Stewart wins democratic nomination for Doa Ana County sheriff, beating Vigil

With almost ten thousand votes counted, Kim Kristine Stewart still has an early lead for the democratic nomination of sheriff of Doña Ana County.

In Doña Ana County, with 120 out of 120 precincts reporting final results, democrat Kim Kristine Stewart had a the ultimate lead in the sheriff’s race when the numbers became final, just after midnight. Former undersheriff Eddie Lerma was second, followed by incumbent Enrique “Kiki” Vigil for the democratic nomination to be sheriff.

Stewart will face republican Todd Garrison, who is running unopposed in November’s election.

Final votes for the democratic nomination of Doña Ana County sheriff: Kim Kristine Stewart (D) – 31.71% – 3,797 Edward Eddie Lerma (D) – 28.10% – 3,365 Enrique “Kiki” Vigil (D) – 26.16% – 3,132 Carlos Preciado (D) – 7.98% – 956 Larry Anthony Roybal (D) – 6.05% – 724 About the top three candidates: Enrique “Kiki” Vigil:

Incumbent Doña Ana County sheriff, elected in 2014. Helped get raises for his deputies in late 2017. Faced allegations of overtime in his department. Recently fired his undersheriff in connection with a sexual harassment case.

Edward “Eddie” Lerma:

Former Doña Ana County undersheriff for Sheriff Vigil, who was fired and sued the county alleging a violation of the Whistleblower Protection Act. More than 40 years experience in law enforcement, having served in three prior administrations of the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office.

Kim Stewart:

Former internal investigator for Doña Ana County, who sued the county and won $1.2 million for another whistleblower lawsuit. Her background includes law enforcement work in California, where she worked on the Golden State Killer case, a man wanted for 12 murders and 50 rapes throughout California.