“I see these next two years as an incredible opportunity…to help reverse the damage done to our planet, end the scourge of war, and to stop this president’s assault on our democracy and our communities.”

Santa Fe, N.M. — Today, in a message to New Mexicans, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) announced that he will not seek re-election to a third term in the U.S. Senate in 2020. 

“I’m confident that we could run a strong campaign next year to earn a third term, because of all the work you and I have done together, along with my wife, Jill, and my incredibly dedicated staff,” Udall said. “But the worst thing anyone in public office can do is believe the office belongs to them, rather than to the people they represent. That’s why I’m announcing today that I won’t be seeking re-election next year.”  

“Now, I’m most certainly not retiring. I intend to find new ways to serve New Mexico and our country after I finish this term. There will be more chapters in my public service to do what needs to be done,” Udall continued. “In fact, I see these next two years as an incredible opportunity. Without the distraction of another campaign, I can get so much more done to help reverse the damage done to our planet, end the scourge of war, and to stop this president’s assault on our democracy and our communities.”

“These are three real crises that are happening right now and are threatening the very foundations of our great nation,” Udall said. “If we don’t do something, it will soon be too late.”

Udall’s full message is below: 

When I first ran for Senate, I promised that I would give my all for the people of New Mexico. And I reminded myself that this Senate seat is not my seat. It is New Mexico’s seat. 

I was proud to serve as New Mexico’s Attorney General, then in the U.S. House, and now two terms as your senator. I’m confident that we could run a strong campaign next year to earn a third term, because of all the work you and I have done together, along with my wife, Jill, and my incredibly dedicated staff. 

But the worst thing anyone in public office can do is believe the office belongs to them, rather than to the people they represent. That’s why I’m announcing today that I won’t be seeking re-election next year.  

Now, I’m most certainly not retiring. I intend to find new ways to serve New Mexico and our country after I finish this term. There will be more chapters in my public service to do what needs to be done.

In fact, I see these next two years as an incredible opportunity. Without the distraction of another campaign, I can get so much more done to help reverse the damage done to our planet, end the scourge of war, and to stop this president’s assault on our democracy and our communities.

These are three real crises that are happening right now and are threatening the very foundations of our great nation. If we don’t do something, it will soon be too late.

That’s why, when I go back to Washington tomorrow, I’m going right back to work. To fight the urgent threat of climate change, dramatically expand clean energy and to protect our public lands and forests.  

I’ll continue leading the fight against the special interests, to pass the For the People Act to strengthen voting rights, end Citizens United and eliminate dark money in political campaigns.  

And I’m going to keep working to end unauthorized wars. This month, I introduced a resolution to end the war in Afghanistan and bring our troops home. And I’ve warned this president that he can’t attack Iran or North Korea unless Congress – as required by the Constitution – declares war. Too many families across our state and this country have sacrificed enough.

I love New Mexico, and because I’m so honored to have your trust to represent you in the Senate, leaving this job was not an easy decision to make.

But that day is almost two years off. And, until then, I’m going to make the most out of each and every hour I have left as your senator.  I’m absolutely committed to changing the course that this president has set for our country.

We’ve got so much left to do to stand up for what we believe in. Thank you, God bless you and God bless New Mexico.