FIRST ON FOX — Republican Jim Ellison wants to prevent New Mexico from turning into another California.

That is a key reason why Ellison, a former commissioner of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, on Tuesday launched a campaign for governor in the blue-leaning southwestern state in the 2026 race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

In a statement announcing his candidacy that was shared first with Fox News Digital, Ellison argued that polices under the current administration are setting the stage for a dramatic increase in electricity rates.

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Ellison, who has decades of experience in the power and energy sectors, warned, "Over the next ten years, electric rates will double or triple if our state continues down this path of becoming another California."

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"At a time when affordability is on the ballot, the reality is that Democrat-led energy policies are making life less affordable for New Mexicans. They will also make our state less attractive for economic development. We need a leader with vision to reverse course before it's too late," Ellison said. "I'm ready to make changes that promote electric rate affordability."

Ellison joins a Republican gubernatorial field that already includes Rio Rancho Mayor Greg Hull, state Sen. Steve Lanier, and Duke Rodriguez, a former secretary of the New Mexico Human Services Department.

A trio of Democrats has launched campaigns, including frontrunner Deb Haaland, a former congresswoman who served as secretary of the Interior in the Biden administration, making history as the first Native American to serve as a Cabinet secretary.

While Democrats have dominated federal elections in New Mexico, the last six gubernatorial administrations have alternated between Republicans and Democrats. And if the pattern holds, a Republican governor would be elected in November.