State Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones, R-Albuquerque, is forming an exploratory committee as she considers whether to run for the U.S. House seat being vacated next year by Republican Heather Wilson, who is running for Senate instead of seeking re-election.
Arnold-Jones confirmed the decision, a step toward a potential run, in an e-mail.
“I am forming an exploratory committee. I will take an appropriate amount of time to assess the alternatives, weigh the merits of what I can accomplish in the state as a legislator against what I believe I can accomplish and the positive contributions I can make for the nation and the state as a member of Congress,” she said. “Nothing is off the table.”
Arnold-Jones would have to face Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White, who entered the congressional race last week, in a GOP primary. On the Democratic side, Albuquerque City Councilor Martin Heinrich, attorney Jon Adams and former state Health Secretary Michelle Lujan Grisham are running. Other Democrats and Republicans are also considering entering the race.
Arnold-Jones’ newest statement follows days of phone conversations with potential backers as she attempted to determine how much support she can put together, so the talks must have been encouraging.