Teamsters Locals 399 and 492 Endorse Deb Haaland for New Mexico Governor

Support for Labor: Teamsters Back Haaland for Governor

On October 23, 2026, the Teamsters Local 399 and Local 492 came together to announce their endorsement of Deb Haaland for the upcoming gubernatorial election in New Mexico. This decisive action emphasizes Haaland's longstanding commitment to the labor movement and support for working families in the state.

Andrew Palmer, the Secretary-Treasurer of Local 492, shared his sentiments about Haaland’s dedication, stating, "Throughout her career, Sec. Haaland has always supported the working people of New Mexico. She is not only willing to show her support for labor through policy but also with action. Sec. Haaland has had our backs, so we will have hers this November."

Haaland’s journey in politics has been marked by a commitment to labor rights, dating back to her time as the Chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico. During her tenure, she stood out as a leader willing to push for policies beneficial to workers, consistently advocating for labor rights even when she served as U.S. Secretary of the Interior. Notably, her 2018 Congressional campaign became the first in New Mexico to unionize, setting a precedent for labor organization in politics.

In Congress, Haaland demonstrated her unwavering commitment to labor by co-sponsoring the PRO Act twice. This legislation aims to strengthen workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively. Moreover, her dedication to labor was exemplified when she joined Local 492 members on the picket line at Creamland Dairy in Albuquerque, where workers were fighting for improved wages and working conditions just last year.

Lindsay Dougherty, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 399 and Director of the Teamsters Motion Picture and Theatrical Trade Division, echoed the endorsement's significance by stating, "New Mexico's middle class deserves a Governor who knows the importance of a stable job, and that candidate is Sec. Haaland. She has promised to build on the state's dedication to supporting union jobs and uplifting communities by investing in film and television."

Haaland has outlined her plan to enhance the Film Office's funding established under the Lujan Grisham Administration, committing to open regional field offices aimed at boosting employment in the film industry through the creation of good-paying union jobs. This initiative symbolizes her proactive approach to not just maintain but expand labor opportunities within New Mexico's burgeoning film sector.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, founded in 1903, represents over 1.3 million hardworking individuals across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, making this endorsement a powerful testament to Haaland’s influence within labor circles. By advocating for her candidacy, the Teamsters are signaling their intent to elect a leader committed to labor rights, thereby shaping a brighter future for workers in New Mexico.

As the election approaches, the support from the Teamsters positions Haaland as a pivotal candidate, combining her experiences and labor-friendly policies to appeal to voters looking for a strong pro-labor voice in the Governor's office. The collaboration between labor unions and Haaland highlights a critical alignment of goals focusing on improving the lives of working New Mexicans, ensuring that labor is not just recognized but uplifted in the state's policies.

As the campaign unfolds, the endorsements by local unions like the Teamsters may prove to be a determining factor in mobilizing voters who prioritize labor and job security in their decision-making process. With Haaland at the forefront, New Mexico’s working families may finally have a leader who prioritizes their needs and ambitions, ultimately aiming to advance the rights and working conditions for all.