New Mexico voters went to the polls on Tuesday for the primary election to select candidates for all 112 seats in the Democratic-led Legislature. The results will shape the future of the state’s politics, with implications for Native American communities, the oil industry, and the #MeToo movement. The closed primary system limited participation to registered major party voters, excluding Independents and unaffiliated voters.
With generally low turnout, the small margins in the primary elections will likely have an impact on who makes it through to the general election in November. Over 205,000 ballots were cast in early, absentee, and in-person voting out of approximately 1.3 million registered voters. The focus of the primaries includes choosing district attorneys in crime-weary cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe, as well as addressing other key issues facing the state.
In some key races, Native American influence is a significant factor, such as in Senate District 30 where activist Angel Charley is seeking the Democratic nomination against former Sen. Clemente Sanchez in a district with a strong Native American presence. In House District 69, incumbent Rep. Harry Garcia faces two challengers, including attorney Paulene Abeyta from the Navajo Nation. Native American voters make up a significant portion of registered voters in the district.
The primaries also highlight high-profile cases such as the one involving actor Alec Baldwin in Santa Fe, where incumbent District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies is being challenged by former DA Marco Serna. In Albuquerque, incumbent District Attorney Sam Bregman faces a tough challenge from Damon Martinez. The primaries are seen as a reflection of the ongoing #MeToo movement, with allegations of sexual harassment playing a role in some races.
The oil industry is at the center of contention in Senate District 42 and House District 62, where Republicans are competing as advocates for the industry. In Senate District 42, oilman and Rep. Larry Scott is facing off against rancher Steve McCutcheon. The overlapping House district sees three Republican candidates competing for an open seat. The GOP race also features candidates aligned with Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
More than 20 incumbents are facing primary challengers, including seasoned politicians like state Sen. Bill O’Neill and Shannon Pinto, who succeeded her grandfather in Senate District 3. The fierce competition in the primaries is a testament to the changing political landscape in New Mexico, with a mix of new faces and longtime politicians vying for the opportunity to shape the future of the state. The outcome of these races will have a significant impact on the direction of the state’s politics and policy priorities moving forward.
