Wilson Out of New Mexico Governor's Race

By Emily Cadei | October 29, 2009 3:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Former Republican Rep. Heather Wilson will not run for New Mexico governor in 2010.

Wilson announced her decision in an e-mail to supporters sent Thursday, the New Mexico Independent reported.

Wilson cited her work in the private sector and personal time with family as deterrents to running for office this cycle. And she added that "the Governor of New Mexico has no significant national security role -- an issue area that continues to be an important part of my life."

Wilson left her 1st District House seat to run for Senate in 2008, losing to then-Rep. Steve Pearce in the Republican primary.

Shewould have been a top contender, but not a shoo-in, for the GOP nomination. Four Republicans are already in the race -- state Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones, Doña Ana County District Attorney Susana Martinez, PR firm owner Doug Turner and former state GOP Chairman Allen Weh.

Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, D, is the early favorite in the race. There are no other declared Democrats running in the primary against her, at this point.

CQ Politics rates the general election contest Likely Democratic.

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