Heinrich rules out run for governor

SANTA FE — Martin Heinrich is staying put in Washington, D.C.

New Mexico’s senior U.S. senator announced Friday he will not run for governor in 2026, saying he instead plans to remain in the Senate to fight against President Donald Trump’s policies.

“It’s clear to me that New Mexico needs a strong voice in Washington now more than ever — the stakes are simply too high,” Heinrich said in a statement.

Heinrich, a Democrat, was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2013 and defeated Republican Nella Domenici last November to win reelection to a new six-year term.

He was named the ranking Democrat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee last month, a position that he vowed to use to fight for public lands and secure funding for national laboratories.

However, Heinrich had refused to rule out a run for governor as recently as last month.

His decision not to launch a gubernatorial campaign could clear the way for former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to be the highest-profile candidate in the race.

Haaland has not officially announced a campaign, but senior Democratic strategists have said she has been quietly making plans to run.

She attended the opening day of the 60-day New Mexico legislative session in Santa Fe last week and received a loud ovation from Democratic lawmakers when introduced in the House chamber.

Other candidates could also enter the race, as Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman has not ruled out a run. No Republican candidates have announced gubernatorial campaigns yet either.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is entering the final two years of her tenure as governor, as she is barred by the state Constitution from seeking a third consecutive term in 2026.

Meanwhile, Heinrich’s decision to stay in the U.S. Senate comes just days after Trump was sworn into office.

Heinrich cited Trump’s executive orders repealing energy policies, issuing pardons to more than 1,500 Jan. 6 defendants and targeting birthright citizenship in his statement, even though at least one of the orders has been halted by a federal judge.

“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,” Heinrich said.

But he also said he’s willing to work with the Trump administration and other senators on economic and energy issues, among other policy areas.

“New Mexicans deserve a voice that is calm, but resolute, someone who will work tirelessly for their values and a brighter future,” Heinrich said.

“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,” he added.