Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico

Longest serving mayor of Las Cruces, NM (2007-2023) NM’s 2nd largest city. Husband, Father, Professor, Business owner, and Candidate for Governor of New Mexico.

[Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico @MayorKenLC]

New Mexico, it’s time for a new direction.

I’m Ken Miyagishima, and for 16 years, I had the honor of serving as the Mayor of Las Cruces. During that time, I learned that real leadership isn’t about following a party line—it’s about delivering results for the people. That is why I have officially filed to run as an Independent candidate for Governor of New Mexico, alongside my running mate, JC Lopez for Lieutenant Governor.

To get on the ballot and give you a real choice this November, we need your help today.

🖋️ Why We Need Your Signature
As Independent candidates, the law requires us to collect thousands of signatures from voters across the state to qualify for the ballot. This is where you come in. By signing our petitions, you aren’t necessarily committing to vote for us—you are simply saying that Independent voices deserve a place at the table.

⚖️ The Importance of Signing BOTH
In New Mexico, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor run as a team. To ensure our movement for a safer, more affordable New Mexico is successful, it is vital that you sign both petitions: one for myself and one for JC Lopez.

🗳️ Who Can Sign?
The best part? This isn’t restricted by party.

Any registered voter in New Mexico can sign.
Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or Libertarian, your signature counts.
Signing our petition does not affect your party affiliation or your ability to vote in the primary for other offices.

🚀 What We Stand For
We are running to tackle the "catch and release" cycle in our justice system, reform medical malpractice laws to keep our doctors in the state, and reduce the cost of housing construction by 25%. We are focused on New Mexico's future, not Washington D.C. politics.

Will you help us make history? Let’s show the establishment that New Mexicans are ready for a leadership team that puts people over politics. Please follow the links to our ballot petitions.

https://t.co/MG6DGlCDOU

https://t.co/UR4OLGfJ7w

[Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico @MayorKenLC]

Today, June 1st, marks Navajo Nation Treaty Day.

On this day in 1868, Navajo leaders signed the historic Treaty of 1868 at Fort Sumner, New Mexico. This momentous agreement brought a resilient end to the tragic, forced exile of the Long Walk and allowed the Diné people to return home to their ancestral lands. It stands as a profound testament to the endurance, courage, and sovereignty of the Navajo Nation.

As your Independent candidate for Governor of New Mexico, I believe that honoring this history means doing more than just remembering the past. It means changing how our state government operates in the present. For too long, tribal leadership has been an afterthought in Santa Fe, called to the table only after policies have already been drafted.

As an Independent candidate, I am not bound by rigid partisan playbooks. My focus is entirely on practical solutions that serve all New Mexicans, and that begins with establishing a true government-to-government relationship with our sovereign tribal nations.

Here is how my administration will transform that relationship:

Guaranteed Seats at the Table: We will include representatives from the Navajo Nation and the Pueblo tribes directly within the executive staff. Tribal leadership will be actively involved in shaping policy from day one, not left to react to decisions made without them.

Infrastructure & Investment: We must address the long-standing gaps in infrastructure on our reservations. My administration will prioritize critical investments in roads, water systems, clean energy, and modern digital connectivity to support tribal communities.

Targeted Economic Opportunities: As part of my initiative to build affordable housing and recruit vital public professionals, we will explicitly extend these economic programs to eligible members of our Native American communities, fostering long-term prosperity.

True sovereignty requires mutual respect, direct collaboration, and equal partnership. Today, we honor the legacy of 1868. Tomorrow, we build a future where New Mexico and the Navajo Nation move forward together as true equals.

[Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico @MayorKenLC]

I would like to thank the following for allowing me to speak and for making this video! Doña Ana County Medical Society, Burrell College of Medicine (BCOM) and Patients Primero.

https://t.co/z2YBT4LwzI

[Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico @MayorKenLC]

I am deeply honored to announce that my friend and southern Doña Ana County leader, Manny Solis, has officially endorsed our campaign for Governor of New Mexico!

Manny is a tireless advocate for the Borderlands. Whether he’s fighting for better infrastructure, supporting working families, or championing local community development, Manny always puts people first. To have his trust and his partnership in this race means the world to me.

"Ken Miyagishima understands the unique opportunities and challenges facing southern New Mexico. He doesn’t just listen—he delivers. Ken is the leader we need to unite our state and build a stronger economy for every New Mexican."
— Manny Solis

During my time as Mayor of Las Cruces, I learned firsthand that real progress happens from the ground up, by listening to the distinct needs of every region in our beautiful state. Southern New Mexico isn't just a part of the map, it’s an economic engine and a cultural heart of our state, and its voice will be heard in Santa Fe.

Together, Manny and I are fighting for:

•Stronger Local Economies: Investing in small businesses and cutting red tape.

•Safer Communities: Supporting law enforcement while building robust community resources.

•Better Infrastructure: Ensuring southern New Mexico gets the funding it deserves for roads, water, and broadband.

Thank you, Manny, for standing with me. Let's win this, together.

#NewMexicoPolitics #kenfornm #DonaAnaCounty #MannySolis #NMLead #CommunityFirst

[Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico @MayorKenLC]

New Mexico, we are officially HALFWAY to our goal!

When I launched this campaign as an Independent, I did it because I believe our state deserves a leader who listens to all New Mexicans, not just a political party. From my 16 years as Mayor of Las Cruces to teaching at NMSU, my focus has always been on bringing people together, strengthening our communities, and giving everyone a seat at the table.

But to get on the ballot this November, we need to secure signatures for the entire Independent ticket. That means we aren't just collecting signatures for me, we need them for my running mate, JC Lopez for Lieutenant Governor, too! Because we are bypassing the partisan primaries, our petition signatures are everything. JC and I are committed to delivering practical, independent leadership to the Roundhouse, but we can't do it without you.

We’ve hit the halfway mark, but we can't slow down now. Let's get both of our names on that ballot.

Click the links below to be taken directly to the Secretary of State’s signature page for each of us. (You can also click sign another petition after you sign mine to complete JC’s.)

https://t.co/MG6DGlCDOU

https://t.co/UR4OLGfJ7w

If you have already signed, thank you for your support! Please share this with 10 of your friends in New Mexico who want to see real change.

Let’s finish this strong. Ni antes, ni ahora—our commitment to New Mexico has never wavered. Let’s make history together!

#KenForNM #MiyagishimaLopez2026 #letsmakeithappen

[Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico @MayorKenLC]

When I launched this campaign for Governor of New Mexico, I made a promise to the people of this state: I will always put you first. That means keeping special interests, deep-pocketed PACs, and powerful trial lawyer associations out of our campaign.

While other candidates are building multi-million dollar war chests funded by special interest groups and political action committees, our campaign is funded by everyday New Mexicans. I haven't taken a single dime from these PACs, and I never will.

Why does this matter? Because when a politician takes massive amounts of special interest money, they owe those groups a seat at the table. For years, we’ve seen meaningful medical malpractice reform blocked in Santa Fe because out-of-state and corporate-backed PACs have a stranglehold on our leadership. That is exactly why we are losing our doctors, why our medical malpractice insurance rates are skyrocketing, and why healthcare is becoming harder to access for New Mexico families.

I’m running as an Independent because I refuse to be bought. I don't answer to party bosses, and I don't answer to corporate PACs. I answer to you.

My opponents have millions in special interest backing, but we have something stronger: the truth, a real plan to fix our state, and the trust of everyday New Mexicans. I challenge the other candidates in this race to step up, reject the PAC money, and stop taking money from the trial lawyers who are blocking progress for our healthcare system.

It’s time for a Governor who belongs only to the people of New Mexico.

https://t.co/tsgyeJ1yYj

[Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico @MayorKenLC]

New Mexico, it’s time for a new direction.

I’m Ken Miyagishima, and for 16 years, I had the honor of serving as the Mayor of Las Cruces. During that time, I learned that real leadership isn’t about following a party line—it’s about delivering results for the people. That is why I have officially filed to run as an Independent candidate for Governor of New Mexico, alongside my running mate, JC Lopez for Lieutenant Governor.

To get on the ballot and give you a real choice this November, we need your help today.

🖋️ Why We Need Your Signature
As Independent candidates, the law requires us to collect thousands of signatures from voters across the state to qualify for the ballot. This is where you come in. By signing our petitions, you aren’t necessarily committing to vote for us—you are simply saying that Independent voices deserve a place at the table.

⚖️ The Importance of Signing BOTH
In New Mexico, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor run as a team. To ensure our movement for a safer, more affordable New Mexico is successful, it is vital that you sign both petitions: one for myself and one for JC Lopez.

🗳️ Who Can Sign?
The best part? This isn’t restricted by party.

Any registered voter in New Mexico can sign.
Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or Libertarian, your signature counts.
Signing our petition does not affect your party affiliation or your ability to vote in the primary for other offices.

🚀 What We Stand For
We are running to tackle the "catch and release" cycle in our justice system, reform medical malpractice laws to keep our doctors in the state, and reduce the cost of housing construction by 25%. We are focused on New Mexico's future, not Washington D.C. politics.

Will you help us make history? Let’s show the establishment that New Mexicans are ready for a leadership team that puts people over politics. Please follow the links to our ballot petitions.

https://t.co/MG6DGlCDOU

https://t.co/UR4OLGfJ7w

[Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico @MayorKenLC]

Please share this post with a city, county, state employee, public school educator, university employee, retiree, or anyone connected to PERA or ERB.

This issue impacts more than 200,000 New Mexicans and deserves serious attention.

To the active workers and retirees of both PERA and ERB: this is a major issue that cannot be ignored any longer.

While I respect my friend Duke, I must disagree with him on this matter. I began speaking publicly about this issue in the summer of 2025 and even met with the president of a retiree association, who strongly supported my proposal.

Here are the current combined totals for PERA and ERB:

Active Contributors:
• PERA: 52,581
• ERB: 64,274
Retirees and Benefit Recipients:
• PERA: 46,942
• ERB: 56,764

That represents well over 220,000 New Mexicans who are directly affected.

If you read the comments from Greg Trujillo in the second screenshot, he makes an important point: the state must proceed very carefully.

From my perspective, there are only three realistic options:

1. Spend billions of taxpayer dollars to strengthen the retirement reserves.

2. Leave the system unchanged and hope the problem fixes itself - which I do not believe is a responsible option.

3. Implement the proposal I have been developing, that is proven.
My plan will not require taxpayer funding. Additionally, it will reinstate the 3% cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) and return the retirement eligibility threshold to 25 years.

I believe New Mexico needs real solutions, honest conversations, and leadership willing to address difficult issues before they become larger problems.

If you would like to learn more about my proposal, please email me. I will also organize a Zoom call with PERA and ERB members so we can openly discuss concerns, ideas, and possible solutions together.

Email: [email protected]

Thank you,
Ken

Credit to the Santa Fe New Mexican- Daniel Chacon for the article below:

[Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico @MayorKenLC]

Times are tough right now. From the grocery store checkout line to your monthly housing costs, I know that regular New Mexicans are feeling the financial squeeze. That’s why you might have noticed something radically different about my campaign for Governor.

I have never run an advertisement asking you for a donation. 🛑💰

Why? Because I firmly believe a true grassroots campaign shouldn’t put a financial burden on the very people it’s trying to lift up. Running for office should be about listening to your struggles, not adding to them.

Instead of relying on deep-pocketed special interests or badgering everyday citizens for your hard-earned dollars, I am building this campaign the old-fashioned way: through community conversations, shared solutions, and a deep, 30-year track record of public service.

We don't need a campaign funded by political machines. We need a leadership approach that respects your wallet and prioritizes your family.

Let's change New Mexico together—no entry fee required.

Learn more and get involved: ➡️ https://t.co/10IRDyeX8B

#KenForNewMexico #PeopleOverPolitics #GrassrootsMovement #NewMexicoFirst #Miyagishima2026

[Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico @MayorKenLC]

My plan for affordable rent and housing:

State to Sell New Homes @ ZERO Down and $1500 per month

Phase 1 – The plan involves selling houses at cost, with a monthly payment of $1,500 and no down payment required. This proposal is not about providing free housing, but rather about making these homes accessible at cost. The 7% interest rate reflects the return the state investment council seeks to achieve through its investments. This approach offers another avenue for the state to support residents who can handle reasonable housing payments, allowing them to become homeowners with zero down payment and affordable monthly obligations.

The State will collaborate with licensed contractors and realtors across New Mexico. Phase 1 applicants will encompass all police, fire, and correctional officers, as well as teachers and eligible Native Americans.

Phase 2 - applicants will be selected based on various statewide discussions and the results of Phase 1 applicants.

As the housing market expands, the availability of rental property increases, leading to a decrease in rental costs.

[Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico @MayorKenLC]

To the mothers of New Mexico, Happy Mother’s Day!

Whether you are raising the next generation of New Mexicans, caring for aging parents, or leading in our businesses and schools, your strength and sacrifice shape our future. You deserve a state that works as hard as you do.

As an Independent candidate for Governor, my commitment to you is simple: to put people over politics. This Mother’s Day, I am reflecting on the issues that matter most to our families:

• Safety & Security: Ensuring our neighborhoods are safe so our children can thrive.

• Healthcare Access: Keeping our doctors in New Mexico and making sure every mother has access to quality care.

• Affordability: Working to reduce the cost of housing and daily necessities so families can do more than just get by—they can get ahead.

To my wife, Rosie, and to all the incredible moms across the Land of Enchantment: thank you for everything you do. You are the heart of our homes and the hope of our state.

Enjoy your special day!

Ken Gallegos Miyagishima
Independent Candidate for Governor of New Mexico

#MothersDay #NewMexico #KenForNM #IndependentForGovernor #PeopleOverPolitics #NMPol #LandOfEnchantment

[Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico @MayorKenLC]

Recruiting healthcare workers to New Mexico a top priority at candidates forum https://t.co/qsn9o6XnWD via @thenewmexican

[Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico @MayorKenLC]

Hey folks! My campaign also has a TikTok! Don’t miss a thing and give me a follow.
@ kenfornewmexico.

[Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico @MayorKenLC]

As I travel the state during this campaign, I see the resilience of our people, but I also see the exhaustion. We cannot continue to let "business as usual" in Santa Fe or Washington dictate whether a family can afford both a full tank of gas and a full cart of groceries.

We need common-sense, independent leadership that focuses on lowering the cost of living and protecting New Mexican taxpayers. Our state is an energy powerhouse—it’s time our residents felt the benefit of that at the pump, not just the burden.

Enough is enough. Let’s get back to basics and put New Mexico families first.

— Ken Miyagishima
Independent Candidate for Governor

https://t.co/jlwpJsWCvG

[Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico @MayorKenLC]

Department of Accessibility and Disabilities

Proposal for Establishing the Department of Accessibility and Disabilities

This proposal recommends restructuring various State Government cabinets to improve support and efficiency for residents with disabilities. Instead of eliminating existing positions, we will focus on consolidation. A new position is proposed: the Department of Accessibility and Disabilities.

Purpose of the Department

The Department of Accessibility and Disabilities will assist residents with physical, mental, or visual impairments. Key initiatives include:

Accessible Transportation

Introduce affordable rideshare services to enhance transportation options.
Develop a state-owned fleet of wheelchair-accessible para-transit vans to provide convenient rides without requiring three-day advance scheduling.
Employment Opportunities

Offer tax incentives to employers who hire visually impaired individuals.
Implement accountability measures for state agencies to ensure a minimum percentage of job applicants with disabilities are hired.
Medicaid Adjustments

Expand coverage for select dental procedures.
Increase access to specialized medical care for residents with disabilities.
Government Services Accessibility

Provide large print and audio formats of public documents to enhance accessibility.
Ensure all government websites and services meet ADA and WCAG standards for screen reader compatibility.
Educational Support

Implement Braille and audio programs in K-12 schools to cater to diverse learning needs.
Ensure accessible digital textbooks are available for all students.
Establish transition programs to assist students with disabilities as they move into higher education or the workforce.
Daily Living Support
Address housing, independent living, and community participation needs.
Goal

This initiative seeks to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal access to transportation, employment, healthcare, government services, education, and daily living aspects.

Monitoring and Enforcement of Accessibility Standards

The Department is dedicated to ensuring fair treatment for residents with disabilities through a comprehensive compliance framework. Regular accessibility audits and inspections of government-funded residences and service providers will be conducted in accordance with ADA and Section 504 standards.

Service providers will be required to submit annual compliance reports, bolstered by resident feedback through surveys and an independent ombudsman office. The Department will enforce compliance by issuing corrective action plans, imposing penalties, or withholding funding for ongoing violations. Additionally, we will provide training and technical assistance to promote the adoption of best practices.

To ensure transparency, we will publicly report compliance outcomes and collaborate with federal and state agencies for consistent enforcement across housing, healthcare, and public services.

[Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico @MayorKenLC]

https://t.co/IPyejMvLBF

https://t.co/2GZMXltKWb

Please sign both!

[Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico @MayorKenLC]

Your New Mexico Independent Governor Choice

Ballot petition in the comments.

[Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico @MayorKenLC]

And since we were in ABQ for the weekend, my Lt. Gov. running mate, JC Lopez and our awesome group of supporters had a great time at the South Valley Parade!

[Ken Miyagishima for Governor of New Mexico @MayorKenLC]

I always enjoy visiting family and friends in ABQ! In addition, my wife Rosie, myself and about a dozen supporters went to a couple of places this weekend.

First there was a great event in Belen, NM, met a lot of nice people, ate some really good food! Thank you Mayor Noblin for the hospitality, good people in Valencia County Admin and Government!

Special thanks to KDNF-AM Genuine Country for letting me say a few words on the air! Koa the comedian, good job! Thanks for the laughs!