While the Democratic side of the race to be New Mexico’s next chief executive seems to be relatively stable, the Republican side could be gaining another person dipping their toes in the gubernatorial waters…  in the form of Albuquerque-based public relations firm owner Doug Turner.

Turner was the state director for Gov. Gary Johnson’s first gubernatorial run and the campaign manager of Johnson’s successful re-election campaign in 1998. He was also deputy political director for Steve Forbes’ failed 2000 presidential run.

Now, Turner is considering going from managing candidates to becoming a candidate himself.

Already, National Guard Brigadier General Greg Zanetti, former state Republican Party Chairman Allen Weh and state Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones have expressed interest in the job.

Turner believes “the environment is good” for the Republicans to take the seat back, according to the Albuquerque Journal. The seat has been in the hands of Democrats for eight years, since Gary Johnson left office after being term-limited.

Two other Republicans have repeatedly been linked to a potential gubernatorial run: Former U.S. Reps. Steve Pearce and Heather Wilson. Pearce pushed back a decision on his political future to late July. Meanwhile, Wilson faces frequent questions on her Facebook page about running for governor, to which she says she has not decided.

On the Democratic side of the equation, Lt. Gov. Diane Denish in the race, and New Mexico Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez said a few weeks ago that he would decide in a few weeks.

And actor Val Kilmer has disappeared off of the New Mexico political radar — for now.