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| face=Arial>There is no Senate race in this state. | |
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 Incumbent |  Governor Gary Johnson(R) |
| Opponent | Former Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez(D) |
| Race outlook | Toss up |
When Republican political newcomer Gary Johnson toppled then-incumbent Bruce Johnson in 1994, it was largely with the help of Green Party candidate Roberto Mondragon, who drew 10% of the vote (Johnson's margin of victory). This year, with Johnson's mixed record in office and no Green Party candidate on the ballot, Democrats have targeted this race as one of their prime opportunities for a pick up. Their candidate, former Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, is a strong challenger who poses a real threat to Johnson. his race is very tight heading into the election. Johnson, who had never held public office prior to his election, has sought to portray himself as someone who focuses on the needs of regular people. One campaign ad seeks to show him as someone with an innovative approach to governing and highlights his open door policy under which one day a month average citizens can meet with him. He also has tried to put a positive spin on his record number of vetoes by casting himself as a maverick who puts people before the politicians by axing reckless spending. In contrast, he has tried to paint Chavez as a career politician who likes big government. Chavez has tried to depict Johnson as an anti-government extremist whose vetoes have hurt education programs and children. At the outset of the campaign, both candidates agreed refrain from negative advertising, and the two candidates have debated at least 16 times. The tone remained civil through most of the campaign, but late in the campaign there has been sparring, particularly over a harsh Republican Party radio ad which blasted Chavez=s record on crime. Johnson has distanced himself from the ad. Johnson has raised more money to date, but Chavez out raised him from June to early October. Chavez has had an influx of support from labor, and both national parties have been pumping in money as well. Johnson has a slim edge in cash-on-hand. This race is too close to call. |
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Incumbent | size=2>HEATHER WILSON (R) --age 37 Fmr State Cabinet Secretary |
| Opponents | Phillip Maloof (D) --age 31 State Senator/Wealthy Businessman Robert Anderson (Green) --age 54 College Professor/Â'96 State Rep Nominee |
| Outlook | Leans Republican |
| District Profile; | Central - Albuquerque . size=2>Representative Steve Schiff (R) died March 25; Heather Wilsonwon a special election to fill his term June 23. |
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Incumbent | JOE SKEEN (R) -- age 71 Elected 1980 |
| Opponent | Shirley Baca (D) --age 47 Fmr State Rep/'96 nominee |
| Outlook | Likely Republican |
| District Profile; | size2> South - Little Texas; Las Cruces; Roswell . 1996 House:D-44% R-56% |
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Incumbent | size=2>BILL REDMOND (R) --age 44 Elected May 1997 |
| Opponents | Tom Udall (D) --age 50 Attorney General Carol Miller (Green) --age 51 Public Health Consultant/Business |
| Outlook | Toss Up |
| District Profile; | size=2> North and East Central - Farmington; Santa Fe . 1996 House:D-40% R-43% G-17% |