Jim Ellison is stepping into the political arena in New Mexico with a mission to safeguard the state’s future from what he sees as a looming crisis. The former commissioner of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission officially announced his campaign for governor on Tuesday. His primary concern? Preventing New Mexico from mirroring the challenges faced by California, particularly in the realm of energy and electricity costs.
In his candidacy announcement shared with Fox News Digital, Ellison made a clear and urgent call to action. He warned that under the current administration, New Mexico’s energy policies could impose heavy burdens on households. “Over the next ten years, electric rates will double or triple if our state continues down this path of becoming another California,” he cautioned. This prediction underlines his belief that the state’s trajectory could lead to financial hardships for residents.
Ellison’s insights are rooted in his extensive background in the power and energy sectors, which grants him a firsthand understanding of the implications of energy policies. He pointed out that the current approach “is making life less affordable for New Mexicans.” This assertion resonates deeply, especially at a time when many households are feeling the pinch in their budgets.
Moreover, Ellison highlighted the broader economic implications of these policies. He argued that if electric rates continue to soar, New Mexico will become less appealing for business investment, stifling economic growth. “We need a leader with vision to reverse course before it’s too late,” he declared. This perspective emphasizes not just immediate financial concerns but also long-term prosperity for the state.
Ellison is entering a competitive Republican field that includes notable figures such as Rio Rancho Mayor Greg Hull, state Sen. Steve Lanier, and Duke Rodriguez, a former secretary of the New Mexico Human Services Department. This diversity of candidates could bring a range of ideas and strategies to the campaign, but they all share a common goal: to position themselves as alternatives to the current governance.
On the Democratic side, former congresswoman Deb Haaland stands out as a prominent candidate. Having served as Secretary of the Interior in the Biden administration, Haaland made history as the first Native American to hold a cabinet position. Her presence in the race signals that Democrats aim to maintain a stronghold in a state where they have typically performed well in federal elections.
Interestingly, New Mexico has a history of alternating gubernatorial control between the two parties. The previous six administrations have switched between Democratic and Republican leaders, suggesting that the upcoming race could be pivotal. If history serves as a guide, a Republican candidate like Ellison could be positioned favorably to reclaim the governorship in the November election.
Ultimately, Jim Ellison’s entry into the gubernatorial race is a significant development for New Mexico’s political landscape. His focus on energy policy and affordability could resonate with voters who are concerned about their financial future. As the campaign unfolds, it will be interesting to see how his message and experience shape the race, especially in a state where the electorate has shown a willingness to swing between parties.
"*" indicates required fields
