Retired bank executive Aubrey L. Dunn Jr. (R) has entered the 2nd district GOP primary to replace Rep. Steve Pearce (R), who is retiring to run for Senate.

Dunn, 51, said he plans to sign American Tax Reform’s “Taxpayer Protection Pledge,” guaranteeing that he will not vote to raise taxes if he is elected.

“With Democrats in control of Congress, it’s only a matter of time before they start pushing tax increases on the American people,” Dunn said in a statement released by his campaign. “I’ll fight the Democrats at every turn and ensure that American families keep more of their hard-earned money.”

Other Republicans running in the GOP-leaning southern New Mexico 2nd district include wealthy restaurateur Ed Tinsley.

Pearce is running for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Pete Domenici (R); he faces 1st district Rep. Heather Wilson (R) in the primary.

— David M. Drucker