# 2012 New Mexico Senate election

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The 2012 New Mexico Senate election took place as part of the biennial United States elections. New Mexico voters elected state senators in all 42 of the state senate's districts. State senators serve four-year terms in the New Mexico Senate. The election coincided with elections for other offices, including for U.S. President, U.S. Senate, U.S House, and state house.
A primary election on June 5, 2012, determined which candidates appeared on the November 6th general election ballot.

## Results summary

| District | Incumbent | Party | Party | Elected senator | Party |
| 1 | William Sharer | | Rep | William Sharer | Rep |
| 2 | Steven Neville | | Rep | Steven Neville | Rep |
| 3 | John Pinto | | Dem | John Pinto | Dem |
| 4 | George Muñoz | | Dem | George Muñoz | Dem |
| 5 | Richard Martinez | | Dem | Richard Martinez | Dem |
| 6 | Carlos Cisneros | | Dem | Carlos Cisneros | Dem |
| 7 | Clinton Harden | | Rep | Pat Woods | Rep |
| 8 | Pete Campos | | Dem | Pete Campos | Dem |
| 9 | John Sapien | | Dem | John Sapien | Dem |
| 10 | John Ryan | | Rep | John Ryan | Rep |
| 11 | Linda Lopez | | Dem | Linda Lopez | Dem |
| 12 | Jerry Ortiz y Pino | | Dem | Jerry Ortiz y Pino | Dem |
| 12 | Eric Griego | | Dem | Jerry Ortiz y Pino | Dem |
| 13 | Dede Feldman | | Dem | Bill O'Neill | Dem |
| 14 | New Seat | New Seat | New Seat | Michael Padilla | Dem |
| 15 | Tim Eichenberg | | Dem | Daniel Ivey-Soto | Dem |
| 16 | Cisco McSorley | | Dem | Cisco McSorley | Dem |
| 17 | Tim Keller | | Dem | Tim Keller | Dem |
| 18 | Mark Boitano | | Rep | Lisa Torraco | Rep |
| 19 | Sue Wilson Beffort | | Rep | Sue Wilson Beffort | Rep |
| 20 | William Payne | | Rep | William Payne | Rep |
| 21 | Lisa Curtis | | Dem | Mark Moores | Rep |
| 22 | Lynda Lovejoy | | Dem | Benny Shendo | Dem |
| 23 | Sander Rue | | Rep | Sander Rue | Rep |
| 24 | Nancy Rodriguez | | Dem | Nancy Rodriguez | Dem |
| 25 | Peter Wirth | | Dem | Peter Wirth | Dem |
| 26 | Bernadette Sanchez | | Dem | Jacob Candelaria | Dem |
| 27 | Stuart Ingle | | Rep | Stuart Ingle | Rep |
| 28 | Howie Morales | | Dem | Howie Morales | Dem |
| 29 | Michael Sanchez | | Dem | Michael Sanchez | Dem |
| 30 | David Ulibarri | | Dem | Clemente Sanchez | Dem |
| 31 | Cynthia Nava | | Dem | Joe Cervantes | Dem |
| 32 | Timothy Jennings | | Dem | Cliff Pirtle | Rep |
| 33 | Rod Adair | | Rep | William Burt | Rep |
| 33 | William Burt | | Rep | William Burt | Rep |
| 34 | Vernon Asbill | | Rep | Ron Griggs | Rep |
| 35 | John Arthur Smith | | Dem | John Arthur Smith | Dem |
| 36 | Mary Jane Garcia | | Dem | Lee Cotter | Rep |
| 37 | Stephen Fischmann | | Dem | William Soules | Dem |
| 38 | Mary Kay Papen | | Dem | Mary Kay Papen | Dem |
| 39 | Phil Griego | | Dem | Phil Griego | Dem |
| 40 | New Seat | New Seat | New Seat | Craig Brandt | Rep |
| 41 | Carroll Leavell | | Rep | Carroll Leavell | Rep |
| 42 | Gay Kernan | | Rep | Gay Kernan | Rep |
| Party | Party | Candi- dates | Votes | Votes | Seats | Seats | Seats |
| Party | Party | Candi- dates | No. | % | No. | +/– | % |
| | Democratic | 34 | 380,509 | 57.13% | 25 | 3 | 59.52% |
| | Republican | 27 | 273,676 | 41.09% | 17 | 3 | 40.48% |
| | Independent | 2 | 11,899 | 1.79% | 0 | | 0.00% |
| Total | Total | 63 | 666,084 | 100% | 42 | | 100% |
Popular vote
Democratic
57.13%
Republican
41.09%
Independent
1.79% :
Senate seats
Democratic
59.52%
Republican
40.48% :

### Retiring incumbents

* Clinton Harden (R-District 7)
* Eric Griego (D-District 12)
* Dede Feldman (D-District 13)
* Tim Eichenberg (D-District 15)
* Mark Boitano (R-District 18)
* Bernadette Sanchez (D-District 26)
* Cynthia Nava (D-District 31)
* Rod Adair (R-District 33)
* Vernon Asbill (R-District 34)
* Stephen Fischmann (D-District 37)

### Incumbents defeated in the primary election

* Lynda Lovejoy (D-District 22), defeated by Benny Shendo (D)
* David Ulibarri (D-District 30), defeated by Clemente Sanchez (D)

### Incumbents defeated in the general election

* Lisa Curtis (D-District 21), defeated by Mark Moores (R)
* Timothy Jennings (D-District 32), defeated by Cliff Pirtle (R)
* Mary Jane Garcia (D-District 36), defeated by Lee Cotter (R)

## Detailed results

Source for primary election results: Source for general election results:

### District 1

Incumbent Republican William Sharer has represented the 1st district since 2001.
New Mexico Senate 1st district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | William Sharer (incumbent) | 11,212 | 70.76% |
| | Democratic | Matt Dodson | 4,633 | 29.24% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 15,845 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 2

Incumbent Republican Steven Neville has represented the 2nd district since 2005.
New Mexico Senate 2nd district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Steven Neville (incumbent) | 14,168 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 14,168 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 3

Incumbent Democrat John Pinto has represented the 3rd district since 1977. Democratic primary
New Mexico Senate 3rd district Democratic primary election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John Pinto (incumbent) | 2,709 | 72.01% |
| | Democratic | Matthew Tso | 1,053 | 27.99% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 3,762 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 3rd district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John Pinto (incumbent) | 12,578 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 12,578 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 4

Incumbent Democrat George Muñoz has represented the 4th district since 2009. Democratic primary
New Mexico Senate 4th district Democratic primary election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | George Muñoz (incumbent) | 2,614 | 56.31% |
| | Democratic | Genevieve Jackson | 1,708 | 36.79% |
| | Democratic | Charles Rountree | 320 | 6.89% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 4,642 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 4th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | George Muñoz (incumbent) | 11,673 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 11,673 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 5

Incumbent Democrat Richard Martinez has represented the 5th district since 2001. Democratic primary
New Mexico Senate 5th district Democratic primary election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Richard Martinez (incumbent) | 4,721 | 57.62% |
| | Democratic | Alfredo Montoya | 3,473 | 42.38% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 8,194 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 5th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Richard Martinez (incumbent) | 15,255 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 15,255 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 6

Incumbent Democrat Carlos Cisneros has represented the 6th district since 1985.
New Mexico Senate 6th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Carlos Cisneros (incumbent) | 17,613 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 17,613 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 7

Incumbent Republican Clinton Harden has represented the 7th district since 2003. Harden didn't seek re-election and fellow Republican Pat Woods won the open seat. Republican primary
New Mexico Senate 7th district Republican primary election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Pat Woods | 2,296 | 51.97% |
| | Republican | Angela Spears | 1,997 | 45.20% |
| | Republican | Mark Myers | 125 | 2.83% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 4,418 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 7th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Pat Woods | 12,595 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 12,595 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 8

Incumbent Democrat Pete Campos has represented the 8th district since 1991. State Representative Thomas Garcis unsuccessfully challenged Campos for the Democratic nomination. Democratic primary
New Mexico Senate 8th district Democratic primary election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Pete Campos (incumbent) | 5,376 | 62.06% |
| | Democratic | Thomas Garcia | 3,286 | 37.94% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 8,662 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 8th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Pete Campos (incumbent) | 15,820 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 15,820 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 9

Incumbent Democrat John Sapien has represented the 9th district since 2009. Democratic primary
New Mexico Senate 9th district Democratic primary election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John Sapien (incumbent) | 2,270 | 55.31% |
| | Democratic | Benjamin Hayden Rodefer | 1,834 | 44.69% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 4,104 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 9th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John Sapien (incumbent) | 11,654 | 50.35% |
| | Republican | David Doyle | 11,492 | 49.65% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 23,146 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 10

Incumbent Republican John Ryan has represented the 10th district since 2005.
New Mexico Senate 10th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John Ryan (incumbent) | 10,063 | 54.29% |
| | Independent | Joseph Carraro | 8,474 | 45.71% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 18,537 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 11

Incumbent Democrat Linda Lopez has represented the 11th district since 1997.
New Mexico Senate 11th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Linda Lopez (incumbent) | 8,346 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 8,346 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 12

The new 12th district includes the homes of incumbent Democrats Jerry Ortiz y Pino, who has represented the 12th district since 2005, and Eric Griego, who has represented the 14th district since 2009. Griego retired to run for Congress while Ortiz y Pino was re-elected here.
New Mexico Senate 12th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Jerry Ortiz y Pino (incumbent) | 13,341 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 13,341 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 13

Incumbent Democrat Dede Feldman has represented the 13th district since 1997. Feldman didn't seek re-election and fellow Democrat Bill O'Neill won the open seat. Democratic primary
New Mexico Senate 13th district Democratic primary election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Bill O'Neill | 2,620 | 52.98% |
| | Democratic | Carlos Cordova | 1,362 | 27.54% |
| | Democratic | Chris Catechis | 963 | 19.47% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 4,945 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 13th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Bill O'Neill | 15,516 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 15,516 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 14

The new 14th district is based in southwestern Bernalillo County and includes much of South Valley. The district has no incumbent. Democrat Michael Padilla won the open seat. Democratic primary
New Mexico Senate 14th district Democratic primary election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Michael Padilla | 1,065 | 40.54% |
| | Democratic | Eleanor Chavez | 798 | 30.38% |
| | Democratic | James Taylor | 764 | 29.08% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,627 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 14th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Michael Padilla | 8,258 | 70.68% |
| | Independent | Robert Schiller | 3,425 | 29.32% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 11,683 | 100% |
| | Democratic win (new seat) | Democratic win (new seat) | Democratic win (new seat) | Democratic win (new seat) |

### District 15

Incumbent Democrat Tim Eichenberg has represented the 15th district since 2009. Eichenberg didn't seek re-election and fellow Democrat Daniel Ivey-Soto won the open seat.
New Mexico Senate 15th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Daniel Ivey-Soto | 10,927 | 52.89% |
| | Republican | Diane Snyder | 9,733 | 47.11% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 20,660 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 16

Incumbent Democrat Cisco McSorley has represented the 16th district since 1997.
New Mexico Senate 16th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Cisco McSorley (incumbent) | 16,636 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 16,636 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 17

Incumbent Democrat Tim Keller has represented the 17th district since 2009.
New Mexico Senate 17th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Tim Keller (incumbent) | 7,481 | 64.84% |
| | Republican | Shannon Robinson | 4,057 | 35.16% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 11,538 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 18

Incumbent Republican Mark Boitano has represented the 18th district since 1997. Boitano didn't seek re-election and fellow Republican Lisa Torraco won the open seat. Republican primary
New Mexico Senate 18th district Republican primary election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Lisa Torraco | 2,045 | 61.04% |
| | Republican | Gerges Scott | 1,305 | 38.96% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 3,350 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 18th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Lisa Torraco | 12,092 | 51.81% |
| | Democratic | Bill Tallman | 11,248 | 48.19% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 23,340 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 19

Incumbent Republican Sue Wilson Beffort has represented the 19th district since 1997.
New Mexico Senate 19th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Sue Wilson Beffort (incumbent) | 17,546 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 17,546 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 20

Incumbent Republican William Payne has represented the 20th district since 1997.
New Mexico Senate 20th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | William Payne (incumbent) | 13,626 | 56.13% |
| | Democratic | Cornelia Lange | 10,651 | 43.87% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 24,277 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 21

Incumbent Democrat Lisa Curtis has represented the 21st district since her appointment in 2012 following the resignation of Republican Kent Cravens. Curtis lost re-election to Republican Mark Moores. Republican primary
New Mexico Senate 21st district Republican primary election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Mark Moores | 2,020 | 49.88% |
| | Republican | Robert Doughty III | 1,186 | 29.28% |
| | Republican | Nancy Cooper | 844 | 20.84% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 4,050 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 21st district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Mark Moores | 14,067 | 56.64% |
| | Democratic | Lisa Curtis (incumbent) | 10,768 | 43.36% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 24,835 | 100% |
| | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic |

### District 22

Incumbent Democrat Lynda Lovejoy has represented the 22nd district since 2007. Lovejoy lost re-nomination to fellow Democrat Benny Shendo, who was unopposed in the general election. Democratic primary
New Mexico Senate 22nd district Democratic primary election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Benny Shendo | 1,989 | 40.88% |
| | Democratic | Lynda Lovejoy (incumbent) | 1,776 | 36.50% |
| | Democratic | Joshua Madalena | 752 | 15.45% |
| | Democratic | Anthony Begay | 349 | 7.17% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 4,866 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 22nd district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Benny Shendo | 12,051 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 12,051 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 23

Incumbent Republican Sander Rue has represented the 23rd district since 2009.
New Mexico Senate 23rd district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Sander Rue (incumbent) | 14,327 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 14,327 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 24

Incumbent Democrat Nancy Rodriguez has represented the 24th district since 1997.
New Mexico Senate 24th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Nancy Rodriguez (incumbent) | 15,568 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 15,568 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 25

Incumbent Democrat Peter Wirth has represented the 25th district since 2009.
New Mexico Senate 25th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Peter Wirth (incumbent) | 26,128 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 26,128 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 26

Incumbent Democrat Bernadette Sanchez has represented the 26th district since 2001. Sanchez didn't seek re-election and fellow Democrat Jacob Candelaria won the open seat. Democratic primary
New Mexico Senate 26th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Jacob Candelaria | 1,835 | 68.91% |
| | Democratic | Carlos Jose Villanueva | 828 | 31.09% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,663 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 26th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Jacob Candelaria | 11,463 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 11,463 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 27

Incumbent Republican Minority Leader Stuart Ingle has represented the 27th district since 1985.
New Mexico Senate 27th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Stuart Ingle (incumbent) | 12,088 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 12,088 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 28

Incumbent Democrat Howie Morales has represented the 28th district since 2009.
New Mexico Senate 28th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Howie Morales (incumbent) | 15,702 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 15,702 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 29

Incumbent Democrat and Majority Leader Michael Sanchez has represented the 29th district since 1993.
New Mexico Senate 29th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Michael Sanchez (incumbent) | 9,001 | 55.43% |
| | Republican | David Chavez | 7,237 | 44.57% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 16,238 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 30

Incumbent Democrat David Ulibarri has represented the 30th district since 2006. Ulibari lost re-nomination to fellow Democrat Clemente Sanchez, who went on to win the general election. Democratic primary
New Mexico Senate 30th district Democratic primary election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Clemente Sanchez | 1,235 | 31.08% |
| | Democratic | Maxine Velasquez | 1,226 | 30.85% |
| | Democratic | David Ulibarri (incumbent) | 889 | 22.37% |
| | Democratic | Randolph Marshall Collins | 624 | 15.70% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 3,974 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 30th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Clemente Sanchez | 8,844 | 53.03% |
| | Republican | Vickie Perea | 7,833 | 46.97% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 16,677 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 31

Incumbent Democrat Cynthia Nava has represented the 31st district since 1993. Nava didn't seek re-election and fellow Democrat Joe Cervantes won the open seat. Democratic primary
New Mexico Senate 31st district Democratic primary election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joe Cervantes | 960 | 61.46% |
| | Democratic | Jesus Ruben Segura | 602 | 38.54% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,562 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 31st district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joe Cervantes | 7,513 | 68.26% |
| | Republican | Brett Preston | 3,493 | 31.74% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 11,006 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 32

Incumbent Democrat and President Pro Tempore Timothy Jennings has represented the 32nd district since 1979. Jennings lost re-election to Republican Cliff Pirtle. Republican primary
New Mexico Senate 32nd district Republican primary election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Cliff Pirtle | 1,018 | 50.22% |
| | Republican | Chad Hammill | 1,009 | 49.78% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,027 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 32nd district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Cliff Pirtle | 5,930 | 52.26% |
| | Democratic | Timothy Jennings (incumbent) | 5,418 | 47.74% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 11,348 | 100% |
| | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic |

### District 33

The new 33rd district includes the homes of incumbent Republicans Rod Adair, who has represented the 33rd district since 1997, and William Burt, who has represented the 40th district since 2011. Adair didn't seek re-election and Burt was re-elected here.
New Mexico Senate New Mexico Senate 33rd district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | William Burt (incumbent) | 12,292 | 65.31% |
| | Democratic | Stephanie Dubois | 6,530 | 34.69% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 18,822 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 34

Incumbent Republican Vernon Asbill has represented the 34th district since 2005. Asbill didn't seek re-election and fellow Republican Ron Griggs won the open seat. Republican primary
New Mexico Senate 34th district Republican primary election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Ron Griggs | 1,783 | 57.53% |
| | Republican | Sarah Dion Kidd-Johnson | 1,316 | 42.47% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 3,099 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 34th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Ron Griggs | 9,647 | 67.67% |
| | Democratic | Ellen Wedum | 4,610 | 32.33% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 14,257 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 35

Incumbent Democrat John Arthur Smith has represented the 35th district since 1989. Democratic primary
New Mexico Senate 35th district Democratic primary election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John Arthur Smith (incumbent) | 2,031 | 56.00% |
| | Democratic | Larry Martinez | 1,596 | 44.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 3,627 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 35th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John Arthur Smith (incumbent) | 10,446 | 60.97% |
| | Republican | Russell Allen | 6,688 | 39.03% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 17,134 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 36

Incumbent Democrat Mary Jane Garcia has represented the 36th district since 1989. Garcia lost re-election to Republican Lee Cotter. Democratic primary
New Mexico Senate 36th district Democratic primary election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Mary Jane Garcia (incumbent) | 1,355 | 57.98% |
| | Democratic | Oscar Vasquez Butler | 982 | 42.02% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,337 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 36th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Lee Cotter | 9,146 | 53.89% |
| | Democratic | Mary Jane Garcia (incumbent) | 7,826 | 46.11% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 16,972 | 100% |
| | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic |

### District 37

Incumbent Democrat Stephen Fischmann has represented the 37th district since 2009. Fischmann didn't seek re-election and fellow Democrat William Soules won the open seat.
New Mexico Senate 37th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | William Soules | 9,330 | 52.16% |
| | Republican | Cathey Jo Alberson | 8,557 | 47.84% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 17,887 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 38

Incumbent Democrat Mary Kay Papen has represented the 38th district since 2001.
New Mexico Senate 38th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Mary Kay Papen (incumbent) | 9,464 | 66.43% |
| | Republican | Neal Hooks | 4,783 | 33.57% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 14,247 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 39

Incumbent Democrat Phil Griego has represented the 39th district since 1997. Democratic primary
New Mexico Senate 39th district Democratic primary election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Phil Griego (incumbent) | 1,884 | 43.55% |
| | Democratic | Jack Sullivan | 1,434 | 33.15% |
| | Democratic | Nicole Castellano | 1,008 | 23.30% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 4,326 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 39th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Phil Griego (incumbent) | 10,148 | 55.32% |
| | Republican | Aubrey Dunn Jr. | 8,195 | 44.68% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 18,343 | 100% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 40

The new 40th district is based in southwestern Sandoval County and includes much of Rio Rancho. The district has no incumbent. Republican Craig Brandt won the open seat. Republican primary
New Mexico Senate 40th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Craig Brandt | 1,363 | 62.18% |
| | Republican | R. Morgan Braden | 829 | 37.82% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,192 | 100% |
General election
New Mexico Senate 40th district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Craig Brandt | 9,982 | 55.30% |
| | Democratic | Linda Allison | 8,069 | 44.70% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 18,051 | 100% |
| | Republican win (new seat) | Republican win (new seat) | Republican win (new seat) | Republican win (new seat) |

### District 41

Incumbent Republican Carroll Leavell has represented the 41st district since 1997.
New Mexico Senate 41st district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Carroll Leavell (incumbent) | 8,413 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 8,413 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 42

Incumbent Republican Gay Kernan has represented the th district since 2002.
New Mexico Senate 42nd district general election, 2012 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Gay Kernan (incumbent) | 14,414 | 100% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 14,414 | 100% |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |