Cannabis Company CEO Considering New Mexico Gubernatorial Bid

Duke Rodriguez, the president and CEO of Ultra Health – New Mexico’s
largest cannabis business – is considering a bid for governor, the Albuquerque
Journal reports. Rodriguez, 67, told the Journal he has spoken to national
and local Republicans about the viability of a campaign but that he is more
than “90% confident” he will join the 2026 race.

“I’m not hiding the fact I’m developing this conversation. It’s a real,
honest possibility.” — Rodriguez to the Journal

Rodriguez founded Ultra Health in 2010; the company currently operates 25
dispensaries in the state. He had previously served as secretary of New
Mexico’s Human Services Department under former Gov. Gary Johnson and as a
senior executive for Lovelace Health System. He indicated he has considered
a run for governor “for more than a few decades, but it was never the right
time.”

Rodriguez said that he doesn’t “think cannabis ownership is going to be a
deciding factor” for voters in the race, even for GOP-leaning voters. He
indicated to the Journal that he would propose stronger Medicaid
verification and eligibility requirements if elected governor, especially
for non-citizens, as officials “have to be responsible about who we insure
and how much we insure them.”

The bid may be considered a long shot as the last Republican to win a
statewide race in New Mexico was Judith Nakamura in a 2016 Supreme Court
Race.