Even if Udall vacates it, Wirth won’t seek House seat

Even if U.S. Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M., runs for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Pete Domenici, state Rep. Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, won’t run for his U.S. House seat, he said today.

Wirth reaffirmed his plan to run for the state Senate District 25 seat being vacated by John Grubesic, and said an open U.S. House seat won’t change that.

“When Congressman Udall told me several weeks ago that he was staying in the U.S. House of Representatives, we made a family decision to seek the open District 25 state Senate seat,” he said. “While it is certainly humbling to have such interest in the possibility of me serving in Washington, Carol and I are very happy with our choice and feel strongly that it makes the most sense at this time for our family, which is deeply rooted here in Santa Fe, and for the community.”

“I am honored to serve in the state legislature and look forward to meeting the voters in state Senate District 25,” Wirth said.

Udall hasn’t made a formal announcement, but he’s trying to put the pieces in place for a U.S. Senate run. He had previously opted against running for the Senate seat, but pressure from Democrats in Washington and New Mexico caused him to reconsider.

Democrats who would strongly consider running for Udall’s House seat if it comes open include state Auditor Hector Balderas, Public Regulation Commissioner Ben R. Lujan, New Mexico Highlands Regent Javier Gonzales, former Richardson Administration lawyer Geno Zamora and Judicial Standards Commission Director Jim Noel.