Cross retains judge seat; Sanchez new sheriff

Jun. 11—Benjamin Cross retained his 9th Judicial District judge's seat, Stephen Whittington topped a field of four to win Clovis' Division 2 magistrate judge's position, and Javier Sanchez handily defeated two opponents to become Roosevelt County's next sheriff.

Tuesday's primary election wrapped up months of mostly Republican debates about which candidates were most qualified to represent residents of Curry and Roosevelt counties over the next four years.

November's General Election will be anticlimactic, at least locally, with most seats likely unopposed but for two.

In Curry County, District 2 County Commission incumbent Tom Martin has said he will seek election as an independent. He will face off against political newcomer Brad Bender who was unopposed in Tuesday's Republican primary.

The most contentious November election on local ballots is likely to be for the District 64 state representative seat.

Former Clovis Mayor David Lansford announced this month he plans to seek the post as an independent. Former District Attorney Andrea Reeb was unopposed among Republicans on Tuesday for the position, which has seen major redistricting changes this year. District 64's rep, formerly selected by Clovis voters, now has constituents in Curry, Roosevelt and Chaves counties.

The region's other state representatives — Republicans Martin Zamora of Santa Rosa and Jackey Chatfield of Mosquero — are expected to be unopposed on the November ballot.

Curry County saw 22.6% of its registered voters participate in the primary election. In Roosevelt County, 29% of registered voters turned out.

Cross retains 9th judgeship

Cross, appointed Ninth Judicial District Court judge in September after Matt Chandler retired from the post, easily defeated challenger Shaun Burns — 2,408 votes to 956.

Cross said he believes he won because voters appreciate his judicial temperament and his previous experience.

He said he plans to hold the position until retirement.

"I fully believe that I am called to do this work," he said in an email. "While I serve as District Court judge, in addition to my responsibilities in the courtroom, I will also engage in proactive community programs."

Burns declined comment.

Whittington tops crowded field

Whittington credited his experience as a New Mexico State Police Officer in part for his victory over three challengers.

His police experience, he wrote in an email, was "great preparation for this new, but related position."

As a magistrate judge, he wrote, "I pledge to decide each case objectively based on facts and rule of law."

He also wrote in the email that he would consider expanding the use of video conferencing and video testimony to save on resources, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which, he wrote, "has made everything more complicated."

Whittington also said he will use his background as a building contractor and electrician to ensure that facilities under construction for magistrate judge offices at the Curry County Courthouse are "both safe and functional."

Whittington in January is slated to take the seat currently held by Shaun Burns, who did not run for re-election. Burns instead opted to run for the Ninth Judicial District Court judge position, won by Benjamin Cross.

Sanchez new sheriff in Roosevelt

Sanchez, a lieutenant with the Roosevelt County Sheriff's Department, received more than 50% of the votes in a three-candidate race, defeating Ryan Ainsworth and Darrel Chenault. With no challenger from another party, Sanchez in January will succeed Malin Parker, who is term limited.

Sanchez said he believes Roosevelt County Republican voters chose him because of his experience and qualifications after 15 years with the sheriff's department.

He believes that experience has allowed him to know the areas that need improvement and limitations due to budgeting.

Sanchez noted his work with different law enforcement and government agencies, local businesses and organizations.

"I have worked well with them and have been able to establish a good working relationship with them," Sanchez said. "I also strive to treat people fairly no matter their position."

He said he will work with county officials in hopes of securing funding so that deputies can attend more school and community events.

Other key races

The night saw several political newcomers emerge victorious.

In Curry County, Dusty Leatherwood, who owns a veterinarian supply business, won a three-person race for Commission District 3. He will succeed Chet Spear, whose term limit is up.

Hollie Barnett won a close race for Clovis' probate judge, edging Michael Wells, 1,692 votes to 1,538.

The lone Democrat on Curry County's ballot was Fidel Madrid. He ran unopposed for the District 1 County Commission seat now occupied by Robert Sandoval whose term limit is up. No Republicans filed for the position.

In Roosevelt County, Roy Criswell won a close three-way race for the commission seat in District 3. He received 186 votes, while former Commissioner Bill Cathey had 146 and Sawyer May 139.

Paul Grider retained his District 5 seat in a close contest against Glynn Wilhoit Jr., 250 votes to 215.

Vote totals are unofficial until certified by the state late this month.

Here are Tuesday's result of local races:

REPUBLICANS

District Court Judge

Shaun Burns, 956

Benjamin Cross, 2,408

CURRY COUNTY

Magistrate Judge, Division 1

Janemarie Vanderdussen, 686

Magistrate Judge, Division 2

Stephen R. Whittington, 896

Eleisa Loera Munoz, 543

Donald Thomas Sawyer, 345

Jandi A. Stanfield, 784

County Commissioner, District 2

Bradley Dean Bender, 687

County Commissioner, District 3

Norman L. Kia, 111

Lisa R. Pellegrino, 225

Dusty W. Leatherwood, 405

County Sheriff

Michael D. Reeves, 2,840

County Assessor

Randa K. Jesko, 2,737

Probate Judge

Michael R. Wells, 1,538

Hollie L. Barnett, 1,692

DEMOCRATS

County Commissioner, District 1

Fidel M. Madrid, 138

ROOSEVELT COUNTY

Magistrate Judge

Christopher A. Mitchell, Final 1,535

County Sheriff

Ryan Dude Ainsworth 234

Javier Sanchez 1,025

Darrel W. Chenault 775

County Assessor

Stevin L. Floyd, Final 1,564

County Commissioner, District 3

Sawyer Kee May 139

Billy Bob Cathey 146

Roy L. Criswell 186

County Commissioner, District 4

Tina M. Dixon, Final 251

County Commissioner, District 5

Glynn E. Wilhoit, Jr. 215

Paul E. Grider 250