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Democrats Turn Out For Crowded Primary Races In Albuquerque

Hannah Colton / KUNM
A steady stream of voters arrived Tuesday afternoon to the polls at 98th and Central in Albuquerque.

It was a party-like atmosphere at the 98th and Central polling location on Tuesday afternoon. The line to vote stretched out the door. Groups of campaign volunteers waved signs, and at least two candidates were out shaking hands.

Desiree Vargas-Crespin voted for Jeff Apodaca, one of the three Democratic candidates for governor. As a public school teacher, she said one of her biggest concerns is education. 

"Just getting more funding out there," said Vargas-Crespin. "And medical cannabis as well. I had family members in the past with breast cancer and I think maybe that would have helped them.” 

Credit Hannah Colton / KUNM
Desiree Vargas-Crespins is a public school teacher and a registered Democrat in Albuquerque.

Mona Middleton is retired from the federal government and volunteers as an advocate for senior citizens. She says she supported Michelle Lujan Grisham.

“I’d like to see some change in this state," Middleton said. "Some of the issues of childcare and child abuse, they’re really bad here.” 

The third Democratic candidate for governor is Joseph Cervantes. 

The Democracy primary race for Congressional District 1 is even more crowded, with five Dems hoping to go to D.C. For voter James Whitsell, that choice was a bit overwhelming. 

“I haven’t really fully decided yet," he said. "I've gotten educated on everybody's positions, but I won't really know until I get in there and weigh the issues.”

Some Democrats said ultimately, they turned out to express their opposition to Donald Trump and the Republican party. 

Hannah served as news director at KUNM and reported on education, Albuquerque politics, and anything public health-related. She died in November 2020.
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