Sen. Heinrich (Roll Call)

This report was delayed as we brought you coverage of the APD DWI scandal this week.

Martin Heinrich has regained his political balance and decided a run for Governor in 2026 is a bridge too far. He announced last week he will remain in the US Senate where this month he began his third six year term after trouncing his Republican opponent by 10 points in the November election. 

Heinrich barely began celebrating his win when he turned heads by confirming reports first published here that he was seriously weighing a bid for the Democratic nomination for Governor in two years. But he ran into a high hurdle--former Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland and her plans for a candidacy. 

She tiptoed toward an official declaration  Tuesday with this statement from a spokeswoman:

Deb Haaland is of and for New Mexico. She’s a proven leader; she’s created New Mexico jobs, brings people together, and is getting ready to run to be New Mexico’s next governor. She and her team will be focused on listening and solutions that fit the needs of our communities.

At the same time a poll conducted December 4 and 5 by PPP among 557 Democratic primary voters was being passed around that showed Haaland defeating possible Dem rival and BernCo District attorney Sam Bregman 50 to 18 percent. The sponsor of the poll was not known.

CAT AND MOUSE

Heinrich and Haaland played a bit of cat and mouse and Heinrich--perhaps with the urging of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer as well as polling showing the difficulty and divisiveness of a primary with Haaland--decided to stay put. 

Also, no Anglo male has been elected Governor since 1998 when Republican Gary Johnson won re-election. Heinrich also would have been the first sitting US senator in state history to give up his seat to run for the state's top office, with repercussions uncertain among the electorate. That history had to loom over him.

Haaland

Heinrich is now the ranking member on the important Senate Energy Committee and is already pushing back against President Trump. For the first time he is in a position to have a significant voice in national affairs and protect New Mexico's interests with more power. He could have a shot someday at Senate leadership if he stays steady.

Whatever the mid-life crisis was that made the 53 year old think about going off the rails appears to be over and the state has its senior senator back. If Heinrich can now overcome his apparent distaste for certain aspects of Senate life and get on with making a major mark, all the better for New Mexicans. 

Notably, Heinrich did not endorse Haaland for the nomination, saying he is waiting to see who else gets in the chase. 

BREGMAN AND OTHERS

Bernalillo County District Attorney Bregman's name is circulating with insiders speculating he could mount a Guv campaign to the right of the very progressive Haaland and spend considerable money doing so. Bregman has not discouraged the chatter.

The size of the Democratic field now seems to be in the hands of Haaland. She is regaled as the first Native American to head Interior and would claim another first as as a female Native American Governor. But leadership goes beyond identity and Haaland will be eyeballed by possible opponents as she begins her long march to the Roundhouse. Any serious missteps will be calculated by ambitious bystanders. They still have time but that Haaland is now in the pole position for the nomination is not in dispute.

THE GOP FIELD

Herrell

There's no shortage of possible '26 GOP Guv contenders. In our January 6  blog we gave the state the first list of names of those thinking about running as confirmed by reliable Republican sources. They include Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull who in response to that report confirmed his interest but has not made a formal announcement. He said: 

I’ve been approached by a lot of individuals to look at the possibility and I’m currently weighing all of my options.

Other Republican possibles include state Senator Crystal Brantley, former Supreme Court Justice Judy Nakamura, Nella Domenici, former Lt. Gov. John Sanchez and state Rep. Rebecca Dow.  

And a name not on our first list but now emerges is that of former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell.

HEINRICH STATEMENT

After careful consideration and many conversations with my family, constituents, and colleagues, I’ve decided to remain in the United States Senate. It’s clear to me that New Mexico needs a strong voice in Washington now more than ever—the stakes are simply too high. 

President Trump’s alarming actions this week—attacking birthright citizenship, pardoning criminals that assaulted police officers, and rolling back American energy leadership—these actions hurt families, endanger our democracy, and threaten the future of our public lands and natural resources. From fighting back against these harmful policies to defending the progress we’ve made lowering costs for working families, growing our economy, and keeping our communities safe, the Senate is where I believe I can have the most impact. 

In my time in the Senate, I’ve delivered real results for New Mexico—securing historic investments in broadband and water infrastructure, lowering prescription drug costs, expanding access to affordable health care, and strengthening public safety. But there is still so much more to do, and I will not walk away from that responsibility. 

I will stand up to the President when needed, but I’m also ready to work with him and my Senate colleagues to move New Mexico and our nation forward. As Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I am committed to leading our Caucus in advancing innovative clean energy solutions, creating good-paying jobs, and protecting our public lands—critical pillars of New Mexico’s economic and environmental future. 

New Mexicans deserve a voice that is calm, but resolute, someone who will work tirelessly for their values and a brighter future. My decision to stay in the Senate reflects my commitment to serving the people of New Mexico and a willingness to do the hard work that brings our potential and our reality ever closer together.

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