The November 3 statewide election results had some highs and lows. Some of our strongest candidates were not able to celebrate a victory but they accepted the results graciously and we know we won’t here the last of them as they have so much more to bring to our communities. Congratulations to Wende Schwingendorf who ran for County Commission District 4, Claudia Risner who ran for Senate in District 19, Jessica Velasquez, who ran for the House of Representatives in District 22, Pam Cordova who ran for the Senate in District 30, Athena Ann Christodoulou who ran for Senate in District 21, Julie Brenning who ran for House District 31, and Billie Helean who ran for House District 57. One of the state’s biggest losses was Xochitl Torres Small, who will not be heading back to Washington, DC as the U.S. Representative from District 2. All of these fantastic women ran top-notch campaigns that embodied integrity, compassion, and commitment to our Democratic values. You are all leaders and we have the highest regard for the love you brought to your campaigns and our state!
The Westside had a tidal wave of blue as two Senate seats flipped and all of our esteemed Westside legislators were re-elected. Congratulations to Senator-Elect Katy Duhigg of District 10 and Senator-Elect Harold Pope, Jr., of District 23. Harold made history as the first Black senator to be elected to the New Mexico State Senate. And welcome back to State Senators Linda Lopez, Jacob Candelaria, and Bill O’Neill. Also returning to Santa Fe will be Representatives Joy Garratt, Karen Bash, Patricia Roybal Caballero, Antonio “Moe” Maestas, and Daymon Ely. We are fortunate to have your leadership and look forward to all that you will bring to our democracy in the coming years!