2006 United States Senate election in New Mexico

The 2006 United States Senate election in New Mexico took place on November 7, 2006. The primaries were held June 6, 2006. Incumbent Democrat Jeff Bingaman won re-election to a fifth term in a landslide. As of 2024 this was the last time a Democratic candidate for Senate in New Mexico won all 33 of New Mexico's counties.

Candidates

 * Jeff Bingaman, incumbent U.S. Senator

Candidates

 * Joe Carraro, State Senator
 * Allen McCulloch, physician
 * David Pfeffer, Santa Fe City Councilman

Campaign
Pfeffer announced on August 23, 2005, that he would be entering the primary. A former Democrat, he supported George W. Bush in 2004 and became a Republican in 2005. In his campaign announcement, Pfeffer focused mainly on border controls with Mexico. He criticised Bingaman in comparison to his own support for reform of the Social Security system and the Iraq War as well as U.S. relations with China, saying "With all due respect, I do not believe the present occupier of the junior seat from New Mexico is doing all that can and should be done on these fronts," he said of Bingaman. "I believe I can do a better job..." Pfeffer also commented that he would have a hard time raising an amount equivalent to Senator Bingaman, a problem faced by any of the latter's potential challengers.

Candidates

 * Jeff Bingaman (D), incumbent U.S. Senator
 * Allen McCulloch (R), physician

Campaign
Bingaman had a 60% approval rating in one poll. He faced no primary opposition. There had been speculation that Bingaman would give up the chance to run for another term to pursue a lobbyists' job in Washington.

Debates

 * Complete video of debate, October 26, 2006

Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic

 * Curry (largest village: Clovis)
 * Lincoln (largest city: Roidoso)
 * Roosevelt (largest city: Portales)
 * San Juan (largest city: Farmington)
 * Union (largest city: Clayton)
 * Catron (largest city: Reserve)