Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) announced that he’s running for reelection, giving Democrats an incumbent in a state that usually leans blue but can be competitive, the Carlsbad Current-Argus reports.
Luján Announces Senate Bid from New Mexico
Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) “announced today he is running for Senate in New Mexico, halting his rise through House leadership for a shot at a seat in the upper chamber,” Politico reports.
“The Democratic field could become crowded: Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver and first-term Rep. Deb Haaland are both considering running. But Luján’s experience and the vast political and donor network established during his time as DCCC chairman gives him a significant edge in the Democratic primary.”
Valerie Plame Mulls Senate Bid
Former CIA officer Valerie Plame told The Hill that she is considering a potential run for Senate in New Mexico as a Democrat to replace retiring Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM).
Said Plame: “I am considering all my options. I am grateful for the opportunity to perhaps serve my country again.”
Luján Expected to Run for Senate
Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) is expected to run for Senate in 2020, abandoning a chance to move up the rung in House leadership, Politico reports.
“It is a sharp change of course for the fast-climbing congressman, a close ally of Speaker Nancy Pelosi who led House Democrats’ campaign arm to victory in 2018 and then catapulted into the new Democratic majority’s No. 4 leadership position. But while Luján hasn’t made an official decision, he is leaning heavily toward jumping into the race to replace retiring Sen. Tom Udall, according to multiple Democratic lawmakers and aides familiar with Luján’s thinking.”
Udall Will Not Run for Re-Election to the Senate
Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) announced that he will not seek reelection in 2020, leaving the Senate seat he has held since 2009 up for grabs, The Hill reports.
Said Udall: “I’m confident that we could run a strong campaign next year to earn a third term… But the worst thing anyone in public office can do is believe the office belongs to them, rather than to the people they represent. That’s why I’m announcing today that I won’t be seeking re-election next year.”
Inside Elections says the seat remains “Solid Democrat” for now.
Gary Johnson Is Running for U.S. Senate
Former Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson began his campaign to unseat Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), “seeking political opportunity in the space between Democrats and voters loyal to President Trump,” the AP reports.
Gary Johnson Mulls Senate Bid
“Former Libertarian Party presidential candidate Gary Johnson is considering jumping into the race for the U.S. Senate in New Mexico, raising the profile of a race that Democrats seeking to capture the majority in Congress had seen as a safe seat,” the AP reports.
Said consultant Ron Nielson: “He is weighing it over right now. He doesn’t want to get into a race he can’t win.”
“If Johnson, 65, enters the race, he would go against incumbent Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Mick Rich (R) in November.”
