Only Announced GOP Guv Candidate Pulls Back On "Formal" Announcement; Second Thoughts From Mayor Hull? Plus: Ronchetti Resurfaces, And: Dem Party Warhorse Goes On Attack In ABQ Mayoral Race

Mayor Hull

Is Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull getting weak in the knees over his candidacy for the '26 GOP gubernatorial nomination? 

The middle of the road Republican has sent out an enigmatic news release saying that he delayed his planned June 2 formal announcement. 

That could set the stage for his withdrawal from the race, if things don't start looking up. 

From the release:

Hull. . .will continue engaging with voters and community leaders. . .ahead of an anticipated formal campaign launch. Originally eyeing June 2 the campaign is choosing to extend its listening tour to ensure that our platform reflects the real concerns, hopes, and priorities of New Mexicans. . . Rather than focusing on political timelines or headlines, Hull is focused on building a winning coalition and a policy-driven campaign. . .

Hull, the only announced GOP Guv hopeful, has raised about $200,000 in the early going. He is largely unknown outside the ABQ metro. 

The mayor is under the gun when it comes to his political future. He still has the option of seeking a fourth term in 2026 but that window will soon begin closing so decision time looms. He has been a popular and effective mayor and his re-election prospects would appear solid. 

Also haunting Hull is the expected candidacy of former Lt. Governor John Sanchez. 

In his release Hull appeared to take indirect swipes at Sanchez who served two terms under divisive GOP Governor Susana Martinez:

(Voters have) seen what happens when ego and division rule the Roundhouse. We’re building a campaign that listens, respects individual community needs, and has a winning vision for New Mexico’s future. The campaign remains in a strategic growth phase, focused on building the infrastructure, fundraising base, and grassroots team necessary to win both the primary and general election. 

RONCHETTI RESURFACES 

Mark Ronchetti

While Hull struggles to find his footing, Republican Mark Ronchetti, the 2022 GOP Guv nominee who lost to MLG, says he is not ruling out another run in the June '26 primary. A longtime TV weatherman, Ronchetti is now a podcaster. 

Ronchetti and the GOP are closely monitoring the November ABQ mayoral election for any signs of weakening in the large Democratic and progressive base in the city that might give them a better shot at retaking the Governor's office.

Meanwhile Sanchez has been as quiet as can be about a possible run but his name is being widely circulated and former GOP Chairman Ryan Cangiolosi has told associates that he believes Sanchez is coming in. But much uncertainty remains about the GOP primary field and Hull's news release only adds to that.  

MAYOR CHASE

Diane Denish

Democratic party warhorse Diane Denish is a former two term lieutenant governor, former party chair and the 2010 Dem Guv nominee. The veteran politico says she doesn't have much patience for political newcomer and Dem ABQ mayoral candidate Alex Uballez who has complained about the difficulty of qualifying for $756,000 in public campaign funds. Denish writes on the socials:

It's really strange to hear Uballez complain about public financing and how hard it is to get enough $5 contributions and somehow suggesting that because Keller has built name ID, a volunteer infrastructure and strong support, it's not fair to him. Is he that naive? If you think qualifying for public financing is hard, try being Mayor. And, yes Alex, you are a politician. You are running for office. Welcome to the world where you have to work hard to get public finance.

Uballez withdrew his bid to qualify for public financing asserting the system now favors "entrenched" politicians. He will now privately finance. He comes with this op-ed on his candidacy. 

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