RPAC-NM Celebrates Unprecedented Success in the 2024 General Election
The 2024 General Election in New Mexico marked a historic moment as all 112 seats in the state legislature were up for grabs on November 5th. RPAC-NM (REALTORS® Political Action Committee of New Mexico) stepped up to the plate with unwavering commitment, supporting 100 candidates across the state in this pivotal election.
In a testament to its dedication to fairness and collaboration, RPAC-NM invested a total of $105,750 in General Election campaigns. Notably, the support was split nearly evenly, with 51% of contributions going to Democratic candidates and 49% to Republican candidates. This balanced approach reflects RPAC-NM’s steadfast philosophy of prioritizing Policy over Politics.
The results speak volumes. Of the 100 candidates RPAC-NM supported, an astounding 97 emerged victorious. This impressive 97% success rate underscores RPAC-NM’s keen strategic vision, thoughtful investments, and strong advocacy for leaders who champion policies that benefit New Mexico’s communities.
Eight (8) REALTOR® Party candidates ran for office in this election. Five (5) REALTORS® were successful and elected to the Legislature, four (4) in the House and one (1) in the Senate. Three (3) were unsuccessful.
“We are proud to support candidates who prioritize policies that enhance housing, economic growth, and the well-being of communities across our state,” shared Cathy Colvin, 2024 RPAC-NM Chair. “Our success rate is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of advocating for the issues that matter most to our industry.”
RPAC-NM’s success in 2024 is more than just a win for candidates—it’s a win for the state as a whole. By supporting leaders who share a commitment to improving quality of life, RPAC-NM is helping shape a brighter future for real estate in New Mexico.
Here’s to continuing the tradition of advocating for sound policies and ensuring the voices of REALTORS® and their communities are heard loud and clear!
New Mexico’s 2024 General Election: Key Outcomes
New Mexicans went to the polls for the 2024 General Election, producing a clear picture of the state’s political landscape for the coming term. The results reaffirmed the Democratic Party’s leadership in state and federal offices, while also reflecting notable contests that energized voters across the state.
State Legislature: Clear Majority, Key Shifts
In the New Mexico House of Representatives, Democrats maintained their majority, holding 44 seats compared to the Republicans’ 26. While the overall balance of power remained stable, one race in District 38 stood out as a key flip. Rebecca Dow (R), a former representative, won her seat back by defeating incumbent Tara Jaramillo (D).
The New Mexico Senate also remained firmly in Democratic control, with the party holding 26 seats to the Republicans’ 16. All incumbents seeking re-election retained their seats, ensuring stability in the chamber.
Historic Female Majority
With 11 additional women, representing both Democrats and Republicans, joining the 112-member Legislature, female representation has surged. Women will now hold 60 seats in the New Mexico Legislature, marking a historic achievement as the largest female legislative majority in U.S. history.
Federal Races: Incumbents Hold Strong
All of New Mexico’s federal incumbents retained their seats, with competitive races highlighting voter engagement across districts.
- U.S. Senate: Martin Heinrich (D) won re-election for his third term, defeating Republican challenger Nella Domenici by a margin of 55%-45%.
- U.S. House of Representatives: New Mexico’s three congressional districts all re-elected their Democratic incumbents:
- In District 1, Melanie Ann Stansbury (D) earned her second full term with a 56%-44% win over Steve Jones (R).
- In District 2, Gabe Vasquez (D) narrowly defeated Yvette Herrell (R) in a closely watched race. Vasquez’s 52%-48% victory follows a contentious redistricting process that reshaped the district’s political dynamics.
- In District 3, Teresa Leger Fernandez (D) secured her third term with a decisive 56%-44% win over Sharon Clahchischilliage (R).
Next Steps: Certification and Recounts
As required by state law, results must be finalized through certification, and any races within automatic recount margins will undergo further review. For this election, one contests met the criteria for an automatic recount, which are triggered when vote margins fall below specified percentages, ranging from 0.25% for federal races to 1% for legislative seats. This was in House District 57 between REALTOR® Catherine Jeanette Cullen (R) and Michelle Eleanor Sandoval (D), where the difference in the vote totals is 132 votes.
A Vibrant Democracy at Work
The 2024 General Election demonstrates the vibrancy of New Mexico’s democracy, with spirited campaigns and high levels of voter engagement. While Democrats retained their leadership roles at the state and federal levels, both parties showed resilience and focus in key contests.
As final results are certified, New Mexicans can look forward to the next legislative term with a renewed focus on collaboration and progress for the state.
Leadership for the 57th Legislature (60-day Session)
In the House of Representatives, Representative Javier Martinez (D – Albuquerque) was selected as Speaker of the House, with key positions in the Democratic caucus filled by Representatives Reena Szczepanski (D – Santa Fe) as Majority Floor Leader, Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D – Albuquerque) as Majority Whip, and Raymundo Lara (D – Las Cruces) as Majority Caucus Chair. On the Republican side, Representative Gail Armstrong (R – Magdalena) will serve as Minority Floor Leader, supported by Alan Martinez (R – Rio Rancho) as Minority Whip and Rebecca Dow (R – Truth or Consequences) as Minority Caucus Chair.
In the Senate, Senator Mimi Stewart (D – Albuquerque) was chosen as President Pro Tempore, with Senator Peter Wirth (D – Santa Fe) continuing as Majority Floor Leader. Senator Michael Padilla (D – Albuquerque) will serve as Majority Whip, and Senator Leo Jaramillo (D – Española) as Majority Caucus Chair. For the Republican caucus, Senator William Sharer (R – Farmington) was selected as Minority Floor Leader, with Pat Woods (R – Clovis) as Minority Whip and David Gallegos (R – Eunice) as Minority Caucus Chair.
These leadership selections reflect the preparations both parties are making for the upcoming session, with official elections for these positions set to take place on January 21, 2025, the opening day of the legislative session.
2024 General Election results can be found at the following link: https://www.sos.nm.gov/voting-and-elections/election-results/election-results-2024/