A UNM prof believes Deb Haaland's possible candidacy was a factor in Heinrich's decision; a strategist calls her "the clear front-runner"

Democratic U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich confirmed Friday he is ruling out a 2026 gubernatorial run in New Mexico.

The top Democrat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee said that witnessing President Donald Trump’s actions this past week convinced him to stay in the Senate.

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.

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.

Fresh off a 10-point win over Republican rival Nella Domenici, the daughter of longtime former GOP senator Pete Domenici, Heinrich had the support of his wife if he wanted to pursue a gubernatorial run. After he conducted polling, he saw a further opportunity to become his state’s chief executive.