Republican Larry Marker challenges Ben Ray Luján in New Mexico race

Republican Larry Marker is challenging incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján in New Mexico for a Senate seat. The campaign marks Marker’s first run for public office during the state’s upcoming midterm election.

Marker previously worked outside of politics. He spent years working in agriculture and energy.

“I was an independent oil and gas producer over the years. I’ve had farms, ranch a little bit, cowboys some, things like that,” Marker said.

Marker entered the political arena in 2026. He joined the race as a write-in candidate after the regular filing deadline passed.

Grassroots Republicans encouraged him to run. Marker agreed to launch a campaign.

Marker needed just over 2,000 votes to earn a spot on the general election ballot. He said he received more than 31,000 write-in votes.

“What I will tell you, that is the grassroots. That’s the voters in the state of New Mexico,” Marker said.

Marker said his background as a business owner would shape his work in the Senate. He named the federal debt and an overgrown government as major priorities.

Economic development would be central to his agenda. Marker wants fewer regulations and reduced government spending.

“What we need to focus on is economic development. We need to build an environment for businesses to grow and thrive in the United States of America,” he said.

Marker also supports expanding energy production across the country. “I’m into drill baby drill, dig baby dig, grow baby grow, and build baby build,” Marker said.

Marker addressed public lands and energy development. He stated the issue is not a choice between economic growth and environmental protection.

He wants consistent, long-term policies regardless of which political party controls the White House. Marker also addressed data centers and artificial intelligence, calling the topic a political hot potato.

His plan calls for designated data center parks. He wants them placed away from population centers, prime farm ground, and critical water resources.

“But these data center parks don’t need to be on our prime agriculture land. They don’t need to be in our forests. They don’t need to be anywhere except in areas where counties that actually want them,” Marker said.

Marker voiced support for a secure southern border. He also supports a streamlined legal immigration system for people who want to work.

Marker supports Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE. He emphasized accountability for law enforcement agents.

“We need to make sure when those guys arrest somebody or deport somebody that that’s what they’re supposed to be doing,” Marker said.

Marker is running as a Republican and supports President Donald Trump. He stated his ultimate political loyalty remains with the voters.

“The endorsement I need is the endorsement of the voters of the state of New Mexico. I could care less about another politician’s endorsement or anything else,” Marker said.

General elections allow registered voters to select federal lawmakers to represent their state in Congress. Candidates on the ballot compete to secure a majority of cast ballots.

Marker will face Luján as New Mexico voters head to the polls to elect their next senator.