Three keep NM House seats in Sandoval Co.; Cullen wins vacated District 57

SANDOVAL COUNTY — Incumbents serving Sandoval County in the New Mexico House kept their seats during Tuesday's elections.

Alan T. Martinez, Republican, won his re-election bid in District 23.

"I'm humbled and grateful to all the great people of this district. I will continue to bring common sense solutions to the issues facing us all," Martinez said.

Martinez defeated Democrat Frank James Jr. with 8,784 votes (55%) while James Jr. garnered 7,158 votes (45%).

In District 44, Democrat Kathleen M. Cates has won her re-election maintained her seat in District 44.

Cates has held her position since 2022 and defeated Republican challenger Ali Ennerga.

Cates accumulated 7,257 votes (52%) while Ennerga gathered 6,735 votes(48%).

"I am so grateful for the hard work, support, endless volunteer hours and trust that the constituents of District 44 have forwarded me. In only two sessions, I was able to get laws passed that provided historical funding for water infrastructure, invest in apprenticeship programs for trades, supports for individuals with disabilities and protect homeowners. We still have so much more to do. And I am grateful to be sent back for another two years, so that I may serve this district with laws that may not make the front page of the paper, but are serving the day-to-day lives of our residents," Cates said.

Additionally, Republican incumbent Joshua N. Hernandez won in District 60, defeating Democrat challenger Luke Jungmann. Hernandez collected 58% of the votes (7,953 votes), while Jungmann collected 42% (5,742 votes).

A new face serving Sandoval County in the New Mexico House will be Republican Catherine Cullen, who won District 57 in a close count.

Cullen takes over a seat that was long held by incumbent Republican Jason Harper, who opted not to seek re-election, and defeats Democrat Michelle Sandoval.

Cullen garnered 51% of the vote (8,108 votes) while Sandoval collected 49% of the vote (7,775 votes).

"I am honored and grateful for the community's trust in me. This win reflects our shared commitment to creating a brighter future together. I look forward to serving everyone with transparency, integrity and a focus on the issues that matter most to our community. Thank you for this opportunity to serve Rio Rancho," Cullen said.