Martin Heinrich won a third term in the U.S. Senate, according to unofficial election results from the secretary of state’s office. Voters supported him Tuesday over Republican challenger Nella Domenici 55% to 45%.
“Tonight’s victory belongs to every New Mexican who shares our belief that we can build a better, brighter future for our people,” Heinrich said in a victory statement. “But even as we take in this moment, we know that our work is far from over. This election was about much more than any one campaign or candidate. It was about the future we’re building together for New Mexico.”
The Democratic senator said he plans to work on defending women’s rights, combating climate change, bringing down prescription-drug and energy costs and addressing the fentanyl crisis.
Domenici ran on lowering the cost of living and addressing what she called a “crime and drug crisis.”
When the two clashed in an Oct. 14 debate, Domenici accused Heinrich of being sexist when the senator suggested Domenici would vote for a supporter of a national abortion ban for Senate majority leader.
Heinrich said Domenici was out to buy the Senate seat with the support of “extreme Republicans.”
State Democrats have also questioned the New Mexico credentials of Domenici, a former hedge fund financial officer, whom they say owns multimillion-dollar homes in Connecticut and New York.
During the debate, Domenici, daughter of six-term Sen. Pete Domenici, said she and her husband have owned a home in Santa Fe for more than 20 years.
“Tonight, we celebrate, but tomorrow, the hard work continues,” Heinrich’s statement concluded. “Thank you again, New Mexico. Thank you for standing by me, for putting your faith and trust in me, and for believing in our shared vision. I am honored, humbled, and ready to keep fighting for our future.”
Domenici’s campaign did not respond to several requests for comment.