DA Alec Baldwin victorious in New Mexico Democratic primary

An incumbent district attorney seeking an involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin successfully defended her position against a Democratic challenger in New Mexico’s primary election on Tuesday, securing her reelection.

In other election news, two Republicans who were involved in Donald Trump’s unsuccessful attempts to overturn the 2020 election secured GOP nominations for state Senate seats, moving on to competitive general election races. Additionally, Democrats removed a state senator accused of sexual harassment while selecting their preferred candidates to reshape the Democrat-led Legislature, with all 112 seats up for election in November.

The outcomes of the primary elections, the first since redistricting in 2021, carry significant implications for Native American communities, the state’s oil industry, and the #MeToo movement.

New Mexico operates under a closed primary system, limiting participation to voters affiliated with major parties and excluding Independent or unaffiliated voters, though Libertarians are allowed to participate.

Native American candidates achieved greater representation in the Legislature with wins in two closely watched Democrat primaries.

In Senate District 30, activist Angel Charley of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women secured the Democratic nomination against former Sen. Clemente Sanchez, a pro-business, socially conservative candidate, in a redrawn district with more Native American influence.

Charley, who is Diné with Laguna and Zuni Pueblo ancestry, faces no Republican opposition in the district that spans from Isleta Pueblo near Albuquerque to the Arizona state line, encompassing Acoma and Laguna pueblos.

In House District 69, incumbent Democrat Rep. Harry Garcia of Grants lost his reelection bid. Attorney Michelle “Paulene” Abeyta of To’hajiilee on the Navajo Nation won the primary for a district where two-thirds of registered voters are Native American. Abeyta has no Republican challengers in the general election.

Incumbent district attorneys in crime-ridden Albuquerque and Santa Fe held off primary challengers, including the incumbent in Santa Fe pursuing charges against Alec Baldwin for involuntary manslaughter.

Incumbent Santa Fe-based District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies defeated former district attorney Marco Serna in a vote of confidence from voters. Carmack-Altwies has committed to holding Alec Baldwin accountable for the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

In Albuquerque, incumbent District Attorney Sam Bregman, appointed by the governor, secured the Democratic nomination, defeating Damon Martinez, who served as U.S. Attorney for New Mexico under President Barack Obama.

Allegations of sexual harassment played a significant role in the Democrat primary for Senate District 15.

Voters in the Albuquerque district ousted state Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto following allegations of sexual harassment and bullying behavior towards women, which he disputed. A complaint regarding his consulting work for county clerks and potential conflicts of interest was dismissed in May.

Progressive challenger Heather Berghmans won the primary and will face off against GOP contender Craig Degenhardt in November. The district covers an area from the intersection of Interstates 25 and 40 towards the city’s northeastern heights.

In House District 18, progressive activist and lobbyist Marianna Anaya emerged victorious in a four-way Democrat primary in a district with no Republican candidates. Anaya had previously accused Ivey-Soto of inappropriate behavior at a hotel reception in 2015. The district in eastern Albuquerque spans I-40.

Republicans competed in politically conservative regions of the state, advocating for the oil industry and conservative values.

In Senate District 42, Oilman and state Rep. Larry Scott of Hobbs defeated rancher and recently appointed state Sen. Steve McCutcheon of Carlsbad. The district is located in the heart of southeastern New Mexico’s oil economy. McCutcheon was appointed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham last year to replace retired state Sen. Gay Kernan.

In overlapping House District 62, three Republicans from Hobbs are running to succeed Scott without Democratic competition — Elaine Sena Cortez, Debra Hicks, and attorney D’Nae Robinett Mills.

Republicans who supported Donald Trump’s efforts to challenge the 2020 election results were successful in primary races for two state Senate districts.

In District 12, Sandoval County Commissioner Jay Block of Rio Rancho won the GOP nomination, defeating former state Sen. Candace Gould. Block will face Democrat Phillip Ramirez in November in the urban district. Block had cast two votes as commissioner in 2022 against certifying local election results, raising concerns about election integrity.

In District 9, Audrey Trujillo of Corrales secured the GOP nomination for an open seat after an unsuccessful run for secretary of state in 2022. Trujillo, who supported Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, will compete against Democrat nominee Cindy Nava in the general election. Nava defeated Heather Balas in the district spanning from Bernalillo to Algodones, including parts of Sandia Pueblo.

Over 20 incumbents faced primary challengers.

In Senate District 13, incumbent state Sen. Bill O’Neill of Albuquerque competed for the Democrat nomination against Bernalillo County Commissioner Debbie O’Malley in a heavily redrawn district that includes downtown Albuquerque.

In Senate District 3, incumbent Shannon Pint of Tohatchi on the Navajo Nation won the Democrat primary against challenger Sherylene Yazzie of Coyote Canyon. Pinto succeeded her grandfather, John Pinto, a World War II Navajo Code Talker and the state’s longest-serving senator. The district covers parts of the Navajo Nation and Gallup.