As of earlier today, Republican Jon Barela is now the first 2010 challenger to freshman Democratic Congressman Martin Heinrich. Barela announced his intention to run for the Albuquerque-based 1st Congressional District seat this morning at a press conference.

Barela made his announcement at DRB Electric in the South Valley.

Barela is a businessman from Albuquerque. He is a former vice chairman of the Republican Party of New Mexico, past president of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce and former member of the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education.

Heinrich defeated Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White in November to win the 1st Congressional District seat. Heinrich is the first Democrat to ever hold the seat.