Independent Candidate Challenges New Mexico Ballot Rules

Former Las Cruces mayor Ken Miyagishima is suing New Mexico over its harsh ballot access rules for independent candidates, arguing that the state’s requirement of over 14,000 signatures is unfairly stacked against them — far higher than the thresholds for major parties. He’s pushing to lower the bar to 7,100, matching third-party candidates, and points to other states with far more accessible rules. With independents now participating in primaries — albeit at lower turnout — Miyagishima sees this lawsuit as a critical step toward true political equality. His campaign has collected around 8,000 signatures so far, but if he misses the June 25 deadline, his gubernatorial run ends. The Secretary of State’s office is still reviewing the case — and its outcome could reshape independent politics across the state. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3cdd496aa96aed32