ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Former U.S. Attorney Damon Martinez raised the most money at the end of 2017 for an open congressional seat in central New Mexico despite entering the race late last year, reports submitted to the Federal Election Commission show.
According to the reports, Martinez raised nearly $150,000 in contribution and topped on other Democratic candidates in the fourth quarter. His campaign also reported that Martinez gave himself a $10,000 loan and had $322,848 cash on hand at the end of the reporting period.
Former University of New Mexico Law School Associate Dean Antoinette Sedillo Lopez came in second, reporting that she raised $126,105 in the fourth quarter last year. She had $347,808 cash on hand — the most of any candidate in the race — and gave herself a $50,000 loan.
She's followed by former state Democratic Party Chairwoman Debra Haaland who raised $123,994 during the same period and has $195,964 cash on hand. Records show Haaland has spent $190,129 so far which is the most by a candidate so far.
Haaland, a member of Laguna Pueblo, is seeking to become the nation's first Native American women elected to Congress.
Pat Davis, an Albuquerque city councilor, reported raising $69,869 and had $73,787 cash on hand.
Records show attorney Damian Lara raised $28,700 and had $147,494 cash on hand. The reports show that Lara has loaned his campaign $150,000 since June.
Janice Arnold-Jones, the only Republican seeking the GOP nomination, reported raising $22,638 and had $13,264 cash on hand.
The GOP has not won the seat since 2008.
Lloyd Princeton, the race's sole Libertarian candidate, reported raising no money but gave himself a $5,000 loan.
The congressional seat, which represents Albuquerque, is being vacated by U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat who is running for New Mexico governor.
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