WASHINGTON _ New Mexico Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Tuesday she would not seek re-election to the House in 2018 and instead run for governor in her home state on the promise of "a new beginning."
In a message posted on YouTube, the New Mexico Democrat emphasized a campaign focused on the state's unemployment rates, schools, poverty and addiction.
Lujan Grisham, 57, was elected to her third term in Congress in November. Her run for governor will create an open seat in New Mexico's 1st District for 2018.
She serves on the Agriculture, Budget and Oversight and Government Reform committees and was recently elected to serve as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in the 115th Congress.
Lujan Grisham's focus in public office has been on aging and health policy. She spent more than a decade in charge of New Mexico's Agency on Aging, followed by a few years leading the state Health Agency.
She is the first candidate from either party to announce a run for governor. Current New Mexico Republican Gov. Susana Martinez will not run again due to term limits.
