In a surprisingly strong showing, 45th President Donald Trump came closer than any Republican presidential candidate in recent memory to flipping New Mexico, a state that has been a Democratic stronghold for over two decades.
Though ultimately falling short of victory in the state, Trump’s narrow loss in the state represents a seismic shift, giving Republicans renewed hope for future success in New Mexico. His performance signaled growing support for the GOP, driven by solid backing from rural and suburban areas and a deepening appeal among independent voters, losing the state by only around 5.5 points as opposed to 10 points in 2020 to Joe Biden.
Despite narrowly missing in New Mexico, the 45th President will return to the White House for a second term after an incredible election night victory. As of 7:55 a.m., Trump leads Kamala Harris nationally with 277 electoral college delegates, while he is leading in the popular vote.
While Trump fell just shy of capturing New Mexico’s five electoral votes, the state witnessed significant Republican victories down-ballot. In a hotly contested race for New Mexico’s U.S. Senate seat, Republican Nella Domenici mounted a formidable campaign against incumbent Democrat Martin Heinrich. Domenici, leveraging her family’s political legacy and a platform focused on energy independence, economic revitalization, and conservative values, came within striking distance of Heinrich. Ultimately, Heinrich retained his seat by a slimmer margin than expected, with preliminary results showing a tight contest ending with Heinrich at 55% and Domenici at 45%.
Another key race saw far-left incumbent Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez defeat Republican former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell in New Mexico’s Second Congressional District. Herrell’s narrow loss proved how powerful extreme Democrat gerrymandering for political power can be in a state fully dominated by the far-left in the Legislature.
Herrell wrote on X following the news, “The results tonight weren’t what we hoped for, but I’m so grateful to the incredible people of #NM02 for their support over the years. With @realDonaldTrump back in the White House, our country’s future is bright. Let’s come together and Make America Great Again!
Both of New Mexico’s other U.S. Reps. Melanie Stansbury and Teresa Leger Fernandez were reelected by 12-point margins.
However, nationally, Republicans lead in the fight to keep the U.S. House in GOP hands, while Republicans successfully flipped the U.S. Senate with pickups in Montana, Ohio, and West Virginia.
The GOP also made marginal gains in the state Legislature, picking up seats in both chambers. While Democrats retained their majorities, the Republican advances marked a significant step toward a more competitive political landscape. The party’s growth in traditionally blue districts has sparked optimism among New Mexico conservatives who see these results as evidence of a potential shift in voter priorities and political alliances.
According to the New York Times, at the current moment, Republicans have officially picked up one legislative seat to boost their minority from currently 25 seats in the New Mexico House of Representatives to 26 seats, with some races too close to call at the moment.
Republican Kim Skaggs narrowly trails incumbent state Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces), who is the chairman of the powerful New Mexico House Appropriations and Finance Committee. Small currently has 51% to Skaggs’ 49% with 95 percent of the vote in. Democrat State Rep. Kathleen Cates in the metro area narrowly leads challenger Ali Ennenga 52% to 48%, Democrat Sarah Silva narrowly leads Republican Elizabeth Winterrowd in a Las Cruces-area House seat by a margin of 50.2% to 49.8%, and incumbent Democrat State Rep. Charlotte Little leads Republican Nathan Brooks 52% to 48% in the Albuquerque-area district.
Republicans, however, successfully flipped the 28th House District, which was picked up by former State Rep. Rebecca Dow against Democrat Rep. Tara Jaramillo.
In the state Senate, Republicans had similar growth, picking up one seat as of this morning, per the New York Times, to boost their 15-seat minority to 16 seats. Republican Sandoval County Commissioner Jay Block flipped a Democrat seat 53% to 47% in the Rio Rancho area, and former state Sen. Gabe Ramos flipped an open Democrat seat in Silver City, while Republicans held onto open seats currently filled by GOP members.
The constitutional amendments on the ballot increasing veteran property tax exemptions passed by wide margins, while a change to the New Mexico Constitution removing the UNM Law School dean from the Judicial Nominating Commission only barely passed with a 51% to 49% margin.
Trump’s narrow loss in New Mexico and the GOP’s legislative gains indicate that the state may be closer to becoming a battleground than ever before. For New Mexico Republicans, this year’s election represents the most hopeful political moment in decades, suggesting that future races could bring even more change and opportunities to flip the state red.
Ok Republican Party leadership, listen closely. TRUMP WON, no other national republican candidate did so in NM. It is time to clean the NM swamp. What swamp, the entire thing! All Democrat leadership must go and so must Steve Pearce of the Republican Party. His leadership has not produced winners.
Time to go Steve! John Block, I have asked you for a meeting for some time, you keep deferring. Bad form. However, I did have a nice conversation with Rep. Lord at the Trump rally. Stephanie, let’s chat further and congrats on your win!
New Mexico Republicans, if you wish to make up ground in two years, let me know soon. Trump did well in NM, which means New Mexicans will elect a republican who actually represents ALL of NM. Trust me on this!
Let’s chat NM! Seriously!
Peace,
Rev. Rico
I totally agree, Steve Pearce was a swamp rat when he was in office and he’s more so now. New Mexico is full of blood red Republicans who believe we can’t win. Let’s quit our whining and start fighting. Be loud and proud NM Republicans!!!
AMEN Brother!!
Call President Trump and ask that until NM stops the abortions after 10 weeks and helps close the border and round up illegals there will be no more Federal money for NM. That will get their attention.
I’d love to chat with you! I live in Bernalillo County.. I want to make this county red, where we having abetter chance of beating the Notenos. I am ready for the fight.
Seems our local politicians will still be fighting to keep the border open, not let the billions of dollars in our state coffers help their constituents, Keep trying to kill our automotive industry etc.
On the other hand, Washington may not start helping with these issues.
We should have a ‘National Salad Day’ to celebrate the election results at the top…
I’ve lived in NM for 58 years. During that time I’ve seen how the incumbent senator becomes senator for life. Heinrich is a disaster. His two sons look like deviants. Maybe you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but look at their father. Bought out, sold out, war monger with no regard for NM. Lives in MD.
I voted against all the bond issues. NM has more than 1 billion surplus in gas and oil revenue, but has to tax its citizens for those bond issues. And people comply.
Too bad about gabe vasquez.
Democrat state without ever thinking of anything except Vote Democrat.
PA where I grew up had the Amish voting Trump. I wonder how PA did with their other offices. Yay PA (for a change).
I was born and raised in NM and lived there 60 years, before a job took me away and I eventually realized the demoNAZI jail that I was living in. I was never going to leave, but regrettably, and fortunately I elected to leave. Living in a state that is 80% red, just the opposite of NM is so invigorating and uplifting. I still pray for my native state, and Steve Pearce, 100% needs to go!! I was really hoping for change this time around for NM, and am so disappointed that change has failed again. Living in the chains of demoNAZI’s is very difficult and discouraging. At least the DONALD is back. Keep fighting New Mexico!!
Sadly, with these Democrat wins, New Mexico will continue to lag behind
I am so happy that Trump won nationwide, but when will NM voters finally break away from the Democrat web? I feel so sorry for Nella Domenici and Yvette Herrell, both of whom were very qualified to serve in the Senate and House, respectively.
Nella never had a chance. Ever!
Yvette waited way too long to work the S. Valley of Albuquerque even though she was provided wise advise to do so.
Agree. Senator for life – Heinrich. He is such a war mongering, climate change false solution promoter. And Leger? Whatever she’s told to do by the dems is what she does. NM 50th in education 10th in drug deaths. Something to be proud of.
What is wrong with NM? Do they not see how the Dems are destroying our state?
They simply still believe the lies, liars and Democrat dung breath. Aside from that, the Rep. Party is doing nothing to develop and select quality candidates.
Push for change in the Rep. Party leadership, then we can move forward and win something that matters!
The majority are just uniformed and stupid people.
Apathy abounds.
Obviously not. Sad.
Very disappointed in New Mexicans, while many voted for Trump, those same voters kept the other democrats in office, heck they even voted for county commissioners to vote there own salaries. In my mind NM voters do not understand what they are voting on/for. I blame our dismal education system. The good thing is our schools can only improve as we have the worst schools in the nation. I do have a recommendation, we need civic classes that can be taped and given across our communities. Especially in Spanish as at least where I live about 90% of the people speak Spanish and maybe 30/35% do not speak English. If folks understand that when they vote “Yes” to something they are increasing there taxes or are allow the state to change their kids sex without parental permission. Yes it is that bad.
Mike, that shocked me too. Imagine how they will raise their salaries. WOWZA!
You are also spot on with the rest!
You’re right. NM has at least 1 billion in gas and oil revenue, yet it asks its citizens to pony up more in taxes. And I also think you’re right that people don’t have a clue what they’re voting for. I voted not to reinstate the Dem MLG judges, but I feel certain they were all reinstated. As long as the so called legal system is populated by these dedicated dems everything will go along as miserably as before.
An Audio tape could help If they would even listen. It would need to be spoken in clear basic language understood by a 3rd grade comprehension level. There are 2-3 generations who have difficulty with grammar and reading in NM.
NM won’t change until it breaks the generational trauma bond it has with the Democrat party. The Dems keep the state last because uneducated and impoverished people are easier to control and manipulate. The people have to open their eyes and educate themselves, their families, and their friends. Until then, this state will always be the laughing stock of the nation.
Agree.
Well NM stayed communist mostly due to the uneducated idiots in the north part of the state , the poorest and most in need of change. They continue to vote blue no matter who and our miserable state of affairs reflects that. NM is a corrupt banana republic from the school boards to the roundhouse. Let’s make a concerted effort now that some semblance of sanity is returning to Washington. To try and reverse this bobsled to hell the communists have us riding on.
I agree. When I went to the legislature to oppose a “cloud seeding” bill (which is nothing more than official recognition of the chemical spraying that goes on constantly, especially in the north), I was one little, old lady against the system. The same with the false environmental solution of electric vehicles. How could we organize something? The city council is filled with boot licking dems. Leo Trujillo is a disgrace. Ran unopposed, of course.
I have been calling for Steve ‘s resignation since 2020. The Republican party needs new leadership…one that will develop and inspire candidates. Steve is not inspiring at all.
So have I Travis. Guess we just need to speak out louder… Any suggestions who is the next ear to get him out?
Just remember the ones that did vote Red , there are some of us who have enough integrity and intellect to vote Red. Those who still think that the only way to exist is to stay blue. I often have questioned these humanoids and their answer are: my parents would not approve, their parents are dead: my family from the beginning of time have aways been democrats, it’s in my DNA. I like the government giving me everything and I don’t have to work. I use abortion as my new birth control and it’s paid for. I get mostly everything free if I lie about it. Etc.. this is why it will never change. Term limits for the RPNM. Who have held office to long. If the shoe fits wear it,
Agree. Back in the Emilio Naranjo days, the husband would accompany the wife into the (then) voting booth to show her how to vote.
You are so right. Way too many are just ignorant to what is happening. I will keep praying for NM to turn from the evils of this administration. And all who think that sin is not sin, evil is good and good is evil. etc.
God have mercy on us all.
New Mexico is victim of its last place educational system. It is a prime example of “you can’t fix stupid” or won’t and adopting lies and money of the liberal left. So sad but so thankful the rest of nation has a higher standard and I.Q.
Don’t forget that marijuana is legal in this state (many other states as well) recreational or not, it changes the chemistry in the brain. I have seen too many people who have ruined their lives just smoking pot.
Never should have been legalizes. So many of those who keep voting in the evil Democrats who control our state have been drinking the grape coolaid way too long.
NM is the laughing stock of the US, worst in nearly every category. This makes it hard to believe that citizens aren’t ready for change — that raises flags in my mind…
Number 1 – Who trusts our state’s voting/election integrity? I don’t. We already know the entrenched communists aren’t above election manipulation and interference; plus, we saw how they treated Trump when he came here… Only charging one candidate for security costs? Restricting event parking based on political affiliation? That is authoritarian suppression of opposing beliefs… sounds kinda… fascist (we’ll ignore the multiple communofascist assassination attempts- the dems here didnt “pull the trigger”, they just cheered).
1.5 – No ID to vote? This creates a nice ripe situation to manipulate elections. A person must have an ID to have a legal job, buy alcohol, or any number of other things; claiming “voter suppression” makes a person look foolish. The only votes that would be suppressed are the ones that are cast illegally.
2- I saw a lot of “D” running unopposed on my ballot — half of it looked like a one party commie ballot. How are we supposed to elect conservatives at any level when it seems like the republican party has largley abandoned NM?! Understandable, I guess, given that the elections here are pre-determined through any means necessary (anyone recall the gerrymandering case? That the politically appointed judges affirmed as legit? Anyone?)
The stupid is strong in this state. Couple that with the die hard legacy voters and the outcome will always be the same.
Watching some of the people I know (and some I am related to) having a major meltdown over the presidential election is amusing but also frightening. Psychotic, totally unhinged. One woman I know has been raging and even saying she feels like murd3ring Trump supporters. It’s crazy.
Seriously, she needs to be reported to the police.
New Mexicans worked very hard to maintain their position at the bottom and last in the nation on everything. Congrats libs, you succeeded once again.
Ah, New Mexico, the land of insanity. Voters keep voting for the destructive democrats expecting a different outcome. I really can’t believe we enjoy living under a controlling government that looks out for its self instead of the legal citizens.
I love living in New Mexico. And, likely am too old to make a move now.
But this state continues to embarrass itself nationally by demonstrating that a majority of its electorate is so uninformed. Blame it perhaps on the deeply embedded patriarchy. (Our family has always voted for Democrats, so you must too.) and (Democrats are for the poor, Republicans are for the Rich.)
So yet again we are stuck with substandard Senators and Congresspersons in Washington. Let’s at least give ’em hell.
I kept seeing Democrat ads against Herrell and Domenici based on the abortion issue.
Yet I never saw any ads informing New Mexicans how Leger-Fernandez voted AGAINST deporting illegals that commit sexual assult; and Vasquez voted against the Laiken Riley Act to detain immigrants/illegals who have commited crimes.
Why didn’t the Republican party run ads about their terrible voting record that harm New Mexicans? Most New Mexicans are not aware of their voting record. Republicans need to get the word out to voters if they hope for more votes.
Wow, a lot of sayers, but is there a lot of doers.
They need to do this, and they need to get these people that I want, and I think that the Republican Party needs to…….then do it.