Energy Policy and Utility Rates

Former New Mexico Public Regulation Commission member Jim Ellison formally launched a Republican campaign for governor this week, arguing that Democratic energy policies under term‑limited Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham are pushing the state toward California‑style electricity rate hikes. Ellison, an energy‑sector veteran, joins an already crowded GOP field and is framing his bid around electric‑rate affordability as New Mexico heads into a 2026 open‑seat contest in which Democrat Deb Haaland is currently seen as the frontrunner on her party’s side.