As the June 2 primary election approaches in New Mexico, the Republican race for lieutenant governor remains highly competitive and marked by significant voter indecision, according to a recent poll. State Senator David Gallegos of Eunice and attorney Aubrey Blair Dunn of Albuquerque are virtually tied, each securing about 20% support among likely Republican and independent voters surveyed. Meanwhile, minister Manuel Lardizabal from Albuquerque trails with 4%, and more than half of the voters remain undecided.

The poll highlights a notable lack of familiarity with the candidates among Republican voters, reflecting broader challenges in this cycle where all statewide offices are up for election. Lieutenant governor is the only statewide race on the Republican side featuring a contested primary. The primary winner will run alongside the victor of the Republican gubernatorial primary on the November ballot, as New Mexico law requires separate primaries but combines winners as a ticket for the general election.

David Gallegos, who has legislative experience dating back to 2013 with four terms in the state House followed by his Senate service beginning in 2021, appears to be the establishment favorite. He won the most support at the party’s pre-primary convention in March. Aubrey Dunn, related to a prominent political family with his father and grandfather both having held influential roles in state politics, leads among older voters and Anglo voters. He holds a slight edge in the Albuquerque metro area, while Gallegos is favored in eastern New Mexico. Among Hispanic voters, Gallegos maintains a stronger position.

The race is further complicated by recent political developments. Dunn has joined a lawsuit filed in Otero County alleging that certain party officials violated rules by endorsing candidates in contested primaries and requesting the removal of Amy Barela as state Republican Party chairwoman. This legal action points to internal tensions within the state GOP.

This primary is also the first open primary held under a new law which permits independent voters to participate in either party’s primary without declaring a party affiliation. Among independents who plan to vote in the Republican primary, Gallegos leads in support.

The poll was conducted from April 24 to May 1 with a sample of 528 likely Republican primary voters, including a small number of independents, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.3 percentage points. The sample was stratified by race, age, and county to reflect voter demographics more accurately.

With a large portion of the electorate still undecided and unfamiliar with the candidates, the lieutenant governor contest remains fluid and is expected to develop as the candidates increase their outreach efforts ahead of the June primary.