ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The closely contested race for southern New Mexico’s U.S. House seat between incumbent Xochitl Torres Small (D) and challenger Yvette Herrell (R.) is projected to go to Herrell.
Considered a “toss-up” race for months, the rematch between Torres Small and Herrell has been one of the most heavily advertised races in the state. Campaigns for Torres Small and Herrell have spent millions of dollars on air time in a district that has traditionally learned toward GOP candidates.
In 2018, Torres Small beat Herrell by less than 4,000 votes as the Democratic party reclaimed control of the U.S. House.
During her campaign, Torres Small portrayed herself as a moderate who bucks her party on issues like fracking and gun control in her first term. Herrell dismissed that image while trying to link Torres Small to national Democratic figures like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Herrell also has suggested she rightfully won the 2018 race and questioned how Democratic stronghold Doña Ana County counted last-minute absentee ballots that flipped the seat to Torres Small.
New Mexico has assured an all-female delegation to the U.S. House next year after Democrats and Republicans nominated women in all three congressional races. Torres Small was only the second Democrat to hold the seat in 40-years.
The unofficial results from the Secretary of State’s Office has Herrell finishing eight points over Torres Small.
