The New Mexico gubernatorial candidates discussed their platforms during a forum at Rio Rancho Public School headquarters. The candidates, who will decide who will be the next governor in 2026, highlighted the state's ranking in relation to education as an issue that New Mexico ranks last in the nation. Five of the six candidates participated in the forum, including Republicans Gregg Hull, Duke Rodriguez and Doug Turner, and Democrats Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman. All five believe that stopping "social promotion" where children are moved to next grade is the key to addressing this issue. They also suggested that more intervention from educators is needed for students' literacy.