SCAN-Endorsed Deb Haaland Wins New Mexico Governor’s Race

SCAN-Endorsed Deb Haaland Wins New Mexico Governor’s Race 

ALBUQUERQUE (Nov. 3, 2026) — Save the Children Action Network (SCAN), the political voice for kids, applauds the election of Deb Haaland as New Mexico’s next governor, a victory for children and families across the state and an opportunity to build on New Mexico’s progress in early childhood education. 

SCAN endorsed Haaland for governor because of her commitment to protecting universal childcare, raising wages for early educators and ensuring families have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.  

“Tonight, New Mexicans chose a governor who understands that investing in children is one of the best ways to invest in our state’s future,” said SCAN Interim New Mexico State Manager Maribel Salmon. “Now we need to build on New Mexico’s progress so that high-quality childcare reaches families across the state, early educators have the support they need and no child goes hungry. We look forward to working with Governor-elect Haaland to keep children and families at the center of New Mexico’s future.” 

New Mexico has made historic progress for children and families, becoming the first state in the nation to provide free childcare to every family. As governor, Haaland will have an opportunity to help deliver on that promise by expanding access across the state, ensuring early educators are paid what they’re worth and building a strong, sustainable childcare system that works for families and providers alike. 

SCAN has worked in New Mexico since 2018 to advance early childhood education and child nutrition policies. Its advocacy has helped secure millions of dollars for early educator pay and long-term early childhood funding, including through the Early Childhood Trust Fund and the state’s Land Grant Permanent Fund. Those resources will be critical to the continued development and effective implementation of New Mexico’s universal childcare program. 

This year, SCAN’s grassroots campaign supporting Deb Haaland for governor reached tens of thousands of voters through digital ads and a strategic direct voter contact program that included text banking and door knocking. 

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Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) was created in 2014 as the political advocacy arm of Save the Children, to be the political voice for kids. We work to ensure that issues critical to children’s lives and futures are given top priority by elected leaders, building support to make sure every child has a strong start in life. 

Learn more about SCAN at savethechildrenactionnetwork.org⁠. 

Paid for by Save the Children Action Network NM IE Committee. 

Media Contact: media@savechildren.org