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Contested GOP primary expected in race to succeed state Sen. Mark Moores in Albuquerque
SANTA FE — A second Republican candidate has entered the race to succeed state Sen. Mark Moores and represent a chunk of Northeast Albuquerque.
Nicole Tobiassen, a business coach who previously worked at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, highlighted her business experience as she launched her campaign.
She is now set to face former Bernalillo County Commissioner Michael Wiener in the Republican primary next year. Other candidates, of course, may emerge.
The District 21 seat is particularly important to the GOP. It's the last Republican-held Senate seat in Albuquerque, covering neighborhoods around the Tanoan Country Club and North Domingo Baca Park.
Tobiassen, 53, describes herself as a political outsider who would bring a fresh perspective to the Roundhouse.
"As a longtime member of the New Mexico business community," she said in a prepared statement, "I have seen firsthand the ways in which our state needs fresh ideas, innovation and a commitment to advocating for the voices of the people."
Democrats have made big gains in Albuquerque in recent election cycles, leaving just two Republican legislators in the city — Moores in the Senate and Rep. Bill Rehm in the House.
Moores announced last month that he wouldn't seek reelection in 2024, citing family considerations after he and his wife, Lisa, had a child.
