State Auditor Hector Balderas

State Auditor Hector Balderas filed paperwork today declaring his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, and he plans to formally announce his campaign next week, NMPolitics.net has learned.

The move was expected, and it means Balderas and U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich will square off in a hotly contested battle for the Democratic Party’s U.S. Senate nomination. Also in the primary race is little-known community activist Andres Valdez.

On the Republican side, former U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson and two lesser-known candidates – Greg Sowards and William S. English – have entered the race. Lt. Gov. John Sanchez is seriously considering entering the race, and U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce says he’s also considering running.

Balderas, a rising star in the Democratic Party, was elected last year to serve a second four-year term as state auditor, so he doesn’t have to give up that seat to run. If his Senate campaign isn’t successful, he can continue serving as auditor.

Heinrich, on the other hand, is giving up his House seat to run for Senate.