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The 2006 New Mexico gubernatorial election was a race for the Governor of New Mexico held on November 7, 2006. Incumbent Democratic Governor Bill Richardson was running for re-election. He faced Republican John Dendahl in the general election and won by a landslide. As of 2023[update], this was the last time a male candidate was elected Governor of New Mexico.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Bill Richardson (incumbent) | 107,720 | 99.64 | |
| Democratic | Anselmo A. Chávez | 388 | 0.36 | |
| Total votes | 108,108 | 100.00 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | James R. Damron | 52,888 | 99.58 | |
| Republican | George Bailey | 225 | 0.42 | |
| Total votes | 53,113 | 100.00 | ||
Damron defeated Bailey in the Republican primary, but withdrew from the race on June 17, 2006 due to a lack of fundraising. John Dendahl was appointed by the Republican State Central Committee to replace him. There were no general election debates between the two candidates.
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[1] | Solid D | November 6, 2006 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[2] | Safe D | November 6, 2006 |
| Rothenberg Political Report[3] | Safe D | November 2, 2006 |
| Real Clear Politics[4] | Safe D | November 6, 2006 |
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Margin of error |
Bill Richardson (D) |
John Dendahl (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research & Polling Inc. of Albuquerque | September 25–28, 2006 | — | — | 60% | 28% | — | — |
| Rasmussen Reports | September 7, 2006 | — | — | 61% | 26% | — | — |
| Research & Polling Inc. of Albuquerque | August 25–31, 2006 | — | — | 57% | 28% | — | — |
| Rasmussen Reports | June 26, 2006 | — | — | 56% | 32% | — | — |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Bill Richardson (incumbent) | 384,806 | 68.82% | +13.33% | |
| Republican | John Dendahl | 174,364 | 31.18% | -7.86% | |
| Majority | 210,442 | 37.63% | +21.19% | ||
| Turnout | 559,170 | ||||
| Democratic hold | Swing | ||||
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New Mexico gubernatorial elections (1911-present)
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