NM continues blue in federal elections; local races still being counted

Counting continues in Sandoval County and New Mexico Tuesday night with a lot of races still in the air.

However, some races were determined by the end of the night.

At the federal level, Vice President Kamala Harris took New Mexico's five Electoral College votes in the presidential race, though the national race trended in former President Donald Trump's favor. As of 11 p.m., former President Donald Trump held a lead in both the Electoral College and popular vote, though specific numbers varied by outlets. Fox News has called the election in Trump's favor with 277 Electoral College votes, while outlets such as CNN (246) and the Associated Press (248) held off on calling some key states; 270 is needed to win the presidency.

In Congress, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, District 1 Rep. Melanie Stansbury and District 3 Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez were all projected to retain their seats. However, the Senate flipped to Republicans with at least 51 seats called for the GOP. They also held the lead in the House, though the race for control remained undetermined as of 11 p.m. The District 2 race is still too close to call.

State amendments, state bonds and Sandoval County bonds were all headed for approval as well.

Locally, the races involving Sandoval County offices were still being counted as of 11 p.m. All numbers are unofficial and from the New Mexico Secretary of State's website.

In the New Mexico Senate District 9, Democrat Cindy Nava held the lead at 13,824 (55%) to Republican Audrey Trujillo's 11,424 (45%). District 12, Republican Jay Block was leading Democrat Phillip Ramirez 12,806 (54%) to 11,064 (46%). William Burton Scott (12,475; 43%), a Democrat, was trailing Republican Ant L. Thornton (16,771; 57%) in District 19. In District 40, Republican Craig Brandt had tallied 13,472 votes (56%) to Democrat Amina Everett's 10,765 (44%). Democrats Benny Shendo Jr. (District 22) and Leo Jaramillo (District 5) ran unopposed.

In the New Mexico House, Alan Martinez, Republican, led Democrat Frank Smith Jr. 8,541 (56%) to 6,713 (44%). District 44 was much closer with Democrat Kathleen Cates leading with 8,115 votes (51%) to Republican Ali Ennenga's 7,666 votes (49%). Democrat Matthew McQueen had compiled 11,475 votes (61%) in District 50 compared to Republican Kenneth Brennan's 7,357 (39%). Republican Catherine Cullen (7,927; 52%) held a lead over Democrat Michelle Sandoval (7,296; 48%) in District 57. Joshua Hernandez, a Republican, had tallied 7,801 votes (59%) to Democrat Luke Jungmann's 5,445 (41%). In District 43, Democrat Christine Chandler had 100% of the tallied votes despite Libertarian Phillip Mach also being on the ballot. Democrats Susan Herrera and Derrick Lente were unopposed in Districts 41 and 65, respectively.

For Sandoval County Commission, Republican Jon Herr led Democrat Beau Sandoval 55% to 45% (7,355-5,973) in District 2. District 4 saw Republican Jordan Juarez leading with 6,979 votes (57%) to Democrat Madigan Rays 5,289 (43%). Democrat Joshua Jones led in District 5 over Republican Justin Garcia 6,719-4,584 (59% to 41%) Other county races saw Anne Brady-Romero, a Democrat, leading Republican Tanya Watkins 35,681 (51%) to 33,993 (49%) for the clerk's office. It was also tight in the treasurer's race with Democrat Jennifer A. Taylor leading with 35,771 votes (51%) to Republican Richard Shanks' 33,919 votes (49%). Democrat Barbara Romo was unopposed for the district attorney's office in the 13th Judicial District, as was Democrat Rebekka Kay Burt for Public Education Commission District 4.

All judges up for retention appeared to hold their seats as well.

State turnout was 65% of eligible voters with Sandoval County slightly higher at 68%. All results and numbers are unofficial until they are canvassed.