Who's In the Race

Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) faces Republican Larry Marker in New Mexico's U.S. Senate race. The race follows a standard ballot format. ​

Luján represented New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House from 2009 to 2021, has been a U.S. senator from New Mexico since 2021, and earlier served on the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission from 2005 to 2008, including as its chairman. The Democratic primary drew two candidates; the record does not include Luján's vote share, but Matt Dodson received 34,289 votes in the certified primary.

Marker was born in Hobbs in 1963 and raised in Roswell; his campaign biography says he has worked in oil and gas production, farming, ranching, and manufacturing. Marker ran unopposed in the Republican primary, receiving all 2,351 votes cast.

What They Stand For

Luján says he is working to lower costs for New Mexico families, supports creating good-paying jobs, and says families should have access to affordable health care, according to his campaign website.

Marker has called for stopping federal overreach and what he describes as "permitting paralysis," according to his campaign website. He's also supported:

  • A "total-security approach" to border security,
  • Energy independence for New Mexico; and
  • Constitutional liberties and parental rights.

The Money Behind the Race

Luján raised about $8.3 million through June 30 and had about $4.4 million in cash on hand, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings. Marker raised about $33,525 through June 30 and had about $11,850 in the bank, FEC filings show.

Outside groups have reported $321 in spending supporting the race's Democratic candidate, Ben Ray Luján, as of Oct. 13, including $310 from GiveGreen United Action, while AB PAC has $217,386 in pending spending that brings the total with pending to $217,706.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report rated the race "Solid Democratic" as of Oct. 12; Sabato's Crystal Ball also rated it "Solid Democratic" as of Oct. 9; and Inside Elections rated it "Solid Democratic" as of Oct. 2. On Kalshi, traders gave Democrats, whose nominee is Luján, a 98.07 percent chance of winning as of Oct. 13.

Democrat Martin Heinrich won New Mexico's Class I U.S. Senate seat in 2024 with 55.057 percent of the vote. Democrats won all three of New Mexico's U.S. House seats in 2022. In the 2024 presidential race, Democrat Kamala Harris carried New Mexico with about 52 percent of the vote.

Voters in New Mexico can register and cast their ballots through several options before Election Day. Online and mail voter registration closes Tuesday, Oct. 6; in-person and same-day registration is available through Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. The deadline to apply for a mail ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 20.

Early voting runs Tuesday, Oct. 6, through Friday, Oct. 30, at county clerk offices Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with additional Saturday hours on Oct. 17, Oct. 24, and Oct. 31. Polls on Election Day are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

---

AllCiv makes it easy to stay politically informed and involved.

---

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article