López Askin Leads Goolsby in New Mexico Secretary Race
Doña Ana County Clerk Amanda López Askin holds a lead over Republican newcomer Ramona Goolsby as election night votes are tallied.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
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Democrat Amanda López Askin, the Doña Ana County clerk, led Republican Ramona Goolsby in the New Mexico secretary of state race as votes were tallied Tuesday night. By 10 p.m., about 664,000 votes had been counted, with López Askin holding 61% to Goolsby's 39%, according to the Secretary of State's Office.
Why it matters
If the lead holds, López Askin would be the first Democratic woman from Southern New Mexico to win a statewide race. The result would place a county clerk with election administration experience in charge of the state's elections office.
The players
Amanda López Askin
Doña Ana County clerk and Democratic candidate for New Mexico secretary of state, who would be the first Democratic woman from Southern New Mexico to win a statewide race.
Ramona Goolsby
Republican political newcomer running against López Askin in the New Mexico secretary of state race.
Gabe Vasquez
U.S. Representative whose watch party in Las Cruces hosted López Askin's victory speech.
The details
Results from the Secretary of State's Office trickled in Tuesday evening. López Askin delivered a victory speech at U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez's watch party in Las Cruces.
Timeline
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Election night vote tallies showed López Askin leading.
10 p.m. Tuesday: López Askin held 61% to Goolsby's 39% with about 664,000 votes counted.
Election Landscape
The race follows a pattern in which county clerks with election administration experience seek the New Mexico secretary of state post. The outcome would extend Democratic representation from Southern New Mexico in statewide offices.
The result determines who oversees election administration, voter registration, and certification of results for New Mexico voters. Residents across the state will see the outcome reflected in how the secretary of state's office runs future elections.
The takeaway
Voters tracking statewide races can follow official tallies as they are updated, since early results can shift as remaining ballots are counted.
Further reading
Explore more on the Elections section for context on New Mexico's statewide races.
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Do you trust state government to represent rural and southern New Mexico fairly?
