Democrat gains in New Mexico congressional money race

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A Democratic U.S. Coast Guard veteran raised the most money of any candidate last quarter for an open congressional race in southern New Mexico, reports submitted to the Federal Election Commission show. But federal records also show Madeline "Mad" Hildebrandt remains far behind Republican and former Hobbs mayor Monty Newman with total cash on hand in a closely watched election that may help determine which party controls Congress. Hildebrandt raised $132,497 at the end of 2017 and had $118,464 cash on hand, the reports said. That's more than any other Democrat seeking the nomination. Meanwhile, records showed Newman raised $130,168 during the same period and had $356,656 cash on hand — the most of any candidate in either party. Since entering the race, Newman has received around $447,000 in contributions. State Rep. Yvette Herrell, an Alamogordo Republican, reported $106,169 in total contributions during the fourth quarter and $202,557 cash on hand. Carlsbad pharmacist Jack Volpato raised $27,923 and had $11,929 cash on hand, the reports showed. Gavin Clarkson, a former Trump administration appointee who stepped down after a harsh report into a tribal loan program he oversaw, announced last month he would seek the GOP nomination and did not have any campaign finances to report. Las Cruces water attorney Xochitl Torres Small, a Democrat, also joined the race this month. Angel Pena, a Las Cruces Democrat, joined the race in December. New Mexico's sprawling southern district currently is held by Republican Rep. Steve Pearce, who is not seeking re-election to run for New Mexico governor. Democrats have long targeted the heavily Hispanic congressional district along the U.S.-Mexico border where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans. But the district has remained in GOP hands largely due to Pearce, who has attracted support from Hispanics and the region's oil and gas interests.