be very hard to beat. 

SANCHEZ ANALYSIS

The Sanchez association with Trump combined with perhaps being the only big name Hispanic Republican seeking the nomination would immediately put Sanchez in the hunt. 

The other possible candidates are capable but compared to Sanchez they are relatively unknown. They include Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull, former Supreme Court Justice Judith Nakamura and legislators Rebecca Dow and Crystal Brantley. None of them can demonstrate any meaningful ties to President-elect Trump who could have considerable sway in the race.

Also, Montoya's declaration that Sanchez is "not afraid to spend his own money" is a direct threat to his potential opponents, none of whom boast the personal resources Sanchez could bring to the table 

As for Sanchez defeating now Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland, that is a somewhat obscure factoid. Sanchez was the Lt. Governor nominee paired with Martinez who beat the 2014 Dem Guv ticket of Gary King and Haaland for Lt. Governor. It was not a direct face-off between Sanchez and Haaland.

In another cycle a Sanchez candidacy might be derided as a blast from the past but today the GOP is desperate to reverse their fortunes. Sanchez may not be a knight riding to the rescue but he is a capable rider. Will he saddle up for a run at the Roundhouse? Stay tuned.

ELISEO ALCON 

It's simple when it comes to former state Rep. Eliseo Alcon of Milan: he was a great guy and will be missed in Santa Fe for his level-headed approach to policy and his deep love for New Mexico and its people. 

Alcon, who retired in late November after announcing he had liver cancer, died Monday at 74. House Democrats came with this:

Rep. Alcon, a military veteran who received a Bronze Star for his service as a combat medic in the Army during the Vietnam War, was elected to the House in 2009. . .He advocated for policies to support veterans and their families, safeguard tribal sovereignty, strengthen the state’s infrastructure and economy, and protect the environment. Rep. Alcon also served as Chair of the Consumer and Public Affairs Committee and the Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs committee. 

We are tremendously saddened by the loss of our. . . dear friend Eliseo. (He) was a tireless champion for his western New Mexico community and our service men and women. We deeply appreciated the warmth, kindness, good humor, and dedication he brought to the Roundhouse. Rep. Alcon’s legacy will live on through the historic victories he achieved for veterans and their families, New Mexico workers, and our environment. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his beloved wife Darlene and their children, grandchildren, and great grandson.

Governor Lujan Grisham said:

Rep. Alcon served our state with honor, distinction, and longstanding dedication to his constituents. From his heroic service as a combat medic in Vietnam. . .to his 16 years of dedicated public service in the legislature, Rep. Alcon exemplified public service. As chairman of the Consumer and Public Affairs Committee and the Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, he helped improve the lives of veterans, workers, and families across New Mexico. My heart goes out to Rep. Alcon’s family, friends, colleagues, and the communities he served so faithfully. 

Former NM House Speaker Raymond Sanchez, now a prominent Santa Fe lobbyist, said:

New Mexico has lost one of the most talented, considerate, caring, compassionate and competent individuals to ever serve in the New Mexico House of Representatives. Representative Alcon will be missed by many and especially by me, as over the years we developed a strong bond.

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.