New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver announced Thursday she intends to suspend her campaign for lieutenant governor, citing recent changes to her health. Her exit now creates a sudden vacancy on the Democratic ticket and sets off an urgent internal contest to choose a replacement ahead of the general election.

Democratic Scramble

Toulouse Oliver’s decision comes just two weeks after she won the Democratic primary in a landslide, capturing 80% of the vote and raising more than $253,000 during the campaign. The Democratic Party of New Mexico confirmed that the party’s State Central Committee will select a replacement for Toulouse Oliver on the ticket.

Deb Haaland, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, will likely play a significant role in selecting her new running mate. Sen. Harold Pope Jr., who finished second to Toulouse Oliver in the primary, told KOAT on Thursday he intends to seek his party’s support for the job.

The New Mexico Republican Party criticized the Democratic Party’s process for selecting a replacement, comparing it to the 2024 presidential election when Joe Biden was replaced by Kamala Harris after the primary. Whoever Democrats choose as Toulouse Oliver’s replacement will face Republican candidates Gregg Hull, former Rio Rancho mayor, and state Sen. David Gallegos in the Nov. 3 general election.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.