Gabe Vasquez claims victory in NM Dist. 2 race against incumbent Congresswoman Yvette Herrell

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- Former Las Cruces city council Gabe Vasquez is claiming victory Wednesday after squeaking a slim lead over incumbent Yvette Herrell in New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District.

The razor-tight race had each candidate with 50% of the vote. Vasquez, a democrat, had 1,224 votes more than Herrell, the Republican candidate.

In a tweet, Vasquez said, "I could not be more proud to be elected to Congress by my fellow New Mexicans. Whether you voted for me or not, I will fight my heart out for you, because public service is a sacred responsibility that I will never take for granted."

Herrell, a former state legislator, defeated Xochitl Torres Small in 2020.

In a statement from Herrell's campaign, Herrell congratulated Vasquez on his victory. Herrell blamed democrats in Santa Fe for gerrymandering the district. She said their efforts ignored the will of the people by splitting up communities of interest and concentrating power in urban areas at the expense of rural New Mexico voices.

"While this was enough to give them a victory by less than 1% in this election, I am confident in our party's ability to retake this seat next cycle as Joe Biden's agenda continues to damage our great nation. Stay tuned," said Vasquez's statement.

I could not be more proud to be elected to Congress by my fellow New Mexicans. Whether you voted for me or not, I will fight my heart out for you, because public service is a sacred responsibility that I will never take for granted. #NM02 pic.twitter.com/50ndIYFFM0

— Gabe Vasquez (@Gabe_NM) November 9, 2022