Could Ben Ray Lujan Leave House Leadership For A Senate Bid?

[brooklynite]

Talking Points Memo

With Sen. Mark Udall’s (D-NM) decision to retire, another scion of a powerful southwestern political dynasty could move up to replace him — if he wants it.

Three top Democrats with New Mexico ties told TPM that Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) would be the instant frontrunner for Udall’s seat should he decide to run for it.

“I don’t see how Lujan isn’t the immediate front runner,” one Democrat who’s worked New Mexico races told TPM. “He has a substantial local infrastructure, seniority, and access to a massive donor network from his time at DCCC [Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee].”

The question is whether Lujan actually wants it, however. Lujan is a member of Democratic leadership as assistant speaker, a rising star in the Democratic Party who’s close to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and one of just two members of leadership under age 70. He is viewed as a potential candidate for speaker in the coming years, along with House Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).