Two Republican legislators from New Mexico who both also happen to be Air Force veterans would very much like to secure the Senate seat to be vacated by fellow Republican Sen. Pete Domenici. Rep. Heather Wilson is a 1982 Air Force Academy graduate and the only woman veteran in Congress, and Rep. Steve Pearce is a decorated USAF fighter pilot of the Vietnam War. The interest is widespread, consider this New York Times report. Two Democrats—Tom Udall and Martin Chavez—are vying for the Democratic nomination. Both Wilson and Pearce are part of a diminishing list of military vets on Capitol Hill, and, by vying for the Senate, they’ve thrown open their House seats. Popular New Mexico political blogger Joe Monahan noted last week that Wilson leads in the race for the Republican bid.
Air Force Academy Leaders Ousted in Shake Up
Feb. 6, 2026
The U.S. Air Force Academy is getting a leadership refresh after a tumultuous year, with Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind and Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks both set to retire this year and Col. James Valpiani set to come on as the new Dean of the Faculty.

