Former Las Cruces Mayor contemplating run for New Mexico governor
In a news release on Feb. 27, 2025, Miyagishima, 61, announced he formed an "exploratory committee" for the 2026 election. Miyagishima told the Sun-News he would determine if he would run by May and that a potential run would be in the New Mexico Democratic Party.
Miyagishima said his committee of six or seven people have been working on a potential run for the past two years and that he will expand the committee to include folks throughout the state.
Deb Haaland, a Democrat and former Interior Secretary and New Mexico congresswoman, announced her intent to run for Governor earlier in February. On his website, Miyagishima acknowledged Haaland's announcement, stating, "We love Deb Haaland don't get us wrong, we hope for huge things for her, but she's not the right person for this moment, in this place."
Miyagishima was the Las Cruces Mayor for 16 years, stepping down prior to the 2023 municipal election with Eric Enriquez winning the election to replace him. He previously held elected positions as Doña Ana County Commissioner and Las Cruces City Councilor. He lost a state race for the New Mexico House of Representatives in 1990 to Republican Leonard Rawson.
Miyagishima oversaw historical population growth in Las Cruces during his mayoral stint. He also managed the city's response amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
He is currently an adjunct finance professor at New Mexico State University.
Miyagishima has lived in Las Cruces since 1971 and graduated from New Mexico State University in 1985.
"I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served as mayor, and to make a difference in our community," Miyagishima said in a news release. "Now, I am ready to take that experience, and those lessons learned to a broader platform. This exploratory committee will allow me to engage with New Mexicans, including our elected officials, hear their concerns, and explore how I can best serve as governor."
On his website, Miyagishima touts a platform that includes housing, retirement, healthcare, education reform, economic opportunities, crime reduction, homelessness, generational wealth creation, and sustainable development.
The exploratory committee will be composed of policy experts and volunteers, according to a news release. The committee's mission is to connect with residents across the state to discuss critical issues. Miyagishima plans to hold a series of town hall meetings in the coming months, which will be available in both in-person and virtual formats.
"I am excited about the opportunity to connect with people from all corners of our state and to discuss the vision we can create together," Miyagishima said in a release. "Leadership is about listening and responding to the needs of our communities, and I am committed to doing just that. I have dedicated my life to serving our community, and I am enthusiastic about the potential to expand that service to the entire state of New Mexico."
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Ken Miyagishima contemplating run for New Mexico governor
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