For the first time since announcing their campaigns, all eight gubernatorial candidates sat together to discuss policy at a Hispano Chamber of Commerce forum in Albuquerque. The forum, intended to be a meet-and-greet with business leaders and gubernatorial hopefuls, included Democratic candidates Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman. All five Republican candidates were present, including Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull, state Sen. Steve Lanier of Aztec, cannabis entrepreneur Duke Rodriguez of Albuquerque, former Public Regulation Commissioner Jim Ellison of Cedar Crest and business owner Doug Turner of Albuquerque. While the forum gave lesser-known candidates a platform to pitch their ideas for New Mexico’s future, it also highlighted tensions in the race.