Doña Ana County Judge Manuel Arrieta disqualified state Rep. Rebecca Dow's nominating petitions, ruling her submissions failed to comply with statutory language requirements allowing voters to review and challenge them.
Democrat Tara Jaramillo, who challenged Dow's petitions, filed the complaint, Santa Fe New Mexico reports.
Jaramillo previously held the House District 38 seat before Dow reclaimed it in a hard-fought 2024 race, following her unsuccessful gubernatorial bid and a redistricting change. The ruling leaves the district with no official candidates on the ballot, though Democrat David Mooney is mounting a write-in campaign.
Dow vowed to appeal, claiming she gathered required signatures and followed proper procedures, characterizing the decision as a "technical issue" over paperwork.
The Secretary of State's office guidance suggests Dow may not be eligible for a write-in campaign herself.
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