Despite the loss, Democrat Gary King was upbeat Tuesday night.
He said education and the economy are two of the biggest issues facing New Mexicans and though he has no plans to hold public office come the new year, King said both he and his running mate, Deb Haaland, are dedicated to carrying on the fight.
“She is a ground breaker, she is the highest ranking Native American woman to be running across the country," King said of his running mate. "I’m really glad that I’ve been hanging around with Deb Halland for the last while.”
Haaland, who is from Laguna Pueblo, left the crowd without a doubt that despite being a relative newcomer to politics, she is here to stay.
“I’m so proud that we got our issues out there," Halland said. "There is a lot of work to do and I’m just getting started. I can’t wait until 2016, how about you?”
The Democratic duo earned over 42 percent of votes and lost to Governor Susana Martinez and John Sanchez who won easily with 57 percent.
