Bingaman would have won for sure, so this makes it at least a little more complicated for Democrats seeking to hold on to their three-seat majority. New Mexico is a Democratic state where many of the Democratic voters are conservatives, and Republicans can win, given the right conditions (Gov. Susana Martinez, for example).

Both of the state’s Democratic congressmen will surely look at the race. Some knee-jerk speculation on Republican candidates: Gary Johnson? Heather Wilson? Steve Pearce? Jon Barela? Pete Domenici, Jr.?