By Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press
June 3, 2020
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two key leaders in the New Mexico Senate have lost their primary bids amid a push by liberal advocacy groups to unseat Democratic lawmakers who have resisted their progressive agenda.
Senate President Mary Kay Papen of Las Cruces and Senate finance committee leader John Arthur Smith of Deming were defeated as more votes were tallied Wednesday, marking what will be a significant power shift in the state Legislature.
A member of the Senate since 2001, Papen hadn’t faced a primary opponent in years.
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