SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico election regulators have disqualified at least eight aspiring legislative candidates after reviewing applications and signature petitions, leaving several certified candidates unopposed in primary or general elections or both.
The New Mexico Secretary of State's Office confirmed the disqualifications Thursday.
The developments are unlikely to tip the balance of power in the Legislature because they mostly concerned districts dominated by one party or a popular incumbent. Republicans currently control the House by a 37-33 seat advantage. Senate Democrats outnumber Republicans 24 to 18.
Democratic Sen. Benny Shendo of Jemez Pueblo is running unopposed after former state Rep. Sandra Jeff was disqualified for failing to follow state campaign finance rules.
Home-address discrepancies knocked out Democrat Dell Washington of Belen, who sought to challenge Republican House Speaker Don Tripp of Socorro.