Republican says he’s considering running for Udall’s seat in 2020

Republican Mick Rich, who unsuccessfully challenged Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) in New Mexico last year, is weighing a second Senate bid, this time for the seat being vacated by Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.). 

“Liberal progressives represent the entire New Mexico congressional delegation. Now more than ever, hard-working New Mexicans need a voice in Washington, D.C.,” Rich said, announcing that he is considering jumping into the 2020 Senate race.

{mosads}Rich’s announcement came a day after Udall, 70, said that he would not seek reelection in 2020, leaving the Senate seat he has held for 10 years up for grabs. 

To be sure, Udall’s seat is widely expected to remain in Democratic hands.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton carried the state by more than 8 points in 2016, and last year Heinrich easily notched a 23-point win over Rich. 

The state’s five-member congressional delegation is made up entirely of Democrats. 

A handful of Democrats have been floated as possible contenders to fill Udall’s seat, including New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver and Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.). 

Rich, who runs a construction contracting business in Albuquerque, did not give a timeline for entering the Senate race. 

“Whether or not I decide to run, I will work tirelessly for our shared vision of a prosperous, healthy, strong New Mexico,” he said in a statement.