Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

New Mexico Legislator To Seek Election Recount

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Democratic Rep. Mary Helen Garcia of Las Cruces plans to seek a recount after official primary election returns showed her losing by 16 votes in a three-way contest.
Garcia said Wednesday she would file for a hand recount.

The Dona Ana County Commission certified election results Tuesday, with Bealquin "Bill" Gomez of La Mesa winning with 410 votes, or 47.8 percent of the ballots cast. Garcia received 394 votes or 46 percent. Christian Lira finished with 53 votes.

The outcome of the primary likely determines who holds the southern New Mexico legislative seat. There's no Republican in the race, but minor party and independent candidates can file later this month.
Garcia, a retired educator and chairwoman of the Voters and Elections Committee, has served in the House since 1997.