SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Monday issued the following statement in response to U.S. Sen. Tom Udall’s announcement that he will not seek re-election.

“For decades, Tom Udall has been a tireless champion of New Mexico values,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “Whether serving the people of this state as attorney general, as a congressman, as a senator or simply as a neighbor and friend, Tom Udall has reliably put New Mexicans first. He has fought for our water, for our lands, for our people, and his voice has been a consistent beacon of leadership and moral clarity in turbulent times. He sponsored the most comprehensive environmental reform bill in decades, protecting consumers and the environment, and he recently spearheaded the passage of a historic national lands bill protecting hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands across New Mexico and preserving our natural resources. Personally, the senator has been a mentor to me, and for many, many years he has been a cherished friend. I wish Tom and Jill every happiness in the world as they move from one chapter to the next, and I know Tom will continue to serve our state in the years to come with the grace and dignity that have marked his distinguished public service career.”