Democrats are lining up to run for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District in 2018. Four have already decided to take a stab at the 2nd Congressional District seat, currently held by Republican Steve Pearce.
The district has been held by Republicans for all but two years since New Mexico gained a third seat in 1983. From 2009 to 2011, Democrat Harry Teague held the seat after winning in the Democratic wave election of 2008, when Steve Pearce opted for a Senate run.
Pearce again ran for the seat in 2010 and easily defeated Teague.
Pearce is now considering a run for governor.
Gov. Susana Martinez is term-limited and cannot run for a third consecutive term as governor.
Tony Martinez, the co-founder of an Indivisible group in Las Cruces, launched his candidacy this weekend. The Indivisible group is part of a loosely-organized nationwide network that opposes President Donald Trump. Martinez grew up in southern New Mexico and moved back a few years back after spending time in the military, according to a release announcing his candidacy.
Last month, Las Cruces attorney David Baake announced his intention to run. Baake’s announcement said he graduated from Harvard Law School in 2014 and that he worked for the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental organization.
Activist Ronald Fitzherbert also announced his candidacy. Fitzherbert previously ran for a seat on the Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education but lost, receiving just 32 out of the 759 votes cast. Fitzherbert works in risk management for a health care clinic in southern New Mexico.
Madeleine Hildebrandt of Socorro also announced her intention to run. She is a veteran of the Coast Guard.
