Las Cruces, NM – February 27, 2025 – Ken Miyagishima, the longest-serving mayor of Las Cruces from 2007 to 2023, has announced the formation of an exploratory committee to assess a potential candidacy for Governor of New Mexico. Notably, in 1992, Miyagishima became the state’s first elected official of Mexican and Japanese ancestry, serving as a County Commissioner and later as a City Councilor before his historic tenure as mayor.
With a rich history of public service spanning over three decades, Miyagishima has dedicated himself to the betterment of his community. His leadership as mayor saw significant advancements in economic development, public safety, education, public infrastructure, and wealth creation for city government. In addition to his political roles, he is a longtime businessman in Las Cruces and currently serves as an adjunct finance professor at New Mexico State University (NMSU). His diverse background and extensive experience in both public and private sectors provide him with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing New Mexico today.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served as mayor, and to make a difference in our community,” said Miyagishima. “Now, I am ready to take that experience, and those lessons learned to a broader platform. This exploratory committee will allow me to engage with New Mexicans, including our elected officials, hear their concerns, and explore how I can best serve as governor.”
The exploratory committee will be composed of a diverse group of community leaders, policy experts, and passionate volunteers dedicated to the betterment of New Mexico. The committee’s mission is to connect with residents across the state to discuss critical issues such as housing, retirement, healthcare, education reform, economic opportunities, crime reduction, homelessness, generational wealth creation, and sustainable development.
Miyagishima plans to hold a series of town hall meetings in the coming months, which will be available in both in-person and virtual formats.
I am excited about the opportunity to connect with people from all corners of our state and to discuss the vision we can create together,” he said. “Leadership is about listening and responding to the needs of our communities, and I am committed to doing just that. I have dedicated my life to serving our community, and I am enthusiastic about the potential to expand that service to the entire state of New Mexico,” said Miyagishima.
For additional details regarding the exploratory committee, his educational background, professional credentials or to keep up with upcoming events, please visit this link: www.kenmiyagi.info, email him at MiyagishimaKen@gmail.com or follow Ken Miyagishima on X, (formerly Twitter) as well as on Facebook and Instagram.
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