Ken Gallegos Miyagishima
Former Las Cruces Mayor and independent candidate for Governor of New Mexico.
Leading with purpose
Learn about the former Las Cruces Mayor's journey through 30 years in public office.
My last name, Miyagishima may not sound local to everyone. But my heart is, and always has been, deeply rooted in New Mexico.
I am running for Governor to make sure that every New Mexican, no matter what they look like or where they come from, has an ear that will listen and a voice that will speak for them.
"That belief has never left me. Not then, not now. Ni antes, ni ahora."
Quick facts
At a glance
- Born
- Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Mississippi
- Children
- Danielle, John, Francisco, and Carlos Miyagishima
- Raised
- Alamogordo (1969-71); Las Cruces (1971-Present)
- Party
- Independent
- Married
- Rosario “Rosie” Rodriguez
- Education
- M.B.A. UT-El Paso; BBA Finance & Real Estate (NMSU); Adjunct Professor (NMSU)
A timeline of
Life & Achievements
-
2007
First elected Mayor
Las Cruces
Launched a results-first approach focused on basics: roads, safety, fiscal discipline.
- Modernized city operations
- Expanded community partnerships
-
2011 • 2015
Re-elected to 4-year terms
Built momentum on core services and economic stability.
- Focused on measurable outcomes
- Kept budgets predictable
-
2019-2023
Returned and served through retirement
Led the city through challenging years with steady leadership.
- Re-elected 2019
- Retired Dec 31, 2023