9 Million Acres, One Bitter Race Over Land in New Mexico - DNyuz New Mexico is one of just five states, along with Arkansas, South Dakota, Texas and Washington, with elected land commissioners The New Mexico commissioner stewards nine million surface acres — an area bigger than Maryland
NM Primary 2026: New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Three Democrats — State Rep Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo), Jonas Moya and Juan de Jesus Sanchez III — are competing in the June 2 primary election in hopes of replacing her
Republican enters fray while Dems claw to keep control of NM . . . “The land in New Mexico is in my blood,” Perry said in his announcement “I’ve protected it, fought for it, and managed it for over 20 years I’m running because New Mexico deserves a Land Commissioner who knows the land, respects the people, and understands the responsibility ”
NM Primary 2026: New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands The New Mexico State Land Office received 9 million acres of land from the federal government over a century ago, and is tasked with using that land to raise revenue for public schools, hospitals, colleges and other institutions In recent years, an oil and gas boom has meant the Land Office has received more than $2 billion a year in revenues, largely from oil and gas royalties, offsetting