SANTA FE, N.M. — The Sandia Pueblo recently decided to endorse Sam Bregman for governor over Ken Miyagishima, the former Las Cruces mayor, and Deb Haaland, the United States Secretary of the Interior.
"Time will tell how significant this is," Brian Sanderoff, KOAT's political expert, said. "Is it just an outlier, or will he pick up other tribal endorsements?"
Haaland is trying to become the first Native American woman to serve as governor in the country's history.
"There are many pueblo tribes here," Sanderoff said. "We'll have to wait and see what the other ones do."
Sanderoff said Native Americans make up roughly six percent of registered voters, and their votes could be significant in the democratic primary.
"Deb Haaland has been a champion of Native American sovereignty and rights throughout her political career," Sanderoff said. "So, it was a little surprising to me that Sam Bregman was able to win the endorsement from the Sandia Tribal Council."
However, Haaland has received endorsements from the Jemez Pueblo and Jonathan Nez, the former Navajo Nation president.
"In any close race, any voting bloc can make the difference," Sanderoff said. "Native Americans in general elections are more likely to vote for Democratic candidates, and so whoever they endorse, if it's a close race, that vote could make the difference."
The primary election is on June 2, 2026.