U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., has won his race against Democratic challenger Merrie Lee Soules.
Heath Haussamen / NMPolitics.net
U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M.
With 168,062 votes counted, Pearce leads 59.81 percent to 40.19 percent.
“I am honored and thankful to once again have the support of my fellow New Mexicans,” Pearce said in a campaign news release. “New Mexico has always been my home, and it is an immense privilege to be able to represent and fight for Southern New Mexico for another two years.”
Pearce has served as the state’s only Republican representative in the U.S. House since 2011. He held the seat before that from 2003-2009.
Soules conceded defeat.
“Campaigning to represent the wonderful people of this diverse district has been an honor, a privilege, and an education,” she said in a prepared statement. “I was determined to give the voters of this district the representation I believe they deserve, and I gave it my all. I’m disappointed by the outcome, but I plan to continue to work for the people of the land that I love.”
This article has been updated with Soules’ comments.