New Mexico House Democrats likely to gain 47-seat supermajority

A potential 47-seat Democratic supermajority in the New Mexico House of Representatives emerged on Tuesday as party members secured three confirmed victories and trail in a fourth race.

Three districts changed hands in the newly certified results. In Seat 38, which spans Socorro to Doña Ana County, David Mooney defeated Republican Rep. Rebecca Dow, who served the district for nearly eight years. Grant County voters elected Raul Turrieta, the deputy county assessor, to Seat 39, ending the tenure of Republican Rep. Luis Terrazas, who had held the seat since 2021. Northwest Rio Rancho residents chose Chriselle Martinez for Seat 57, replacing Republican Rep. Catherine Cullen, who represented the district since 2025.

The fourth potential flip rests in Valencia County’s District 7. The Secretary of State’s website shows Democrat Rickie Gonzales leading Republican Rep. Tanya Mirabol Moya by 300 votes. Although the Associated Press has not yet certified the result, Moya posted a message on social media congratulating Gonzales on her expected victory. If confirmed, that win gives Democrats the majority needed to pass legislation without Republican support.

Republicans maintained strength in two specific areas during the same election cycle. In San Juan County’s District 4, Heather Ellison claimed the seat after incumbent Democrat Joseph Hernandez resigned too late for a special election replacement. In the Northeast Heights of Albuquerque, Nicole Chavez retained her Republican-held seat with a 700-vote margin. Her district remains one of the few Republican-controlled areas within the Albuquerque metro region.

The newly elected legislators will convene for the regular session on January 19. That legislative period is scheduled to run for 60 days.