Sandia Pueblo endorses Sam Bregman over Deb Haaland - Axios
Sandia Pueblo has endorsed prosecutor Sam Bregman in the Democratic primary for governor, rather than Deb Haaland from Laguna Pueblo, who has served in Congress and was the U.S. Interior Secretary.
Russell Contreras reports for Axios that Sandia Pueblo Gov. Felix Chaves wrote that the tribe was confident Bregman would respect tribal sovereignty and support critical water and irrigation policies. Sandia only has about 500 members, but it operates a major casino and hosts numerous live entertainment events.
Chaves wrote that Bregman is a proven fighter and is the only candidate who has “consistently shown up and delivered.”
Haaland campaign spokesperson Felicia Salazar said Haaland has shown she’s a champion for tribes by securing billions of dollars during the pandemic and shining a light on the Federal Indian Boarding School era.
Salazar told Axios that Haaland will “continue standing up communities that have been left behind by the rich and powerful, and fighting to make life more affordable for New Mexicans.”
Bregman told Axios the endorsement was a “huge honor.” He will face Haaland in the state’s Democratic primary next June. The election is in November 2026.
If Haaland wins, she would be the nation’s first Native American woman governor.