Republican gets clear shot at New Mexico Senate nomination

Former Rep. Heather Wilson's (R-N.M.) Senate campaign got a big boost in New Mexico when her main primary rival dropped out.

New Mexico Lt. Gov. John Sanchez (R), who was running to the right of the centrist former congresswoman, announced Wednesday that he would drop his bid. His move leaves her with only nominal primary competition and gives Republicans a better chance at the seat, which is held by retiring Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.).

“Throughout the course of this campaign, it has become clear to me that in order to ensure that a Republican is elected to represent New Mexico in the U.S. Senate, the GOP must stand united,” Sanchez said in a statement on Thursday. “The reality is that the path forward to success in the campaign could cause a negative primary struggle that would leave the eventual nominee bruised, bloody and broke.”

Wilson has held a large lead in both fundraising and the polls, but with Sanchez in the race had to carefully balance keeping the Republican base happy with keeping her centrist bona fides in the Democratic-leaning state.

She can now save her money and tailor her message for the general election.

Rep. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is the Democratic front-runner, although he faces a potentially competitive primary from state Auditor Hector Balderas.