As of 9:24 p.m. all unofficial results have been posted by the Eddy County Clerk’s office.
In the Republican race for County Assessor, incumbent Rhonda Hatch defeated Republican challenger Melissa Washburn for the GOP nod. Hatch had 2,984 votes or 65 percent of the vote. Washburn had 1,629 votes or 34 percent.
In a text message, Hatch said she has been with the assessor’s office for 21 years and has spent nearly four years as the elected head of the agency.
“I want to thank everyone for your prayers, support, and encouragement throughout this campaign. I truly could not have done it without each and every person who helped me along the way,” read part of her text message.
Hatch faces Democrat Gemma Ferguson in November. The latter had no primary opposition.
Hatch said she plans to take some time off and focus on her family before resuming her campaign for November.
For Eddy County Commission District 1, Henry Castaneda had 391 votes or 54 percent, and challenger Austin Kyle Washburn had 332 votes or 46 percent.
The GOP winner succeeds incumbent Ernie Carlson, who could run again due to term limits. Carlson is a Republican.
No Democrat filed to run in the primary.
“It was a great opportunity to meet the public and learn about the issues that are happening in my county. Hopefully have a voice and a foot in the door that help with changes in the future better for my children and myself,” said Austin Washburn during an interview while results were coming into the county clerk’s office.
For New Mexico House District 66 in Eddy County, Dan Lewis of Artesia led Republican challengers Leanne Gandy and Trinidad Malone. Lewis had 662 votes or 53 percent. Gandy had 398 votes or 32 percent, and Malone had 181 or 14 percent
Gandy from Lea County and Lewis were tied overall and headed for a possible recount as of 11:15 p.m. Tuesday, according to the New Mexico Secretary of State’s website.
Gandy had 999 votes or 45 percent. Lewis had 989 votes also at 45 percent.
The winner replaces incumbent Jimmy Mason who decided not to seek a second term.
Eddy County Clerk Cara Cook said the Eddy County Board of County Commissioners will canvass the votes on June 9.