Alex Ross

Republicans Rex Wilson and John Block, along with Democrat Sarah Silva, won reelection in contested legislative races spanning Otero, Lincoln, Chaves and Doña Ana counties. Wilson secured Senate District 33 in a special election, while Block and Silva retained House Districts 51 and 53. Voters also approved legislative salaries through Constitutional Amendment 4.

Seven statewide executive offices will be on the ballot, including governor. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, is term-limited. Among those contests is an open race for New Mexico public land commissioner, featuring Republican nominee Michael Perry, a Roswell resident.

Downtown Roswell celebrated Halloween with the family-friendly Mortals and Monsters Market at Reischman Park and the annual Downtown Roswell Candy Hunt. Featuring 10 vendors, a food truck, costumes, candy, contests and entertainment, the events drew crowds of trick-or-treaters and families, with 51 local businesses participating in the Candy Hunt.

Roswell’s Carlos Medina-Molina, 19, pleaded not guilty to seven charges stemming from a Sept. 9 high-speed police pursuit. Authorities allege he drove a 2024 Ford Mustang up to 118 mph while evading officers and discarded a handgun. His jury trial is scheduled for March 9, 2027, and he remains free on his own recognizance.

A Roswell man accused of shooting at a pickup outside Murphy USA will remain jailed without bond pending trial. Joe Jacob Gonzales faces charges including shooting from a vehicle, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and firearm possession as a felon. Police say surveillance footage, vehicle evidence and a matching 9-millimeter round link him to the Oct. 1 incident.

Most residents at an Oct. 15 public meeting favored Cielo Grande Recreation Area over the Spring River Zoo grounds for Roswell’s new adult recreation center. The replacement is needed after flooding destroyed the former facility on South Missouri Avenue. FEMA approved $6.6 million for construction, but city councilors have not chosen a final location.

Roswell’s Rollin Deuces hosted the fourth annual Cars for Breast Cancer Awareness event at Cahoon Park, bringing together about 80 antique vehicles, vendors, food trucks, music and raffles. Organized by Danny and Rose Herrera, a breast cancer survivor, the fundraiser supports the Chaves County Cancer Fund and Angela Ramirez Memorial Foundation, which assist local cancer patients and families.

U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez and Republican Greg Cunningham clashed in a televised debate over affordability, crime, immigration and health care. Vasquez criticized Trump administration policies, including Medicaid and SNAP changes, while Cunningham emphasized tax cuts, border enforcement and support for law enforcement. The candidates also offered differing views on gun safety and deportations.

State Rep. Andrea Reeb, R-Clovis, resigned after a federal judge ruled her legislative seat and contractual work as a special prosecutor violated New Mexico’s constitutional separation of powers. Reeb defended her conduct, citing ethics and attorney general guidance. Democrats accused Republicans of hypocrisy, while county commissions will nominate candidates for the governor to appoint.

Republican gubernatorial nominee Gregg Hull defended his “Four Steps to Zero” proposal during a Roswell campaign stop, outlining a four-year phaseout of New Mexico’s personal income tax. The plan would require legislative approval and protect core services, while opponents say it would benefit wealthy residents. Hull faces Democrat Deb Haaland in a race polls show her leading.

U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury and Republican challenger Ndidamaka “Didi” Okpareke clashed in a televised debate over affordability, Medicaid restrictions, crime and public safety. They also discussed Stansbury’s potential testimony in New Mexico’s Epstein investigation and agreed the state is not ready for data centers, citing concerns about regulation, water security and community impacts.

Republican gubernatorial nominee Gregg Hull says he would sign legislation limiting the duration of New Mexico governors’ emergency orders and requiring legislative oversight for extensions. The proposal follows pandemic-era restrictions and prior efforts by former Rep. Greg Nibert to impose 30- or 90-day limits. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration opposes the changes, citing potential emergency response delays.