ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's longest serving legislator has turned back a Democratic primary election challenger but faces a Republican opponent this fall.
Rep. Nick Salazar defeated former legislator Bengie Regensberg, a Mora County contractor who told northern New Mexico voters that Salazar was too old to serve another term. Salazar received more than 60 percent of the vote in unofficial returns Tuesday.
The 85-year-old incumbent, a Democrat from Ohkay Owingeh, is finishing his 42nd year in the House.
Republican James Gallegos is running against Salazar in the November general election in the heavily Democratic district.
All 70 House seats are up for election, and Republicans hope they can make gains to win a majority for the first time in 60 years.
There were 18 contested races on the primary ballot.