document: Heinrich to run for Senate in New Mexico Rep. Martin Heinrich announced Saturday that he would run for New Mexico 's U.S. Senate seat , giving Democrats a top-tier recruit in what is expected to be a competitive open seat race . Heinrich , who just began his second term in a competitive Albuquerque-based House district , joins former Rep. Heather Wilson and former congressional candidate Greg Sowards , who are running for the Republican nomination . Sen. Jeff Bingaman -LRB- D-N.M. -RRB- announced in February that he would not seek reelection , opening the seat up to a Republican takeover . But with Heinrich in the race , Democrats think their chances of holding the seat are greatly enhanced . `` Over those weeks , I have discussed at length with my family how I might best continue to serve New Mexico , '' Heinrich said in a message to supporters . `` After much serious thought , I am excited to announce today that I will be a candidate for the United States Senate . '' Heinrich said he would soon embark on a statewide listening tour . He has already launched a campaign website . Other potential candidates include state Auditor Hector Balderas -LRB- D -RRB- and Lt. Gov. John Sanchez -LRB- R -RRB- . A recent survey showed Heinrich polling as the top Democrat in a hypothetical primary .
extractive_keyphrases: hector balderas senate martin us heinrich mexico albuquerquebased heather wilson hypothetical campaign toptier supporters democrats race statewide survey republican greg sowards congressional potential competitive john sanchez auditor holding showed recruit seat include jeff bingaman announced embark run february length giving serious thought greatly reelection second candidate joins polling former recent democrat message expected chances continue discussed
abstractive_keyphrases: bingaman dnm balderas statewide listening john sanchez r heather