South ABQ News

New Mexico Republicans have released their slate of 2020 candidates they hope will help flip the Democratic-led House, and the list is one of the most diverse in history including women, Native Americans and Hispanics. 

Republican Party of New Mexico chairman Steve Pearcy announced that 113 candidates had been recruited for 101 races in the June primary. 

Republicans have been attempting to make their way into the Hispanic and Native American communities since the 2018 election, a time of power shift which saw a new Democratic governor and an expanded presence in the House. Democrats have recently faced pushback in response to red-flag gun laws that allow law enforcement to confiscate firearms from individuals deemed to be a danger.

Republican House Minority Leader James Townsend said House Democrats had moved the state too far left, advocating for tax breaks to Hollywood production companies instead of supporting New Mexico values. 

House Speaker Brian Egolf believes that Democrats will hold and expand their majority in the House.

“I know what it takes to win back the House,” Egolf said to the Washington Times. “Absolutely, Republicans don’t have what it takes.”

Egolf said there are strong Democrat candidates in each of the swing districts that will challenge their Republican opponents. Egolf said another negative for Republicans is that they're affiliated with President Donald Trump, who isn't very popular in New Mexico.

A former conservative Democrat Dinah Vargas has switched to the Republican side and is running against Rep. Andres Romero. The tattooed activist who protested police shootings said she is picking up the baton because she feels Democrats aren't addressing the needs of poor residents.

Audrey Trujillo is also taking on a well-known Democrat, Rep. Damon Ely in Corrales. 

“I’m running because I think Democrats are bringing us socialism,”  Trujillo said. “Their spending is hurting small businesses. It’s time to fight back.”