Hector Balderas joins New Mexico Senate race

New Mexico state Auditor Hector Balderas announced Tuesday that he will run for Senate in New Mexico, setting up a Democratic primary between he and Rep. Martin Heinrich.

Balderas joins the race the day after Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D) opted against running for the seat, and some think he could give the popular Heinrich a run for his money — particularly if he can unite the sizeable Hispanic contingent in the Democratic primary.

In an announcement video, Balderas notes his upbringing in one of the “poorest and most isolated villages in New Mexico” and says he wants to bring “more Wagon Mound values to Washington, D.C.”

“Accountability and fiscal responsibility are not Republican words, and I’m tired of them being used as excuses to short-change our children and break promises to our seniors,” he says.

Balderas, 37, is a former prosecutor and state legislator who just started his second term as state auditor. He will be running for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D).

Heinrich is considered the early favorite in the primary.

Republicans are expected to seriously contest the general election. Former representative Heather Wilson and former congressional candidate Greg Sowards are in the race, and Lt. Gov. John Sanchez is considering a run.