New Mexico reelects Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham

By MORGAN LEE
Associated Press

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has won reelection to a second term by defeating Republican Mark Ronchetti on pledges to safeguard access to abortion and sustain public spending on social safety-net programs. Lujan Grisham’s reelection in a state with entrenched swaths of extreme poverty is likely to prolong state support for tuition-free college, expanded preschool and subsidized health care. Her victory extends a string of Democratic political victories in a heavily Hispanic and Native American state that is a major energy exporter. Democrats Maggie Toulouse Oliver, Stephanie Garcia Richard and Raul Torrez also were successful in their bids for statewide offices.