The Latest: Johnson looks to become independent swing vote

The Latest on Gary Johnson running for U.S. Senate in New Mexico (all times local):

10:50 p.m.

Former Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson says he's jumping into a U.S. Senate race in New Mexico because he wants to hold the nation's "most powerful Senate seat" to provide an independent swing vote.

FILE - In this Sept 23, 2011 file photo, Libertarian Party presidential candidate, former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson speaks in Orlando, Fla. Former Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson is campaigning to unseat New Mexico's junior Democratic U.S. senator, seeking political opportunity in the space between Democrats and voters loyal to President Donald Trump. Johnson's name appeared Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018, on the state's list of Senate candidates. Johnson still holds a vaunted place in New Mexico politics as a former two-term governor. (AP PhotoJoe Burbank, Pool, File)

The Libertarian Party icon and former New Mexico governor said Thursday that he's disturbed by President Donald Trump's actions on immigration and free trade.

Johnson says he still supports cutting military spending but believes more military assets should be moved to New Mexico.

Johnson spoke to reporters in Albuquerque on his decision to join the race and how he would represent a state dependent on three military bases and two national labs.

Elected and re-elected governor as a Republican, Johnson stayed true to a small-government philosophy and openly advocated for legalized marijuana in the 1990s before such a stance was mainstream.

12:30 a.m.

Former Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson is expected to give details about why he's jumping in a race to unseat New Mexico's junior U.S. senator.

Johnson, who served two terms as governor, is scheduled Thursday to speak to reporters in Albuquerque on his decision to join the race and how he would represent a state dependent on three military bases and two national labs.

Democrats saw his most recent presidential run, with currents of social liberalism, as a bane to their party.

Elected and re-elected governor as a Republican, Johnson stayed true to a small-government philosophy while vetoing more than 700 bills.

His open advocacy for legalized marijuana broke mainstream 1990s political taboos and made him a national curiosity.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.

The 15-year-old son of Tiger Woods tied for 61st among the 74 players who finished. The top five advanced to regional qualifying.

Woods shot 40 on the front nine, opening bogey-double bogey. He followed a birdie on the par-3 fifth with another double bogey. He shot 41 on the back with three bogeys and a double bogey.

The U.S. Open will be played June 13-16 at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina.

Woods also struggled in February in a pre-qualifier for the PGA Tour's Cognizant Classic, taking a 12 on a hole and shooting a 16-over 86 at Lost Lake Golf Club in Hobe Sound.

Woods has played the 36-hole PNC Championship with his father the last four years in a scramble format.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

FILE - Charlie Woods tees off during the final round of the PNC Championship golf tournament Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. Charlie Woods, the 15-year-old son of Tiger Woods, failed to qualify for his first U.S. Open after shooting 9-over 81 on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.(AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski, File)