Ken Miyagishima, the four-time mayor of Las Cruces, a city on New Mexico’s border with Mexico, has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the upcoming gubernatorial election. His campaign platform centers around three key pillars: bolstering public safety, tackling the affordable housing crisis, and strengthening the state’s healthcare workforce.

Miyagishima’s candidacy comes at a time when New Mexicans are expressing considerable concern about rising crime rates and the quality of education. He aims to succeed Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, and his proposals directly address these anxieties. A significant part of his plan involves a strengthened approach to border enforcement and fostering economic cooperation across the border region.

One of the most striking elements of his platform is the proposal for a state-level “metro” police force. This initiative, Miyagishima argues, is crucial for effectively combating the escalating crime rates in major cities like Albuquerque. The creation of such a force is designed to provide a coordinated and robust response to public safety challenges facing New Mexico’s urban centers.

Beyond public safety, Miyagishima’s campaign also addresses the need for affordable housing and improvements to the state’s healthcare system. He plans to outline specific policy proposals to achieve these goals in the coming weeks and months. His experience as a long-term mayor gives him a unique perspective on the challenges facing New Mexico and its citizens.