Primary battle likely in ABQ House district
SANTA FE — A 2020 Republican primary battle is brewing in a historically GOPleaning state House district in Albuquerque that was won by a Democrat last year.
Robert Godshall, a retired federal immigration officer, recently announced he plans to run next year for House District 27, which encompasses a swath of the Northeast Heights.
Godshall, who cited a tougher approach to crime and diversifying the state’s economy as top priorities, if elected, narrowly lost a race for the seat last year to Rep. Bill Pratt, a Democrat. Pratt does not plan to seek re-election next year because of a physical impairment.
Another Republican, business owner and foster families advocate Jill Michel has already launched a campaign for the House seat, setting up a potential June 2020 primary showdown.
At least one Democrat, former state insurance superintendent Donald Letherer, is also planning to run in the district.
The House District 27 seat was long held by Republican Larry Larrañaga, who served for nearly 24 years before his death in 2018.
All 112 legislative seats will be up for election next year. Democrats currently hold a 46-24 majority in the House, after picking up eight seats in last year’s election cycle.
ABORTION RIGHTS: A national group that backs female Democrats who support abortion rights has endorsed 11 incumbent New Mexico lawmakers.
The group, Emily’s List, announced the endorsements Thursday, describing the candidates as “proven fighters” for issues including women’s reproductive freedom and assistance for working families.
The endorsements could lead to financial campaign backing for the 11 lawmakers. Emily’s List — along with its affiliated political committee — has in past years given hefty campaign contributions to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver and other candidates.
In addition, an independent expenditure committee affiliated with Emily’s List launched a television ad last year targeting Lujan Grisham’s opponent, Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Pearce.
The 11 candidates endorsed Thursday are Reps. Liz Thomson of Albuquerque, Melanie Stansbury of Albuquerque, Joy Garratt of Albuquerque, Andrea Romero of Santa Fe, Karen Bash of Albuquerque, Natalie Figueroa of Albuquerque, Joanne Ferrary of Las Cruces, Dayan HochmanVigil of Albuquerque, and Christine Chandler of Los Alamos; and Sens. Liz Stefanics of Cerrillos and Antoinette Sedillo-Lopez of Albuquerque.
Abortion has been a hot-button issue at the Roundhouse in recent years, and a bill that would have repealed a longdormant New Mexico abortion ban passed the House during this year’s 60-day legislative session but died in the Senate when eight Democrats joined Republicans in casting “no” votes.