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Draft:Sam Bregman

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  • Comment: May be notable, but current referencing is insufficient to show clear notability - ie: article needs citations of significant coverage (not routine reporting or press/PR output) in reliable independent secondary sources. Multiple assertions in the draft are also currently unsupported by any citations. Paul W (talk) 09:41, 29 April 2025 (UTC)
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Sam Bregman
District Attorney of Bernalillo County
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 2023
GovernorMichelle Lujan Grisham
Personal details
Born (1963-08-06) August 6, 1963 (age 61)
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseJackie Bregman
Children3, including Alex Bregman
EducationUniversity of New Mexico (BA, JD)
ProfessionAttorney

Samuel Holiday Bregman (born August 6, 1963, in Washington, D.C.) is an American attorney, politician, and public servant. He is the District Attorney of Bernalillo County, New Mexico. He was appointed to the role in January 2023 by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham[1] and elected to a full term in 2024.[2] In 2023, he was appointed Chairman of the New Mexico Organized Crime Commission, overseeing state-level coordination on issues such as drug trafficking, gun violence, and human trafficking. [3]Bregman previously served as Chairman of the New Mexico Democratic Party and as a member of the Albuquerque City Council. As district attorney, Bregman has promoted tougher penalties for juvenile and firearm offenses, and supported diversion programs for non-violent offenders with mental health and substance use issues.

In April 2025, Bregman announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination in the 2026 New Mexico gubernatorial election, positioning himself as a centrist focused on public safety, criminal justice reform and improving other core issues such as economic development, healthcare, and education. [4]

Early life and education

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Bregman was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Maryland. In 1981, at age 17, he moved to New Mexico to attend the University of New Mexico, where he briefly played baseball for the Lobos.[5] He later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law.[6][7]

Career

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Early Roles

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Bregman served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Second Judicial District of New Mexico, as Deputy State Auditor for New Mexico and served on the Albuquerque City Council representing District 4 from December 1995 to November 1999, and was Council Vice President in 1997.[8] After working as a public prosecutor, Bregman established a private law practice, where he represented clients in civil and criminal cases, including those involving homicide, medical malpractice, and workplace disputes.[9] Bregman served as Chairman of the New Mexico Democratic Party from 2013 to 2014.[10]

Chairmanships and commissions

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Bregman was appointed to serve as Chairman of the New Mexico Racing Commission in February 2021 by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.[11] During his tenure, the commission introduced measures related to regulatory oversight, anti-doping, and animal welfare.[12] Bregman served concurrently as a member of the New Mexico Racing Commission and the state’s Gaming Control Board, which oversees gambling operations.

In May 2023, Bregman was appointed Chairman of the New Mexico Organized Crime Commission (OCC). The commission has coordinated multi-agency efforts to address organized crime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and gun violence across the state.[13] Among its operations, the OCC led "Operation Disruption," which state officials reported resulted in the rescue of more than 200 migrants from trafficking organizations.[14] The commission also assisted in the arrest of Yajair Lizzet Lara, also known as Lara Mendez, one of Albuquerque’s top five human trafficking suspects, who was apprehended in Oklahoma City and extradited to New Mexico on federal charges.[15] In addition, authorities reported the closure of ten illicit massage parlors linked to trafficking, resulting in the seizure of approximately $90,000 in proceeds, and the destruction of an estimated 160,000 pounds of illegal cannabis valued at around $200 million.[16] The commission has also supported investigations into transnational criminal networks, including the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua.[17] Additionally, the OCC has assisted in identifying fentanyl trafficking routes into New Mexico, reporting that most illegal fentanyl enters the state through Arizona and Texas.[18][19] Bregman has proposed expanding the commission’s capabilities by establishing a centralized criminal intelligence center within the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.[20]

Bernalillo County District Attorney

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In January 2023, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed Bregman as Bernalillo County District Attorney.[1] During his tenure, the District Attorney’s Office has reported securing over 300 murder convictions.[21] In collaboration with the Governor’s office, prosecutors adopted a strategy to consolidate organized retail theft cases and pursue felony charges against repeat offenders.[22] Bregman also introduced school-based educational efforts addressing firearm-related offenses.[23] He proposed amendments to the state’s Delinquency Act, including expanding offenses eligible for adult prosecution and raising the age limit for certain sentences. These proposals received mixed reactions in the legislature, with some lawmakers urging more rehabilitative approaches.[24] Bregman also expressed support for legislation such as House Bill 8, aimed at improving behavioral health treatment options within the criminal justice system.[25] The office also participated in the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program, intended to divert non-violent offenders with mental health or substance use issues into treatment and support services.[26] In partnership with law enforcement agencies, Bregman also launched “Operation Route 66,” targeting crime along Central Avenue in Albuquerque; authorities reported over 550 arrests and significant seizures of narcotics and firearms during its first ten weeks.[27][28][29] Bregman spoke in support of the Multi‑Agency Task Force model for investigating police-involved shootings, telling The New York Times, “I have no problem with the Multi‑Agency Task Force. There’s a reason why it’s multi‑agency, so that it’s just not APD, for example, investigating APD … Who else is going to do it, right?” In the same interview, he reflected on his motivation for remaining in office and stated, “The hardest job in America is to be a cop.”[30]

Campaign for Governor of New Mexico

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Sam Bregman announced his candidacy for governor of New Mexico on April 10, 2025 in Las Vegas, NM for the 2026 gubernatorial election. Facing Deb Haaland and Ken Miyagishima in the 2026 Democratic Primary. [31][32] He launched his campaign as a centrist Democrat, expressing opposition to both left- and right-wing political extremes and emphasizing what he described as a focus on core issues.[33]

Sam Bregman launches his campaign for governor of New Mexico in Las Vegas, NM

In the early stages of the 2026 gubernatorial race, Bregman reported raising more than $1 million in campaign contributions within five weeks of launching his campaign in April 2025. His campaign noted that the total did not include personal loans or contributions from his son, professional baseball player Alex Bregman. [34]


Personal life and family

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Bregman lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with his wife, Jackie Bregman. Together, they have three children, Alex, Jessie and AJ. He is a grandfather of three grandchildren. His son, Alex Bregman, is a professional Major League Baseball player for the Boston Red Sox and previously the Houston Astros. From 2005 to 2010, Bregman and his wife were co-owners of the New Mexico Thunderbirds, a professional basketball development league franchise.[35]

His father, Stan Bregman, was the general counsel for the Washington Senators.[7] Stan also worked as a campaign aide and advisor to Vice Presidents Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale. Bregman’s grandfather, Samuel 'Bo' Bregman, immigrated from Russia in the early 20th century and became a home builder and boxing promoter.[36]

Sam Bregman also works with horses, having lived and worked on a ranch on the east side of the Sandia Mountains, near Albuquerque. He is part owner of Bregman Family Racing, with horses in races such as the Breeders Cup.[37][38]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Governor appoints Second Judicial District Attorney". Office of the Governor: Michelle Lujan Grisham. January 3, 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  2. ^ Albizu, Breana (5 June 2024). "Bregman wins race for Bernalillo County District Attorney". KOAT. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  3. ^ "Governor reestablishes Organized Crime Commission to combat human and gun trafficking, overdose deaths". Office of the Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham. Press Release. 24 May 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  4. ^ Ruhiyyih Ewing, Giselle (10 April 2025). "Father of Red Sox star Alex Bregman launches bid for New Mexico governor". Politico. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  5. ^ "Lobos add 10 in 2018 recruiting class". Go Lobos. 8 November 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  6. ^ "About District Attorney Sam Bregman". Office of the Second Judicial District Attorney. State of New Mexico. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  7. ^ a b Reiter, Ben (20 March 2019). "Almost Famous: The Astros' Alex Bregman is Freshly Paid and Trying to Return Baseball to the Limelight". Sports Illustrated.
  8. ^ "City Councilor Archive". City of Albuquerque. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  9. ^ "Top prosecutor in busy New Mexico district aims for justice". Associated Press News. 5 January 2023.
  10. ^ "Congratulations New Dem State Chairman - Sam Bregman". Democracy for New Mexico. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  11. ^ Raess, Noah (11 September 2024). "Racehorses, slot machines and election campaigns". Searchlight NM. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
  12. ^ "NMRC FY20 Annual Report" (PDF). New Mexico Racing Commission. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  13. ^ "Governor reestablishes Organized Crime Commission to combat human and gun trafficking, overdose deaths". Office of the Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham. 24 May 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  14. ^ Begay, Mesha (September 4, 2024). "State leaders outline results of 'Operation Disruption' in New Mexico". KOB.com.
  15. ^ Rodriguez, Vince (February 7, 2025). "Suspected human trafficker with New Mexico ties arrested". KOAT. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  16. ^ Pardo, Annalisa (Dec 27, 2024). "State releases annual report on organized crime in New Mexico". KRQE. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  17. ^ "New Mexico Organized Crime Commission reports successes in 2024". Office of the Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham. 23 December 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  18. ^ "New Mexico crime commission reports progress against organized crime". New Mexico Sun. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  19. ^ "War on drug cartels ramps up at America's blue border". Newsweek. February 17, 2025.
  20. ^ "New Mexico Organized Crime Commission reports successes in 2024". PublicNow.
  21. ^ "Democratic prosecutor in crime-torn Albuquerque launches bid for New Mexico governor". AP News. April 10, 2025. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  22. ^ "Albuquerque prosecutors take new approach to combatting retail theft". Associated Press News. 5 September 2023.
  23. ^ Logroño, Monica (January 17, 2024). "BernCo DA Sam Bregman visits Washington MS for anti-gun school initative". KOB. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  24. ^ Fisher, Austin (18 November 2024). "Bernalillo County prosecutor wants tougher laws for young people. Will New Mexico lawmakers agree?". SourceNM. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  25. ^ "Lawmakers Send Robust Public Safety And Behavioral Health Legislation To Governor". Los Alamos Reporter. 22 February 2025. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  26. ^ Severson, Alex. "Outcome Evaluation of Bernalillo County's Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program" (PDF). University of New Mexico Center for Applied Research & Analysis. UNM. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  27. ^ Healy, Jack. "Albuquerque Has a Crime Problem. Is the National Guard the Answer?". The New York Times.
  28. ^ "Route 66 Operation working according to ABQ businesses". 4 April 2025.
  29. ^ Frendak, Giuli (March 3, 2025). "District attorney sees success already with 'Operation Route 66' in Albuquerque". KOB. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  30. ^ Healy, Jack. "Albuquerque Has a Crime Problem. Is the National Guard the Answer?". New York Times. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  31. ^ Hendricks, Kevin (12 April 2025). "Bregman kicks off 2026 gubernatorial campaign with a party in Vegas". Santa Fe Reporter. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  32. ^ Mara, Melina (April 10, 2025). "Centrist Bregman Enters Democratic N.M. Governors Primary Against Haaland". Washington Post. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  33. ^ Young, Matt (April 10, 2025). "Sam Bregman, Alex's father, rips Donald Trump and 'radical left', as he runs for New Mexico Governor". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  34. ^ Boyd, Dan. "Money race heats up in NM's open contest for governor". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  35. ^ Scott, Damon. "Bregmans keep D-League basketball alive in ABQ". Albuquerque Business First. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  36. ^ Nathanson, Rick (May 15, 2014). "Lawyer Stanley Bregman dead at 83". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  37. ^ "Episode #46 - Sam Bregman on Horses, Leadership, and his Gubernatorial Run". Horse People Podcast. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  38. ^ "Bernhards, Bregman Named New Owners of the Year". Bloodhorse. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
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