Adam Evarts - Guest Reporter

Luján defeats Ronchetti to secure Senate seat vacated by Udall

In a congressional competition that was closer than expected, Democratic candidate Ben Ray Luján won the 2020 New Mexico Senate race over Republican opponent Mark Ronchetti and Libertarian Bob Walsh. The race was called by the Associated Press at 10:25 p.m. in New Mexico. Luján garnered 51% of the vote compared to Ronchetti’s 46% as of 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 4 with all precincts reporting. Walsh earned a meager 3% of the vote. Luján’s win ensures that the seat remains firmly in the blue, as the assistant speaker of the House is set to replace New Mexico statesman Tom Udall, who’s retiring after six terms in office.