On October 25, the Albuquerque Journal published the following guest opinion column submitted by Democrat United States Senator Martin Heinrich:
HEADLINE: “I’m running for a third term to build a stronger future for New Mexico”
When I first ran for public office, my motivation was simple: I wanted to make life better for the people of New Mexico.
Growing up the son of a lineman and factory worker, I learned the value of hard work and the challenges working families face. My parents instilled in me a sense of responsibility to help others, and that’s what I tried to do every day in public office.
Over the years, I’ve been proud to deliver real results for New Mexicans: from expanding access to health care for veterans and lowering the costs of life-saving medications, to protecting our treasured public lands like the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks and the Rio Grande del Norte National Monuments, to securing $1.5 billion for military construction at our military bases and doubling the funding and workforce at our national labs, and making record investments in early childhood education.
We’ve made major strides in transforming New Mexico’s economy. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS Act, and the Infrastructure Law, we’re seeing a manufacturing renaissance in New Mexico.
We’ve brought new industries like wind energy and semiconductor manufacturing to our state, creating thousands of good-paying jobs that are revitalizing our communities.
In the fight against the fentanyl crisis, I helped pass legislation to crack down on the financial networks of traffickers. I’ve also secured over $400 million for fentanyl detection technology at our borders, ensuring our law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to stop this deadly drug before it hits our streets.
I was incredibly proud to have helped pass the first bipartisan gun safety legislation in 30 years. This law included provisions I authored to stop gun trafficking and keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and domestic abusers.
I’ve also secured millions to support our local law enforcement and help them protect our communities.
As an avid sportsman and outdoorsman, protecting our public lands has always been central to my work. I led efforts to pass the Great American Outdoors Act, a landmark piece of legislation that made historic investments in conserving our public lands, improving access for outdoor recreation, and addressing maintenance needs in our national parks and forests.
I’ve also worked to secure clean water resources for our rural communities, ensuring our families, farmers and ranchers have access to this vital resource.
There’s still more work to do. Too many families are still struggling to make ends meet. My focus moving forward is on continuing to build a brighter future for New Mexico.
I’m committed to fighting for economic opportunity for every New Mexican, ensuring everyone who works hard can provide for their families and get ahead.
I will keep defending the rights and freedoms that New Mexicans cherish. We’ve seen unprecedented attacks on reproductive rights, and I’ll continue standing up to protect a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions. That means codifying Roe v. Wade into federal law and ensuring access to abortion, contraception, and IVF for every woman, no matter where she lives.
I’m running for another term in the U.S. Senate because I believe in the strength, resilience and potential of our state. We’ve made real progress, but I know that our best days are still ahead of us.
We need leaders who are committed to fighting for our working families, defending our rights, and protecting our future. That’s why I’m asking for your support in this election.
Together, we can keep building a stronger, more prosperous New Mexico for everyone who calls this great state home.”
Martin Heinrich, of Albuquerque, is the Democratic candidate for U.S. senator from New Mexico. He faces Republican Nella Domenici in the Nov. 5 election to represent the state for a third consecutive six-year term.
COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS
The U.S. Senate is currently controlled by Democrats by just 2 votes and has 51 Democrats, including three independents, and 49 Republicans. There are 34 seats up in 2024, including a special election in Nebraska, of which 23 are held by Democrats or Independents. Republicans can retake control of the Senate with a net gain of two seats or by winning the 2024 presidential election along with a net gain of one seat. In other words, the US Senate race between Martin Heinrich and his opponent will no doubt play a major roll as to which party will control the United States Senate.
Senator Martin Heinrich by far is more reflective of New Mexico values than his opponent. Over the last 12 years, Heinrich has emerged as the type of United States Senator more interested in getting things done for the state as opposed to giving interviews to the media and building a national reputation to seek higher national office. Heinrich is currently a member of the powerful Senate Appropriations committee. He also serves on the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, all assignments that allow the Senator to advocate for New Mexico. Senator Heinrich has made the case that he should be returned to the United States Senate.
The link to a related blog article is here: