Forest Williams fills out his ballot at an election center in Albuquerque, N.M., on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (Jon Austria/The Albuquerque Journal via AP)
In the recent New Mexico primary election, the incumbent district attorney, who is pursuing an involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin, successfully defended her position against a Democratic challenger. Meanwhile, a Republican nominee who supported Donald Trump's post-election efforts secured a state Senate nomination.
Additionally, Democrats removed a state senator accused of sexual harassment as voters selected candidates to shape the state legislature. The primary outcomes hold significance for various sectors including Native American communities, the state's oil industry, and the #MeToo movement.
The election, which marked the first Senate election since redistricting in 2021, saw a turnout of over 205,000 ballots. In Senate District 30, activist Angel Charley secured the Democratic nomination in a district with increased Native American influence. In House District 69, where two-thirds of registered voters identify as Native American, incumbent Democratic Rep. Harry Garcia faced challengers. In regards to the Alec Baldwin case, district attorneys in Albuquerque and Santa Fe retained their positions amidst primary challenges. Santa Fe-based District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies defeated former district attorney Marco Serna, reaffirming her commitment to hold Baldwin accountable. In Albuquerque, incumbent District Attorney Sam Bregman succeeded in securing the Democratic nomination.
The Democratic primary in Senate District 15 addressed allegations of sexual harassment, resulting in the ousting of state Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto. Democratic challenger Heather Berghmans emerged victorious and will face GOP contender Craig Degenhardt in the general election. Republicans competed in politically conservative areas, notably in Senate District 42 where oilman and state Rep. Larry Scott defeated rancher Steve McCutcheon. Republican nominees who supported Donald Trump's post-election actions sought nominations in two state Senate districts. In Senate District 12, Sandoval County Commissioner Jay Block secured the GOP nomination. Audrey Trujillo and Frida Susana Vasquez sought GOP nominations in District 9. Over 20 incumbents faced primary challenges, including incumbent state Sen. Bill O'Neill and incumbent Shannon Pinto, who prevailed in their respective contests.
