Sam Bregman
From the Sam Bregman For Governor Campaign:
ALBUQUERQUE — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Sam Bregman has announced the endorsement of the Ohkay Owingeh Tribal Council and its Tribal Get Out the Vote Committee, marking a significant show of support from one of New Mexico’s most influential pueblos.
Ohkay Owingeh—the first Capitol of New Mexico, headquarters of the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council and one of the largest Tewa-speaking pueblos—represents a powerful voice in a state home to 19 pueblos and two tribal nations. The endorsement underscores growing momentum behind Bregman’s campaign and reflects a shared commitment to meaningful government-to-government partnership.
“Sam has consistently shown that he respects our sovereignty and understands the realities facing our community,” Ohkay Owingeh Gov. Benny J. Lujan said. “He listens, he follows through, and he approaches tribal nations as partners not afterthoughts. That distinction matters.”
Gov. Lujan added, “For those reasons, Ohkay Owingeh is proud to offer an official endorsement of Sam’s campaign.”
“Too often, tribal communities are spoken to without being truly heard,” Lujan said. “Sam listens, he engages honestly, and he takes responsibility for understanding our challenges and needs. That level of leadership is rare, and it matters.”
Gov. Lujan added, “That is why Ohkay Owingeh is proud to stand with Sam and issue our official endorsement of his campaign.”
Bregman called the endorsement deeply meaningful.
“I’m deeply honored by the trust Ohkay Owingeh has placed in me,” he said. “For decades, I’ve stood alongside tribal governments in the fight for sovereignty and fairness. As governor, I will make sure tribal nations have a real partner in the Governor’s Office and a real voice in state government.”
With more than 30 years of legal experience, Bregman is widely recognized as a tough, principled advocate for justice. He began his public service as an Albuquerque City Councilor, later served as Chair of the New Mexico Democratic Party, and was appointed Bernalillo County District Attorney in 2023 by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. He was re-elected in 2024.
A graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law, Bregman has built a reputation as a relentless defender of the most vulnerable and a bold, results-driven leader.
With strong early fundraising and growing support from tribal leaders across the state, Bregman’s campaign is building a broad, diverse coalition as it heads into the 2026 Democratic primary.
Learn more at BregmanForNM.com.