Udall, Heinrich endorse Luján’s bid
Congressman now the only Democrat seeking the U.S. Senate nomination
Rep. Ben Ray Luján now has the endorsement of the man he hopes to replace in the U.S. Senate, Tom Udall.
He also has the endorsement of the person he hopes to join as a member of the chamber, Martin Heinrich.
New Mexico’s two Democratic senators announced their support for Luján’s 2020 senatorial campaign in a joint release Monday. It comes just a week after the 3rd Congressional District representative’s only announced opposition for the party nomination, New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, withdrew from the race.
“Having served with Ben Ray, it’s clear that he will be a strong champion for New Mexico,” Udall said. “He will continue the hard work of reforming and strengthening our democracy, ending the reign of dark, secret money in our politics, and protecting our public lands and combatting climate change.”
Heinrich said he believes he would have a strong partner in the Senate in Luján.
“I’ve seen firsthand how hard Ben Ray works to serve our communities — from advocating for good-paying opportunities for New Mexicans to expanding health care and protecting our public lands,” Heinrich said.
They are the second and third members of the state’s all Democratic delegation to endorse Luján. U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland endorsed her colleague not long after he announced his bid for Udall’s seat.
If he wins, it will be the second time Luján succeeds Udall. Udall served as the 3rd Congressional District representative prior to his election to the Senate.
Luján said on Twitter that Udall leaves big shoes to fill, and that he was honored to have the senator’s support “as we work to continue his legacy of leadership on public lands, combatting climate change and getting big money out of politics.”
He also said he was honored to have Heinrich’s support.
Two Republicans — Albuquerque contractor Mick Rich and former New Mexico State professor Gavin Clarkson — are seeking the seat. Anti-abortion activist Elisa Martinez is also considering a Senate bid.