GRANTS, N.M. – New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver has suspended her campaign for lieutenant governor, just weeks after winning the Democratic nomination in the June 2 primary election.
Toulouse Oliver announced the decision Thursday, citing recent changes to her health and the need to focus on her family while continuing her duties as secretary of state.
“This has been an incredibly difficult decision, but a necessary one,” Toulouse Oliver wrote in a public statement. “Recent changes to my health have caused my family and I to reflect on my commitments at home and to the people of our state – both of which I take extraordinarily seriously.”
Toulouse Oliver said suspending her campaign would allow her to remain focused on her family while continuing to fulfill her responsibilities as secretary of state. She also thanked voters who supported her in the June primary.
Toulouse Oliver was first elected secretary of state in 2016 and has remained one of New Mexico’s most prominent election officials. During her time in office, she has been involved in highprofile disputes over election policy, including opposition to federal efforts to require proof of citizenship for voting and a request from the U.S. Department of Justice for New Mexico voter information.
Her withdrawal leaves former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the Democratic nominee for governor, without a running mate ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Haaland is set to face Republican former Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull, who is running with Republican lieutenant governor nominee Sen. David Gallegos of Eunice.
The Democratic Party of New Mexico said its State Central Committee will select a replacement nominee. Party officials said the timeline is still being finalized, but the process requires the party chair to call a meeting at least 30 days before a vote can take place.
Several Democrats have already expressed interest in being considered, including state Sen. Harold Pope of Albuquerque, who ran against Toulouse Oliver in the primary; State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard; and state Sen. Leo Jaramillo of Española.
Haaland said she plans to be involved in the process and will interview potential candidates before making an endorsement.
In statements following Toulouse Oliver’s announcement, Haaland and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham praised Toulouse Oliver’s public service and wished her well.
“It is a courageous decision to run for office and it’s a decision all New Mexicans understand when you must step back to prioritize your family and health,” Haaland said.
Lujan Grisham said Toulouse Oliver “has served New Mexicans with great distinction” and said she respected her decision to prioritize her health and family.