Pearce claims a ‘huge upset’ at preprimary

Steve Pearce says his nine-point win over Heather Wilson in today’s U.S. Senate GOP preprimary contest is a “huge upset.”

Pearce finished with 54.5 percent of the vote to Wilson’s 45.5 percent.

“Cynthia and I are so happy and thrilled,” Pearce said in a news release. “We did today what would have been unthinkable just a few months ago. Today’s results clearly show that I am the only candidate who has the momentum to beat Tom Udall in November.”

Over just a few months, Pearce has captured the hearts of party activists and scored a clear a decisive victory at the convention, his release states. He was formally nominated by Teresita Gonzalez and his speech was received with a standing ovation and loud applause from the delegates.

“This victory was the result of a lot of hard work and an incredible amount of support statewide,” Pearce said. “New Mexicans know the importance of steady leadership and genuine conservative values.”

“It also shows this election will be decided on ideas and the right vision for the future of New Mexico,” he said. “Tom Udall and I have significant differences. The people of New Mexico will get a clear choice between policies I believe make us more free, safe and prosperous and the kind of decisions my Democratic colleague in the House has consistently made that are bad for New Mexico and bad for the country. I continue to look forward to that debate.”