SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Republican voters embraced the familiar faces of a former television weatherman and two-time congressional nominee in attempts to claw back a House and Senate seat from Democratic control in New Mexico’s primary election.
Former state Rep. Yvette Herrell on Tuesday won the Republican nomination for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, setting up a rematch with Democrat U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small of Las Cruces.
Former television weatherman Mark Ronchetti of Albuquerque won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate to compete in an open race to replace retiring Sen. Tom Udall. Ronchetti will run in the general election against six-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján.
KRWG received the following statement from Herrell's campaign:
"Tonight's strong vote of confidence shows that Republicans are united around our campaign and ready to take back our district. I couldn't be more grateful for the support we received, and we are now headed into the general election with tremendous momentum. Xochitl Torres Small deceived New Mexico voters by running as a moderate in 2018, but her liberal voting record shows her true colors. Republicans are united and fired up to flip this seat in November!"