2008 U.S. Senate Campaign
On October 5, 2007, Wilson announced she would run for the U.S. Senate to replace retiring senator Pete Domenici in 2008. Wilson raised $2,608,446 for the race, spending it all in the Primary against Congressman Steve Pearce. Of that total, 73 percent was donated by New Mexicans. In November, she was expected to have raised about $110,000 at a Washington fundraiser with Vice President Dick Cheney.
In March 2008, Wilson's primary opponent, Congressman Steve Pearce, received 54.51% of the delegate vote in a pre-primary nominating convention. Wilson was defeated by Pearce in the June 3, 2008 primary by a margin of 51% to 49%. Wilson immediately endorsed Pearce's candidacy, saying that Republicans have "no time for disappointment or for bitterness. Republicans have made their choice and I gladly accept it." In the general election, Pearce was overwhelmingly defeated by Congressman Tom Udall, 61% to 39%.
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