Martin Heinrich has represented New Mexico in the U.S. Senate since 2013, after serving in the U.S. House and on the Albuquerque City Council. He’s built his identity around clean energy, public lands, and science-driven policy.
He’s a major booster of New Mexico’s role in renewables, advanced energy research, transmission infrastructure, and outdoor conservation. He talks climate work as both existential and economic — especially in terms of rural jobs and public land access.
Heinrich also backs gun safety measures, STEM investment, and tech workforce development. Critics in oil & gas say he’s tilted too hard toward environmental regulation; some progressives say he still entertains industry more than they’d like. Inside the Senate, he’s seen as a loyal establishment Democrat with a Western environmental brand.
Establishment Democrat
Achievements
- Pushed major federal investment in New Mexico renewable energy and transmission
- Protected public lands and wildlife corridors across NM
- Promoted STEM education, tech apprenticeships, and workforce training
- Backed gun violence prevention and background check expansion
- Championed Western water, habitat, and outdoor access conservation
Controversies
- Criticized by oil & gas interests for supporting aggressive climate/clean energy policy
- Pushback on federal subsidies and incentives for certain industries
- Debates over border security funding and immigration approach
- Friction with some moderates on defense spending priorities
- Accused of prioritizing environmental protection over short-term extraction jobs
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Mexico | $76,120 | $76,120 | $0 |
| Summit Ridge Energy | $75,100 | $75,100 | $0 |
| Pattern Energy Group | $72,600 | $62,600 | $10,000 |
| JStreetPAC | $65,559 | $64,146 | $1,413 |
| Mmr Constructors | $61,500 | $61,500 | $0 |
Amounts shown reflect organization-linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs.
Recent Elections
2012 Margin D +5.3%
2018 Margin D +23.6%
2024 Margin D +10.12%