Farmington City Councilor Jason Sandel, son of former state Rep. Jerry Sandel, is seriously considering running for the Third Congressional District seat being vacated by Tom Udall, who is running for U.S. Senate.
Sandel, 33 and a Democrat, said he has been encouraged by many to consider running and has spoken with Udall, the state Democratic Party chairman and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee about the possibility.
“Most significantly I am evaluating impact to my family and my business should I decide to run to represent New Mexicans in the Third Congressional District,” he said. “All told, I think that I would be a terrific representative for the Third Congressional District; moreover, I am confident that I would be a strong voice and advocate to ensure that areas inside the Third Congressional District are treated with the respect which we deserve.”
Sandel did not provide a timeline for a decision. Democrats Don Wiviott and Santa Fe County Commissioner Harry Montoya have both entered the Third Congressional District race, and a number of others are seriously considering it.
Sandel worked as a campaign coordinator for Bill Richardson when he was a congressman and has served as statewide campaign manager for two campaigns, including his father’s unsuccessful bid for lieutenant governor in 2002. He also spent four years running the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, the fundraising arm of Democrats in the state House of Representatives.
Sandel was elected to the council in
Sandel is married to Stacy and they have a 6-year-old daughter.
A prior version of this posting incorrectly stated that Jerry Sandel was a state senator and that Jason Sandel’s daughter is 5 years old.