Story perspectives

Historic: No Republican Candidates on New Mexico's Ballot

2/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The November 2026 New Mexico ballot will exclude Republican candidates after Christopher Vanden Heuvel was disqualified for insufficient signatures.
This marks a historic first for New Mexico, as no Senate race has ever lacked a major party candidate.
Incumbent U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján is expected to win re-election, after winning in 2020 with about 52% of the vote.
The New Mexico Republican Party voiced frustration and cited efforts to support candidates.

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Story summary

The November 2026 New Mexico ballot will exclude Republican candidates after Christopher Vanden Heuvel was disqualified for insufficient signatures.
This marks a historic first for New Mexico, as no Senate race has ever lacked a major party candidate.
Incumbent U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján is expected to win re-election, after winning in 2020 with about 52% of the vote.
The New Mexico Republican Party voiced frustration and cited efforts to support candidates.