Gary Johnson eyeing Senate bid

by Max Greenwood - 07/29/18 2:11 PM ET

Former Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson is considering mounting a bid for the Senate in New Mexico, a consultant for the former governor told The Associated Press.

Consultant Ron Nielson said that Johnson is “strongly considering” a run for the Senate on the Libertarian ticket if party’s current candidate, Aubrey Dunn, drops out of the race.

“He is weighing it over right now,” he said. “He doesn’t want to get into a race he can’t win.”

{mosads}

Dunn’s son, Blair Dunn, told the AP that his father was planning to exit the Senate race in New Mexico, and that more details on the decision would come on Monday.

Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is seeking reelection for another six-year term. He is facing a challenge from Republican Mick Rich.

Heinrich is widely expected to hold on to his seat. Hillary Clinton beat President Trump by an 8-point margin there in 2016, and the Cook Political Report currently ranks the Senate race as a solid Democratic win.

But a challenge from Johnson could make the race more competitive. He served as New Mexico governor from 1995 until 2003. In 2016, he captured just over 9 percent of the vote in the state.