Reeb, Bender win area contested races

Unofficial results from the New Mexico Secretary of State's office show former Ninth Judicial District Attorney Andrea Reeb as the area's new representative in state legislative District 64 and Bradley Bender as Curry County's new commissioner from District 2.

County Clerk Annie Hogland said the tally was complete as of 9:27 p.m Tuesday. It was Bender's 1,440 votes to Martin's 1,012 votes.

"It's not over 'til it's over, but it doesn't look good," Martin said of the vote before tabulation was finished.

Martin said he knew it was going to be tough.

"I'm disappointed," Martin said. "But the voters have spoken."

Bender said, "I'm just thankful for all the votes I've received at this point."

Republican Reeb and Independent David Lansford were vying for the legislative seat that covers territory in Curry, Roosevelt and Chaves counties.

Reeb issued a victory statement at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday:

"I am SO honored and excited to have been chosen to represent my fellow citizens of House District 64. ... I decided to run for this seat because I'm tired of watching failure after failure come out of our state government.

"You've heard it all already, how far behind New Mexico is by almost every metric. But as a prosecutor, of course my greatest concern is our criminal justice system. Having served as a prosecutor, I understand this system and why things are failing so miserably in New Mexico.

"As an experienced, knowledgeable expert on this issue, I know that I am equipped to hit the ground running on Day 1 in this office, fighting for a better, safer, more prosperous life for all the people of House District 64."

Early Tuesday, Lansford said, "It looks pretty much like the red wave is going to prevail (in eastern New Mexico races). This is a strong Republican area. There's no way to overcome a 64% to 34% margin. The reality is pretty clear."

For complete New Mexico results, follow the New Mexico Secretary of State's Office:

www.sos.state.nm.us/voting-and-elections/election-results/election-results-2022/

District 2 commissioner

Tom Martin (I) _________1,012

Bradley Bender (R)_____1,440

District 64 representative

............................Curry-----Roosevelt-----Chaves

Andrea Reeb (R)--2,520-----624------------851

David Lansford (I)-1,716-----185-----------132