A sea of discontent. That's what Deb Haaland landed in when she announced her '26 run for the Dem Governor nomination this week. Our observers were a bit taken aback by the extent of the scorching she received on the socials and even in some Dem quarters. But these are not settled times. And her confidants remain confident the rabid hits will not diminish her appeal with Democratic base voters.

Her campaign may have momentarily quieted the critics with the announcement of an ample fund-raising haul since she started her run Tuesday:

The Deb Haaland for New Mexico campaign announced that just one day after launching, she has raised $686,323 from 13,394 unique donations. This includes donations from every county in New Mexico totaling $232,625 in more than 2,500 donations. 

A couple of million for a Dem primary is considerable so Haaland has lived up to her notices that she will be a prodigious fund-raiser and keeps her front-runner status.  

REACTION CENTRAL

Now reaction to the Haaland bid. First from a Senior Alligator at the Roundhouse revealing some dissension in Democratic ranks:

Here we go again. Democrats don’t learn their lesson. They’re marching toward another disaster a la Kamala Harris. Haaland may have a beautiful personal narrative, but very light on substance. She’s been at the right place at the right time. That’s it. Her prior electoral wins came with a universe made up of hardcore Dem party insiders, not regular voters. The next election is way too important to give her a pass. As a longtime Democratic, rural, Hispanic voter, I hope to see a competitive primary. What was supposed to be her kickoff interview on KRQE was cringe worthy. She’s not articulate and can’t deliver a solid message.

We did not find her TV interview "cringeworthy" but she did raise numerous red flags when asked how she would handle things differently than the current Democratic administration:

I feel very confident that by listening to New Mexicans and listening to their ideas and everyone working together to find the solutions, that we can find the solutions. I know people want quick fixes all the time. Sometimes that's not possible. 

There were hints of a Kamala Harris word salad there but "cringeworthy"may be a reach.

What is more concerning is her declaration that the electorate should not be expecting "quick fixes." That's not answering how she would do things differently or signaling in any way a more forceful attack on the generational problems facing the state. In fact, it sounds very status quo. That could be a political problem.

ENDORSERS 

Emily's List came with a robust endorsement of Haaland: 

We’re thrilled to endorse @DebHaalandNM to be New Mexico’s next governor. Deb has a proven track record of fighting for her constituents. She has broken barriers throughout her career and we are honored to continue to support her in this election! 

Patricia Kurz added this on social media:

What New Mexico has been waiting for, for a long time. Well done dear Secretary, we are so proud of you! 

ANOTHER GOP VIEW

Bob Cornelius

Longtime NM and Texas GOP consultant Bob Cornelius weighed in: 

In sports, when you’re near last in all the good columns and near first in all the bad columns statistically, you find a new coach. New Mexico has that opportunity to find a new coach or in this case a new Governor. Unfortunately, although Deb Haaland would be a new coach, she’s running the same old tired plays that got New Mexico where it is today. 

“Fierce” isn’t a game plan. It’s hyperbole. Fierce doesn’t solve crime. Fierce doesn’t create jobs. Fierce doesn’t secure the border or stop the fentanyl crisis. Fierce doesn’t fix CYFD. New Mexico needs a new leader, with a new vision and new ideas willing to solve problems. The search continues. . . 

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.