A third Democratic candidate is joining the race for governor in a bid to unseat Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.
Sen. Howie Morales of Silver City is to formally announce his candidacy later Tuesday in his southwestern New Mexico hometown.
Morales was appointed to the Senate in 2008, filling a vacancy created by the death of Sen. Ben Altamirano. Morales won election later that year and was re-elected in 2012.
Morales is a hospital administrator, but previously was Grant County clerk. He started his career as a special education teacher.
Morales said in an interview that the next governor needs to improve the state's economy and make government more transparent to taxpayers.
Attorney General Gary King and Sen. Linda Lopez of Albuquerque also are seeking the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.
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