First, congratulations to @GreggHullforNM and @DebHaalandNM on securing their respective party nominations. The stage is set for November. But for so many New Mexicans, whether you are an Independent, a centrist Democrat, or a moderate Republican, the general election shouldn't just be a choice between two partisan extremes. You deserve a leader focused on our state's future, not Washington D.C. politics. I’m Ken Miyagishima. For 16 years, I had the honor of serving as the Mayor of Las Cruces. I learned that real leadership isn’t about following a party line, it’s about delivering results. That is why I am running as an Independent candidate for Governor of New Mexico, alongside my running mate, JC Lopez for Lieutenant Governor. We are offering a pragmatic, common-sense platform to move NM forward: 🔹 Ending the "catch and release" cycle in our justice system. 🔹 Reforming medical malpractice laws to keep our doctors in the state. 🔹 Reducing the cost of housing construction by 25%. HOW YOU CAN HELP US MAKE HISTORY TODAY: To bypass the establishment party machines and give you a real choice this November, the law requires us to collect thousands of signatures from voters across the state. Signing isn't a commitment to vote for us. It simply says Independent, centrist voices deserve a place at the table. Any registered NM voter can sign, and it will not affect your party affiliation or primary voting. Because the Governor and Lt. Governor run as a team, please sign BOTH of our official Secretary of State electronic petitions right now: 🖋️ Sign for Ken Miyagishima (Governor): 👉 [electronicpetitions.election……] 🖋️ Sign for JC Lopez (Lt. Governor): 👉 [electronicpetitions.election…] Let’s show the political establishment that New Mexicans are ready to put people over politics. Share this post, sign the petitions, and let's get to work! 🤝 #kenfornewmexico

I want to thank the ABQ Journal for printing my OpEd!

That isn't just an uphill battle; it is a systemic barrier that limits your choices. A quarter of New Mexico’s electorate is now registered as independent or "decline to state." You deserve to have your voice represented without bureaucratic roadblocks. Because of this deeply unfair burden, I have officially taken legal action against the Secretary of State to challenge these requirements. We are asking the court to reduce the independent signature total to 7,100—cutting the arbitrary requirement in half to make ballot access fair. We already have the momentum. We already have 8,000 of you standing with us. Now, we are fighting to make sure those 8,000 voices are legally recognized. New Mexico deserves a governor who isn't beholden to rigid party lines or Washington politics. Let’s break down these barriers and build a government that finally works for all New Mexicans. koat.com/article/former-las-…

Building a New Mexico Where No One Goes Hungry Every single family in New Mexico deserves access to fresh, nutritious food. Yet, too many of our neighbors, especially our kids and seniors still wonder where their next meal will come from. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a reality we must change. As your Governor, addressing food insecurity won’t just be a line item in a budget, it will be a top priority. We need a comprehensive, common-sense approach to fix our food distribution systems and support our communities. Here is my plan to ensure no New Mexican is left behind: 1. Supporting and Protecting SNAP First and foremost, we must protect the foundation of our food assistance programs. I am fully committed to ensuring that SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) continues seamlessly and robustly across New Mexico. For thousands of working families, SNAP is a critical lifeline. I will fight any attempts to reduce these benefits and work to streamline the application process so that eligible families can get the support they need without unnecessary delays. 2. Cutting the Red Tape Right now, bureaucratic hurdles make it incredibly difficult for local organizations, agricultural producers, and schools to coordinate and distribute food efficiently. We are going to cut through the state-level red tape. By simplifying administrative processes and modernizing our distribution networks, we can move food from farms and warehouses to kitchen tables faster and with less waste. 3. Incentivizing Business Donations We have an incredible business community in New Mexico that wants to help, but the system doesn’t always make it easy. My administration will introduce targeted tax breaks for local grocery stores, restaurants, wholesalers, and agricultural businesses that donate their surplus, high-quality food to local food banks. Instead of letting good food go to waste, we will make it financially viable for businesses to feed their communities. 4. Direct Funding for Fully Stocked Food Banks Our local food banks and pantries do heroic work every day, but they cannot rely on volunteer spirit and sporadic donations alone. I will work with the legislature to allocate dedicated state funds directly to our network of food banks. This funding will ensure their shelves are consistently and reliably stocked with healthy, fresh options year-round—not just during the holidays or times of crisis. Food security is the foundation of public health, education, and economic stability. When our people are fed, our students learn better, our workforce is stronger, and our communities thrive. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient New Mexico. Let's make it happen! youtu.be/TGyKphdVyGA?si=zVqq…

Results, Not Party Labels: Why New Mexico Needs Proven Leadership New Mexico, it is time for a change. For too long, our state has been held back by partisan gridlock. That is why I am running for Governor as an Independent. Real progress doesn’t care about a political party; it cares about results. If you want to know what kind of Governor I will be, look at my 16 years as the longest-serving mayor in the history of Las Cruces (2007–2023). What We Built Together in Las Cruces As a small business owner, I brought a fiscal, common-sense mindset to city government. Together, we delivered: Downtown Revitalization: Transforming our core into a thriving economic hub for local businesses. Key Infrastructure: Constructing a modern City Hall, a top-tier Convention Center, and the Aquatic Center—creating good-paying jobs. Investing in Youth: Working directly with local schools to successfully raise graduation rates. We prioritized public safety, supported businesses, and proved that government could be efficient, innovative, and accountable. The Cost of Inaction Since I stepped down as mayor at the end of 2023, it has broken my heart to watch Las Cruces begin to decline. A. Raised Gross Receipts Tax B. Spent $30 Million from our Telshor Fund. C. Committed an $8 Million oversight. D. Had to implement an Hiring Freeze due to budget mistakes. E. No longer in the Top 10 Best Run cities in the U.S.A. Without steady leadership and a firm stance on public safety, crime is rising, local businesses are feeling the strain, and the progress we spent nearly two decades building has stalled. What is happening in Las Cruces today is a direct reflection of the failed leadership at the state level in Santa Fe. My Blueprint for New Mexico We cannot fix our state using the same playbook that broke it. As Governor, I will bring a mayor’s work ethic to the Roundhouse to tackle our biggest crises: End "Catch and Release" Crime: Eliminate the Arnold Tool Assessment and give judges their discretion back to keep dangerous, repeat offenders off our streets. Stop the Doctor Exodus: Pass legislation to cap medical malpractice insurance rates so healthcare professionals stop fleeing our state. Lower Housing Costs by 25%: Launch state-backed partnerships to build affordable homes, using that inventory to recruit and retain police officers, teachers, and medical staff. We don't need more partisan fighting. We need proven, independent leadership. Let’s bring the success we created in Las Cruces to every corner of New Mexico.

If you are in the Gallup area tomorrow, come down to the Gallup Flea Market at 340 9th Street from 9am to 1pm. We would love to meet you!

Here is a summary of my healthcare plan presented at Burrell Medical School, which applies to both BCOM and UNM. New Mexico is facing a severe healthcare crisis, with rural, tribal, and low-income families suffering the most from doctor shortages and poor mental health outcomes. To fix this, we must balance cost, quality, and access. My plan focuses on expanding rural residency slots and offering full tuition for scholars who commit to working four years in underserved areas. We will also expand telehealth, mobile health units, and community health workers, while allowing nurse practitioners to practice independently. To manage costs and ensure quality, we will invest heavily in preventative care, pilot innovative payment models, negotiate with the federal government using our large Medicaid enrollment, and integrate mental healthcare statewide. By making care smarter and prioritizing prevention, we can build a healthcare system that ensures better access, quality, and affordability for all New Mexicans.

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.

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. youtu.be/NwLf17qdlGo?feature…

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

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.) electronicpetitions.election… electronicpetitions.election… 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

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. nmindepth.com/2026/hidden-do…

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. electronicpetitions.election… electronicpetitions.election…

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: Miyagishimaken@gmail.com Thank you, Ken Credit to the Santa Fe New Mexican- Daniel Chacon for the article below:

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: ➡️ kenfornewmexico.com #KenForNewMexico #PeopleOverPolitics #GrassrootsMovement #NewMexicoFirst #Miyagishima2026

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.