Businesswoman Karen Bedonie wants to lead state.

So far, a half-dozen New Mexicans have announced they are running for governor.

The Republican field has multiple candidates, including businesswoman and mother of eight, Karen Bedonie.

"I am running for the governor for of New Mexico. I'm running because I need to find true representation," Bedonie said.

She said she lives in rural New Mexico, in the northwest corner of the state.

"I'm a Navajo Native American," she said. "I always describe myself as an American first."

Bedonie said she educates her children at home.

Bedonie said she has a background in contracting and was a welder. But with a growing family, she now runs a flower shop.

She is one of at least four Republican candidates running for governor.

"Ronald Reagan was one of the biggest inspirations for me to speak of less government and for the people," she said. "When the government comes and says, 'We're here to help,' that means you should be really worried."

Fellow Republican and businesswoman Rebecca Dow is also in the race, as is veteran and businessman Greg Zanetti and veteran and businessman Jay Block.

Whoever wins the Republican primary will likely face off against Democratic incumbent Michelle Lujan Grisham.

The primary election is next summer. The general election is in the fall.

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