The pundits can put their pens down. The Democratic candidate for Lt. Gov. has been chosen amid a “weeks-long inter-party fight to choose a lieutenant governor nominee (that) ended just where the state Democrat Party’s gubernatorial nominee wanted it,” according to Pat Davis in The Paper.

“With 477 votes cast from the party’s 500 State Central Committee members, outgoing Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard (255 voted) bested State Senator Harold Pope Jr. (218), 53%-46%. The Haaland-Garcia Richard ticket will be the first all female ticket in New Mexico,” Davis wrote. Garcia Richard and Pope were considered the top contenders. There were four candidates in the running. The other candidates were Toni Pinedo (3 votes) and Geoffrey Luehring (1 vote).

“We thank our State Central Committee members for their participation in this process and of course, the other three candidates for running and their thoughtful and spirited campaigns. We look forward to Senator Harold Pope Jr.’s, Toni Pinedo’s, and Geoffrey Luehring’s continued involvement in the Democratic Party,” DPNM Chair Sara Attleson said.

WSD Chair Dorothy Wilkinson said, "I wish to congratulate DPNM lieutenant governor nominee Stephanie Garcia Richard. I am also very proud to be a friend to West Side Democrats member Harold J. Pope, Jr. Thank you, Harold, for running such a passionate and inspiring campaign for Lieutenant Governor."

All four candidates spoke before the DPNM State Central Committee’s meeting on July 25. Electronic voting ended Wednesday. The results were announced Thursday. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland had endorsed Garcia Richard before the SCC meeting and vote. Pope has received support from progressives in the DPNM.

“Our State Central Committee of Democrats from across New Mexico spoke and they chose Stephanie. New Mexico Democrats could not be more excited to be campaigning for the Deb and Stephanie ticket across New Mexico. With valuable experience in the State Land Office, State Legislature and the classroom, Stephanie Garcia Richard will bring a highly capable and qualified voice to the Roundhouse alongside our next governor, Deb Haaland,” Attleson said.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to earn the trust of the DPNM State Central Committee and to join Deb Haaland on this ticket. New Mexicans work incredibly hard, and they deserve a government that works just as hard for them. From my time in the classroom to the State House and the State Land Office, I have never stopped fighting for our communities. Deb and I share a vision for a New Mexico where we lower costs, increase access to healthcare, build safer communities, and provide a world-class public education for every child,” Garcia Richard said on Thursday.

Harold J. Pope Jr., who is an active WSD member, graciously congratulated Stephanie Garcia Richard in his concession statement. Here are excerpts: