Rio Rancho Mayor will not seek reelection, focuses on governor bid

Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull said on November 19, 2025 that he will not seek reelection in the March 3, 2026 mayoral contest, electing instead to devote his efforts to his campaign for governor. Hull has led Rio Rancho since 2014 and earlier this year became the first Republican to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race. His move to focus solely on the statewide contest immediately reshapes both local politics and the dynamics of the state Republican field.

The mayoral election calendar sets the municipal contest for March 3, 2026, with candidate filing beginning January 6, 2026. Two locally prominent figures have already publicly declared their bids. Michael Meek, chair of the Sandoval County Commission, and Paul Wymer, Rio Rancho city councilor for District 4, have announced their intentions to run. Their entries signal an early, organized effort to vie for the city leadership that Hull has occupied for more than a decade.

At the state level the gubernatorial contest is also evolving. Republican Steve Lanier, who represents New Mexico’s 2nd District in the state Senate, entered the governor’s race earlier this month. In addition, three Democrats have declared their candidacies. Hull’s departure from municipal politics to concentrate on the statewide race adds another familiar municipal voice to the Republican field and could alter campaign calculations for both parties as they prepare for 2026.

For residents of Rio Rancho and Sandoval County the implications are immediate. The mayoral transition could affect the continuity of ongoing municipal projects, intergovernmental relationships, and local policy priorities. With the filing window opening in early January, voters will soon see a broader slate of candidates shaping plans for city services, development and budget choices. County officials, neighborhood groups and business leaders will be watching how quickly candidates lay out their priorities and assemble campaign teams.

Hull’s campaign for governor also connects local concerns to state level debates. Mayoral experience often becomes a focal point in statewide races, as candidates emphasize local record on economic development, infrastructure and community safety. That linkage may draw greater attention from state parties and outside interest on issues that matter to Rio Rancho voters.

The next formal milestone for the mayoral race is the January 6 filing date, followed by the March 3 election. As the calendar advances, political activity in Rio Rancho and across Sandoval County is likely to increase, marking a period of transition for the city and a new chapter in the broader race for New Mexico governor.