Maggie Toulouse Oliver, who won the Democratic primary for lt. governor handily on June 2, announced on social media on Thursday that she is suspending her campaign.
Toulouse Oliver cited undisclosed health concerns and called the decision "incredibly difficult." She received 80% of the vote on June 2 in the Democratic primary over state Sen. Harold Pope. She has served as secretary of state for two terms.
"Recent changes to my health have caused my family and I to reflect on my commitments at home and to the people of our state - both of which I take extraordinarily seriously. Suspending my campaign will allow me to focus on my family while ensuring I can continue to fulfill my duties as Secretary of State," she wrote.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham responded to the news through social media, saying that she knew that Toulouse Oliver's decision to suspend her campaign "did not come easy.
"Maggie Toulouse Oliver has served New Mexicans with great distinction as Secretary of State, and she would have made an excellent lieutenant governor. I respect that Maggie has chosen to prioritize her health and her family and I wish her all the best," Lujan Grisham said.
This is a developing story.
