United States Senator New Mexico in Statewide, New Mexico

2026 Primary Election

• Ben R Lujan — Incumbent United States Senator in NM

  Ben Ray Luján has represented New Mexico in the United States Senate since January 2021, after serving as U.S. Representative for the Third Congressional District and House Assistant Speaker. A Head Start graduate, he is the first Hispanic to represent New Mexico in the Senate in over 40 years. Committed to building a stronger future for the state, Senator Luján works to expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and champion farmers, ranchers, workers, veterans, and families. He advocates for acequias, traditional lands, and rural farming, and is a fierce proponent of environmental protection, including national monument designations and safeguarding Chaco Canyon from harmful drilling. He serves on key committees such as Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Finance.

• Matt Dodson — Business owner in Farmington, NM

  Matt Dodson is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served from 1982 to 1986. He holds a B.A. in history and has a career background as a business owner. A self-described Democratic Socialist, Dodson is campaigning for U.S. Senate in New Mexico, advocating for working New Mexicans. He has previously run for state and local offices and qualified for the 2026 Democratic primary ballot through signature collection. Dodson was arrested in 2026 while participating in an anti-drone warfare protest.

• Christopher J Vanden Heuvel — Candidate for United States Senator in NM

  Christopher Vanden Heuvel, a Republican, aimed to represent New Mexico in the U.S. Senate during the 2026 election cycle. His campaign for the Republican primary ended prematurely when he was disqualified by the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office. The ruling stated that Vanden Heuvel failed to submit enough valid voter signatures required to secure a spot on the June 2, 2026 primary ballot. His disqualification has significant historical implications, as it means no Republican candidate will appear on the general election ballot for U.S. Senate in New Mexico in 2026, marking the first time in the state's modern history since 1914.

• Larry E Marker — Candidate for United States Senator in NM

  Larry E. Marker, also known as Lead, is a Republican running as a write-in candidate for the U.S. Senate to represent New Mexico in 2026. Hailing from Hobbs and Roswell, Marker has a diverse professional background spanning oil and gas production, farming, ranching, manufacturing, and construction. He describes himself as an "America First" candidate, prioritizing loosening regulations to support small businesses. Marker aligns with many of Donald Trump's policies, particularly on immigration, and seeks to bring "more hope" to New Mexico. He must secure at least 2,351 write-in votes in the June 2 primary to advance to the general election ballot.