Luján wins Senate seat

Luján took an early lead Tuesday as ballots began being counted, and held a narrow lead throughout the evening. The Associated Press declared Luján the winner just before 10 p.m.

Luján won 51 percent of the vote, according to unofficial vote counts from the Secretary of State’s Office. Ronchetti captured 46 percent of the vote, with Walsh taking 3 percent.

Prior to running for the U.S. Senate, Luján served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives as New Mexico’s congressman for the 3rd Congressional District.

Ronchetti, who previously worked as a meteorologist for KRQE-TV in Albuquerque, regularly highlighted his role as a political newcomer and aligned himself with President Donald Trump on issues like building a wall along the Mexico-U.S. border.

Conversely, Luján touted his experience and record in congress, and called for support of the Affordable Care Act, along with support for protecting health care for those with pre-existing conditions.

Soon after the Associated Press declared Luján the winner, he gave a victory speech from his family home in Nambé, with members of his family at his side.

“This year hasn’t been easy,” Luján said. “But know this: As your U.S. Senator, I will not stop fighting … to help you recover and rebuild from this pandemic.”

Luján also spoke of the experience he gained by working the land while growing up in northern New Mexico, and he invoked the work of other state leaders who have faced adversity.

“Tonight, we reflect and we celebrate,” Luján said. “Tomorrow, we get to work.”

Just before midnight Tuesday, Ronchetti said on Twitter that he had called Luján to congratulate him.

“I’m humbled by the outpouring of support I received from New Mexicans throughout the campaign,” Ronchetti said in a tweet Tuesday.

Luján will fill the seat vacated by Democratic incumbent Tom Udall who announced last year he would not seek reelection for a third term.