Rio Rancho and Silver City Democrats Set to Take State House Seats

Democrats hold a 43-25 majority in the New Mexico House of Representatives. On Tuesday, that number is expected to grow. Two incumbent Republicans are falling behind in their districts. The changes could shift the balance of power in Santa Fe.

Chriselle Martinez leads Rep. Catherine Cullen in House District 57. Martinez represents Rio Rancho. Cullen has held the seat in the past. Martinez said that the party is feeling good about the standing. She noted that Rio Rancho is ready for a new direction. Martinez said she is ready to work for the families and community she cares about.

In House District 39, Raul Turrieta defeated Luis Terrazas. Terrazas served four terms as a Republican. The race in Silver City was close but the outcome is now set. These two victories are the first confirmed flips for the Democrats in the state House.

The 70-member chamber has two vacant seats. Andrea Reeb resigned in mid-October. A federal court found she violated state law by serving as both a legislator and a special prosecutor. Joanne Ferrary stepped down before the end of her term. She did not seek reelection in Las Cruces.

Republicans lost one open seat to a procedural error. Rep. Joseph Hernandez dropped his reelection bid in August. Eyewitnesses reported he was nude at a Chicago hotel while under the influence of alcohol. Democrats tried to replace him on the ballot. The New Mexico Supreme Court ruled they missed the statutory deadline. Heather Ellison of Kirtland remains the only candidate for that seat.

Races in Valencia County and Sierra County are still undecided. The results there will determine if Democrats reach a two-thirds supermajority. Such a majority allows the party to override a governor’s veto. Democrats have not held such a number since 1994.

House Speaker Javier Martínez called the elections critical for protecting New Mexicans. He said the work continues to address the consequences of current policies. Rep. Nicole Chavez appeared set to win reelection in House District 31. She fended off a challenge from Democrat Lisa Curtis in a costly race.