Nathan Krekula, a faculty member at a Christian university in Hobbs, says he won’t run for governor next year after all, but he plans to run sometime in the future, possibly as soon as 2014.
“I did some soul searching, and I think I’m really wanting to enjoy my family right now,” Krekula, 36, said Thursday in a phone interview.
I first wrote on Monday about his Web site that declares his 2010 candidacy.
Krekula, a Republican, said he plans to spend the next few years building relationships in the Republican Party and becoming more familiar with New Mexico issues. He’s lived in the state for five years.
He said he will run for governor in 2014 unless a Republican wins the race next year and is running for re-election in five years.
Krekula, who is an assistant professor of biology and has worked in the health-care industry for 15 years, said he’s also concerned about the possible health-care reform being debated in Congress, and he wants to see how that plays out.
He was a medic in the U.S. Army and worked as a clinical hematologist for many years. He’s currently completing his doctorate degree in public health. With that in mind, he said he believes the current health-care debate will shape the 2010 election and beyond, and he plans to be involved.
“I want to be there as a resource and support to fellow Republicans and get involved, work with the tea party and other real critical movements,” Krekula said. “This health care issue is a real concern to me.”
Republicans who have already declared their candidacies for governor in next year’s race are Doña Ana County District Attorney Susana Martinez and State Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones of Albuquerque. Public relations professional Doug Turner appears to be about to jump into the race, and Former state GOP Chairman Allen Weh has formed an exploratory committee. In addition, former U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson says she’s thinking about running.
On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. Diane Denish is the only declared 2010 gubernatorial candidate, though Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez says he’s formed an exploratory committee.