Independent Run for NM Governorship, Jacob Smith

Independent Run for NM Governorship, Jacob Smith

Jacob Smith, an independent candidate for New Mexico governor in 2026, delivered a prayer, a speech, and answered some questions outside the Santa Fe State Capitol. He prayed for safety during the special legislative session, urging bold change, bravery from leaders, and reduced hateful rhetoric amid recent violence.

Smith announced his candidacy, emphasizing unity across New Mexico's diverse communities and independence from parties or donors. He criticized government failures like corruption, wasteful spending, and lack of transparency, promising performance audits, citizen oversight, and real consequences for breaches of trust.

Key proposals addressed crime (harsher gang penalties, community prevention), economy (workforce training, diversification beyond oil/gas), water scarcity (infrastructure investments, tribal collaboration), education (stable funding, community-tailored plans), and healthcare (rural access incentives). He criticized the current administration's special session as self-serving and called for legislative reforms.

Smith urged support via his website, envisioning an accountable, transparent "new New Mexico" for all residents.

Campaign website:
https://www.smithfornm.com/