U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich announced early Friday that he would not be running for New Mexico governor, saying the “stakes are simply too high” for him to leave his post in Washington, D.C. Speculation had been growing since at least mid-December,

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

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.

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.

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