Two recounts ordered in NM legislative races

Recounts are set to start next week in two close New Mexico legislative races that will determine the strength of the Democratic majority in the state House of Representatives. 

The state Canvassing Board on Tuesday ordered the recounts to start Dec. 4. The recounts are required under state law because the margin between the candidates is less than one-half of 1 percent. 

There’s a tie in a Southern New Mexico race between Republican Rep. Terry McMillan and Democrat Joanne Ferrary, both of Las Cruces. Each received 6,247 votes, according to results certified by the board. The district covers portions of Doña Ana County. 

There was a 66-vote margin in a race for an Albuquerque-area House seat, with Republican Paul Pacheco of Albuquerque leading Democrat Marci Blaze of Corrales. The district covers parts of Sandoval and Bernalillo counties. 

Two recounts ordered in NM legislative races