By Terri Harber, The Roswell Daily Record — Chaves County voters had a raft of other ballot items presented to them for the 2026 General Election, which ended on Tuesday, Election Day.
The total countywide voter turnout was 15,569, or 39.95% as per New Mexico State of Secretary’s website.
Results from this election are still considered to be unofficial until the Chaves County Commissioners votes to certify local results at 9 a.m. on Nov.12. Statewide results are scheduled for certification in Santa Fe on Nov. 24.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Greggory Hull and his running mate for lieutenant governor, David Gallegos, captured 10,252 votes (66%), while the Democratic ticket of Deb Haaland for governor and Stephane Garcia Richard for lieutenant governor garnered only 5,221 (33%) of Chaves County. Haaland and Garcia Richard won statewide by a wide margin of 57% to 41%. Democrats swept all statewide races by similar margins.
Other Chaves County vote totals:
Locally, in the race for Secretary of State, Republican Ramona Goolsby received 9,906 votes (64%) and Democrat Amanda Lopez Askin earned 5,432 (35%).
For attorney general, Republican Samuel Isaiah Kane Sr., he received 9,311 votes (61%), while Democrat Raul Torres, also the incumbent, had 5,883 (38%).
For the state auditor, Republican Joshua James Ryan Lawrence received 9.869 (64%) and Joseph Maestas, a Democrat and incumbent, garnered 3,436 (35%).
Republican James Ellison received 9,945 votes (64%) and Democrat Laura Montoya obtained 5,370 votes (35%) for state treasurer. Montoya is the incumbent.
For the commissioner of public lands, Michael Perry, a Chaves County Commissioner, received 10,131 votes (65%) and Juan De Jesus Sanchez III, the Democratic candidate, garnered 5,241 votes (34%).
State Senate District 33, Rex Wilson, a Republican appointed in January, received 468 votes (77%) and William Neil Griffin, the Democratic opponent, had 154 votes (22%).
Constitutional amendments and bonds:
Amendment 1: The governor is now required to provide veto messages with all bills they don’t sign and bills passed by the legislature automatically become law unless vetoed by the governor. Statewide, the vote was 9,827 (68%) in favor.
Amendment 2: Removal of the requirement that school elections be separate from partisan elections. The legislature can now allow school district races to be held alongside other elections. The vote was 8,364 (58%) in favor.
Amendment 3: Establishment of nominating committees that would provide the governor with a list of viable nominees for boards of regents at state educational institutions. The vote was 8,210 (60%) in favor.
Amendment 4: Allowing compensation to New Mexico state legislative elected officials. Legislators will not receive a salary though until 2029. It is tied to the average household income. The vote was 7,489 (53%) in favor.
Bond question 1: Issuance and sale of capital projects’ general obligation bonds of up to $21.58 million for improvements, construction and equipment to senior citizen facilities. The vote was 7,662 (54%) in favor.
Bond question 2: Issuance and sale of capital projects’ general obligation bonds of up to $19.32 million for capital expenditures to allow New Mexico libraries to acquire library resources. A general property tax would be imposed to pay for the bonding. The vote margin was very close in Chaves County and failed by a vote of 7,069 to 6.936 (50% vs. 50%).
Bond question 3: Issuance and sale of general obligation bonds of up to $352.2 million to pay for capital expenditures for certain higher education, special schools and tribal schools. This money would be used for capital improvements and acquisitions. A general property tax would be imposed to pay for the bonding. The vote margin was also close in Chaves County: The question failed with 7,200 votes against and 6,836 votes in favor (51% vs. 49%).
Judicial retentions:
J. Miles Hanisee was retained as a judge of the Court of Appeals by a vote of 8,586 (67%) in favor.
David E. Finger was retained as a district court judge, Division 1, Fifth Judicial District, by a vote of 8,444 votes, ( 67%) in favor.
Michael Harold Stone was retained as a district court judge, Division 7, Fifth Judicial District, with 8,667 votes (69%) in favor.
Dustin Kelly Hunter was retained as a district court judge, Division 10, Fifth Judicial District, with 9,166 votes (71%) in favor.
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