SANTA FE — The contest to determine New Mexico’s next top elections official is starting to come into focus. Doña Ana County Clerk Amanda López Askin this week announced her 2026 campaign for secretary of state, becoming the first candidate in the race.

Doña Ana County clerk sets sights on Secretary of State's Office Doña Ana County Clerk Amanda López Askin is out of the gate as the first candidate to announce a bid for secretary of state. Her candidacy drew swift criticism from the Republican Party of County,