Santa Fe, NM – Senator Howie Morales (D-28-Catron, Grant & Socorro) today announced that he will not seek election to the 2nd Congressional District seat being vacated by Republican Representative Steve Pearce. Morales said he is focused on improving education and healthcare for children in New Mexico through his work in the state legislature, where he serves on the influential Senate Finance and Legislative Finance committees.

"I am grateful to everyone who has called, texted and sent emails these past few weeks encouraging me to run for Congress. Right now, the best thing I can do is continue to fight in the State legislature for a great educational system for all children in New Mexico, regardless of whether they grow up in a wealthy, middle or low-income neighborhood. Today, the legislature is where we must make the changes needed to lift up the children of our state from 49th worst in the nation for child well-being.

"There is so much work yet to do for students and children, and I am totally committed to it. For me, this fight is heart and soul. After seven years of neglect, mismanagement and petty policy-making by the executive, now is not the time to walk away from this fight. The best way for me to contribute to the improvement of the lives of children in New Mexico is to remain in my position in the legislature, serving on the Senate and Legislative Finance Committees," said Sen. Howie Morales of Silver City.