Heinrich opts against run for New Mexico governor

Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced in a statement on Friday that he’s opting against a run for New Mexico governor and plans to stay in the Senate, saying the upper chamber "is where I believe I can have the most impact.”

“After careful consideration and many conversations with my family, constituents, and colleagues, I’ve decided to remain in the United States Senate,” he said. “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 noted President Trump’s recent “alarming actions,” including signing an executive order that would bar the children born in the U.S. to people without legal status from receiving birthright citizenship and pardoning many defendants in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

 “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,” he said.

Still, Heinrich noted he was willing to work with Trump but also wasn’t afraid to stand up to him when appropriate.

The decision is welcome news for Senate Democrats who already in the minority, with 47 members. It also avoids a potentially nasty primary as former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has been reportedly mulling a bid for New Mexico governor.

Heinrich was recently reelected in November to a third term after defeating Republican Nella Domenici by 10 points.