What’s at stake in House races

Three hotly contested House races in Doña Ana County have politicos nervous. Here’s why.

Republicans currently have 28 seats in the 70-member House. The GOP believes that, if it can gain three seats, it will level the playing field.

That means 31 is the magic number.

Currently, Democrats have such an advantage on committees that they can hold meetings and retain their voting majorities even if a Democratic member has to be absent to present to another committee or for another reason. Republicans don’t hold enough seats to have that same luxury.

If they get to 31, however, that changes. It’s enough of a shift that Democrats won’t have such an advantage, and the GOP will have more say in which bills go to floor votes.

It’s about balance.

Which brings us to the three races in Doña Ana County. House Minority Whip Terry Marquardt, R-Alamogordo, is challenged by Democrat Nate Cote, and it’s a close race. The Republicans will likely need to hold this seat in order to reach 31.

Republicans are working hard to replace Rep. Andy Nuñez, D-Hatch, with GOP challenger Isaac Chavez. And with the retirement of Rep. Ed Boykin, R-Las Cruces, Democrats are also working hard to take that seat.

In addition, there are three other seats around the state the Republicans are optimistic about taking – those held by Democrats Donald Whitaker of Eunice, the retiring Joe Stell of Carlsbad, and the retired Fred Luna of Los Lunas.

Half of the hottest House races to watch are in Doña Ana County.