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Change of plans, Albuquerque: Mayor Martin Chavez says he won't run for the seat being vacated by Sen. Pete Domenici.

"Traveling my home state over the past several weeks, I have been honored to spend time with my fellow New Mexicans talking about the issues and challenges facing our state and nation," he said in a statement sent to the media Friday.

"While I deeply appreciate all the support I have received, it has become very clear to me that Democrats should not be divided in the upcoming election. A hotly contested primary, as this one certainly would be, would likely weaken the Democratic nominee and place the general election in jeopardy," he said.

His campaign could not be immediately reached for comment.

Chavez, who would have faced U.S. Rep. Tom Udall in the June 3 primary election, said he'd support Udall instead.

"Tom Udall has my full support. I will work to help him and all Democrats get elected throughout our great state of New Mexico and our nation. As mayor, I have many new, exciting programs that I want to bring to fruition. I want to spend my remaining time in the Mayor's Office being the very best mayor possible for all of the citizens of my home town," the mayor said.

Soon after Domenici announced this fall that would retire at the end of his term next year, Chavez announced that he would seek the Democratic nomination.

The other Democrat in the race is Leland Lehrman, an alternative newspaper editor.