Republican meteorologist announces campaign for U.S. Senate

Jan. 8--Longtime TV-news meteorologist Mark Ronchetti announced Tuesday he will run as a Republican for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Tom Udall, who is retiring.

Ronchetti on Monday left his job as chief meteorologist at KRQE-TV, the CBS affiliate in Albuquerque, after 13 years at the station. In his campaign announcement, he called himself a "pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment conservative Republican that believes in low taxes."

Ronchetti is the fifth candidate to enter the Republican primary for Udall's seat. He faces anti-abortion activist Elisa Martinez, contractor Mick Rich, former Interior Department official Gavin Clarkson and gun range owner Louie Sanchez. The Democratic candidates in the race are U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján and former Española Finance Director Andrew Perkins.

In a video announcing his campaign, Ronchetti said he supported President Donald Trump's national defense and energy policies but said he "doesn't agree with every tweet or sound bite" from Trump. He did not elaborate.

Ronchetti said in his announcement that Luján is "part of the problem" with "petty partisan politics." He cited Luján's votes in favor of impeachment and against "critical border funding."

The rising crime rate in Albuquerque prompted him to join the race, Ronchetti said, adding he would focus on crime, border security, economy and supporting U.S. troops.

Niether Ronchetti nor his campaign representatives responded to requests for comment Tuesday.

Originally from Vermont, Ronchetti graduated from Washington State University. This is his first bid for public office.

From May 2018 to February, Ronchetti starred in a reality TV show called Mark vs The Mountain about his attempt "to build the highest elevation house in New Mexico," near the summit of Angel Fire Resort, where his wife, Krysty, works as a spokeswoman.

___

(c)2020 The Santa Fe New Mexican (Santa Fe, N.M.)

Visit The Santa Fe New Mexican (Santa Fe, N.M.) at www.santafenewmexican.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.