State Rep. McQueen (D) announces candidacy for New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands
State Representative and conservation attorney Matthew McQueen announced Monday his bid for New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands in the 2026 election.
The six-term legislator said New Mexico needs strong, experienced leadership to protect public lands and conservation efforts.
“Our public lands and environmental and conservation rules are under attack,” McQueen said. “The job of Commissioner of Public Lands is an important and complex responsibility. This is a $2 billion+ annual revenue-generating agency to benefit New Mexico’s schools, universities, and hospitals, and other critical beneficiaries. I have dedicated my career to this intricate and complex field of work. And, I have the proven record of standing up to bullies and corruption.”
According to a press release, the New Mexico State Land Office manages 9 million surface and 13 million mineral acres across the state, trust land allocated by the federal government under the Ferguson Act of 1898 and the Enabling Act of 1910. Its mission is to raise revenue for public institutions through lease agreements for oil, gas and mineral exploration, business and commercial operations, including renewable energy projects, agriculture and livestock grazing, and outdoor recreation.
https://nmpoliticalreport.com/2025/06/30/state-rep-mcqueen-announces-candidacy-for-new-mexico-commissioner-of-public-lands/