Senate race · 2026

New Mexico Senate Race

Democratic incumbent Ben Ray Luján is seeking a second term representing New Mexico in the U.S. Senate. He faces primary opposition from Matt Dodson and a general election challenge from Republican Larry Marker.

All 2026 races

2 candidates · what each one campaigns on

Ben Ray Luján

Democratic · Incumbent

Their record

Currently: U.S. Senator

Ben Ray Luján has represented New Mexico in the U.S. Senate since January 2021 and previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Campaign platform

Food Access and SNAP
Luján emphasizes ensuring access to food, especially through programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and reversing federal cuts to it.
EconomySource
Healthcare Affordability
He aims to provide New Mexicans with access to affordable healthcare, quality doctors, and providers, covering more people.
HealthSource
Expand RECA
Luján has worked on expanding the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to cover both downwinders and uranium miners and plans to continue those efforts.
HealthSource
Expand Medicare Benefits
He supports expanding Medicare to cover hearing, dental, and vision care.
HealthSource
Oppose Trump's Policies
Luján has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump, opposing his war policies, sweeping tariffs, and assault on Medicaid programs.
EconomySource

Campaign site Ballotpedia profile

Larry Marker

Republican

Larry Marker is a former oil and gas operator from Hobbs who was nominated as a write-in candidate after no Republicans qualified for the primary ballot.

Campaign platform

Protect Energy Industry
Marker advocates for an all-of-the-above energy strategy, defending industries like oil and gas, and promoting hydrogen and nuclear innovation.
EnvironmentSource
Secure Borders
He prioritizes securing borders to prevent criminal cartels, human traffickers, and fentanyl from entering New Mexico.
ImmigrationSource
Support Law Enforcement
Marker supports Border Patrol and local law enforcement while opposing policies that shield violent offenders.
JusticeSource
Defend Agriculture
He aims to stop regulatory abuse against farmers and livestock producers, defending grazing rights, water access, and working lands.
AgricultureSource
Stop Federal Overreach
Marker intends to push back against federal overreach and permitting paralysis affecting New Mexico's economy and industries.
DemocracySource

Campaign site Ballotpedia profile

Platform items are drawn from candidates’ own campaign materials and public reporting, summarised neutrally. They are what a candidate says they will do — not a judgement about whether they will do it. Once a candidate is serving in Congress, their record moves to the The Informed Ballot profiles.