On to the general — the people have spoken

Primary night in New Mexico was full of upsets and more than a few surprises. It is, as they say, why we play the game. The biggest local story? Two Northern New Mexico state House representatives lost their races — Rep. Carl Trujillo and Rep. Debbie Rodella, to Andrea Romero and Susan Herrera, respectively. Statewide, Stephanie Garcia Richard, a Democratic state representative, beat two men in one of the evening’s closest races. She could become the first female land commissioner in New Mexico history if she defeats GOP nominee Pat Lyons, himself a former land commissioner and current Public Regulation Commissioner.

Down in Albuquerque, Debra Haaland took the Democratic nomination for the 1st Congressional District seat by a surprising margin; she could become the first Native woman to serve in Congress. She faces Republican nominee Janice ArnoldJones and Libertarian candidate Lloyd Princeton in the fall.

In Southern New Mexico, Xochitl Torres Small won the Democratic nomination and will face GOP state Rep. Yvette Herrell, who won her own primary contest. The victories by Haaland and Torres Small mean that it’s likely two of three New Mexico House seats will be held by women.

And in the big race, gubernatorial candidate U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham put away her two male opponents early and easily — at least in terms of the margin of victory, a whopping 66 percent in a three-way race. Lujan Grisham had toiled tirelessly for months, campaigning around the state, shaking hands, speaking to groups and doing the hard work of asking people, one at a time, for their support. She will face fellow House Rep. Steve Pearce, the GOP nominee for governor (he was unopposed in the primary), in November. This contest gives voters a real choice — in governing style, approach to problem solving and in political philosophy. We look forward to a spirited debate on the issues, focusing on policy over nasty political shots (although we’re sure those will be included).

Lessons for future campaigns? Competition matters. Having strong candidates gets voters excited.

On the Democratic side, the buzz from the congressional race in Albuquerque brought people out — they wanted to be part of history, fueling Haaland’s win.

Up North, competitive state House races ignited interest, and even ugly campaigning did not deter voters. In Santa Fe County, a heated, but pleasant, campaign for sheriff and for a Santa Fe County Commission seat drew interest, as did races for district and magistrate judgeships.

Two competitive Public Regulation Commission district races saw incumbents ousted; voters did not choose industrybacked candidates and they went to the polls with a reason to vote for candidates, rather than simply against.

In Santa Fe, voters stood in line after the polls closed at 7 p.m. to cast their ballots. People wanted their voices heard.

In the end, remember this: When good people run, good people vote. Keeping this simple fact in mind will lead to greater participation in the political process — that results in victory not for a candidate or party, but for all of us. On to November.