Tom Udall eyes NM governor bid
Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) is fanning rumors that he’s considering coming home to run for governor of New Mexico.
{mosads}“I’ve heard from many New Mexicans who are urging me to run for governor,” Udall said in a statement. “I’m flattered by their support; I have an open mind, and I’m considering it.”
Gov. Susana Martinez (R) is term-limited in 2018. Udall, who won reelection in 2014, would not have to give up his Senate seat if he ran for governor, and he could even appoint his own successor if he won.
Udall is far from the only prominent New Mexico politician to consider running to replace Martinez. Reps. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) and Steve Pearce (R) both told the Albuquerque Journal they are thinking about the top spot.
Lt. Gov. John Sanchez, the Republican nominee for governor in 2002, is also considered a probable contender. So is Attorney General Hector Balderas, who lost a 2012 Democratic primary against now-Sen. Martin Heinrich.
New Mexico was one of the few bright spots for Democrats in Tuesday’s elections. Despite late attention from both Donald Trump and Mike Pence, the state’s electoral votes went to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Democrats won back control of the state House, and a Democrat won the secretary of state’s office.
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