The Races To Watch In New Mexico
New Mexico is another state where redistricting has really shaken up the playing field, as Democratic legislators drew their map so that all three of New Mexico’s districts could, in theory, be won by a Democrat. But while that might be good for Democrats in the long-term, a GOP-leaning environment could deliver some blows to Democrats this cycle. Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is also likely to face a competitive race in the general election. Here are the three primaries to watch tonight in New Mexico:
- Governor: With middling approval ratings, Lujan Grisham could face a challenging reelection campaign in her blue-leaning state. And her likely GOP opponent is former meteorologist Mark Ronchetti, who lost a 2020 U.S. Senate race in the state by 6 points. Ronchetti has held sizable leads in primary polls over state Rep. Rebecca Dowd, Sandoval County Commissioner Jay Block and retired Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Greg Zanett. Ronchetti has also significantly outraised them.
- 1st District: Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury won a special election for this seat in 2021. However, in a red-leaning environment, the general election in this D+11 seat could get interesting. Retired police officer Michelle Garcia Holmes and businessman Louie Sanchez are battling for the GOP nomination to take on Stansbury.
- 2nd District: The state’s new, Democratic-drawn congressional map shifted this seat from solidly red to slightly Democratic-leaning, making Republican Rep. Yvette Herrell one of the more vulnerable GOP House incumbents this cycle. Las Cruces City Councilor Gabe Vasquez is the front-runner for the Democratic nomination, but he will have to first fend off a challenge from his left by physician Darshan Patel.