State Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones, R-Albuquerque, is considering running for the seat in the U.S. House being vacated next year by Republican Heather Wilson, who is running for Senate instead of seeking re-election.
Arnold-Jones confirmed on Saturday that she may get into the race.
“I am really considering this,” she said.
Arnold-Jones said she will be on the phone this week to determine how much cash she can raise, but she doesn’t think money is the only factor in building support for a run. In the mostly metropolitan First Congressional District, door-to-door campaigning is much more doable than it is in the state’s other congressional districts.
If she decides to get into the race, Arnold-Jones may have to battle other Republicans in a primary. Those considering the race on the GOP side include Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White, who is flying to
Arnold-Jones is the sort of moderate Republican voters in the district have historically liked to send to
There are a number of influential Republicans who want to clear the primary field for White so he doesn’t have to expend resources on a primary. Arnold-Jones would be bucking them if she decides to run.
On the Democratic side, Martin Heinrich and Jon Adams are already running, and a number of others – including Arnold-Jones’ colleague, state Rep. Al Park – are considering entering the race.