Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury is headed for a second full term. She led Republican challenger Steve Jones 56% to 44%, according to unofficial results from the Secretary of State’s Office
“Tonight, New Mexico chose hope, progress, and opportunity and reaffirmed our shared commitment to protecting our democracy, fighting for our rights, and safeguarding our precious planet,” Stansbury said in a statement. “As your congresswoman, I am truly honored and grateful to be entrusted with the honor of serving our communities. We stand at a crucial juncture in our nation’s history, facing challenges that will test our resilience and shape our future.”
Jones told City Desk ABQ he had called Stansbury to congratulate her and wish her well in her next term.
“I told her she ran a clean and solid race,” he said.
Jones also ran for the seat in 2020, as a write-in candidate with a message focused on reducing hyper-partisanship. He said that was one of his messages this year, along with increasing fiscal responsibility in the federal government.
Stansbury was elected to represent the 1st Congressional District in a 2021 special election after President Joe Biden appointed then-Rep. Deb Haaland secretary of the Interior. Stansbury won a full term the next year.