Elections Martin Heinrich

in 2008, heinrich filed papers run in new mexico s 1st congressional district, based in albuquerque. planned challenge five-term republican incumbent heather wilson, wilson retired run u.s. senate seat vacated retiring republican pete domenici. heinrich won democratic primary on june 4, 2008, defeating new mexico secretary of state rebecca vigil-giron, state health secretary michelle lujan grisham, , u.s. army veteran robert pidcock 44%-25%-24%-8%.

in general election, heinrich faced bernalillo county sheriff darren white, whom heinrich s campaign focused on linking president george w. bush. heinrich called energy independence , end war in iraq. defeated white, 56%-44%, carrying 3 of district s 5 counties: bernalillo (56%), sandoval (56%), , valencia (53%). white won santa fe (64%) , torrance (57%) counties. upon swearing in on january 3, 2009, became first democrat represent district. district had been in republican hands since new mexico split districts in 1969, has become increasingly friendly democrats in recent years; has not supported republican president since 1988.

2010

heinrich challenged republican jon barela, told politico did not believe heinrich reflected district, saying far left on budget , spending issues. during 2010 campaign, roll call reported democratic congressional campaign committee assigned lobbyist aid in reelection campaigns of possibly vulnerable house members in fundraising, messaging , campaign strategy. heinrich elected second term, defeating barela 52%-48%, , carrying 2 of district s counties: bernalillo (53%) , sandoval (51%). barela won santa fe (67%), torrance (61%), , valencia (53%) counties.