Eddy County Undersheriff Matthew Hutchinson was the apparent winner over Victor Martinez, Jr. by more than 900 votes in the Republican Primary for Eddy County Sheriff, according to unofficial results.
Hutchinson, current chief deputy and undersheriff to Mark Cage, faced Martinez a former captain with the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force (PVDTF) and retired Eddy County Sheriff's deputy.
Hutchinson had 3,278 votes to Martinez's 2,376 votes with all 54 voter precincts reporting, according to election night results from the New Mexico Secretary of State.
"My campaign, my team, we were projecting a vision and view for the Sheriff's Office. We felt that was what the community saw and wanted. Obviously the numbers support," Hutchinson said during a telephone interview Wednesday morning.
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Cage could not seek another term as Eddy County Sheriff.
Martinez, on his Facebook campaign page, congratulated Hutchinson on the presumed victory.
“We worked very hard on this campaign and gained new friends along the way. I want to thank our campaign team, everyone who endorsed, donated, my children who stood by our side and my beautiful wife for the excellent job as our campaign manager,” read the Facebook post.
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There was no Democrat nominee for Sheriff in the Primary, meaning Hutchinson could face Libertarian winner Andrew Kennedy for the post in the November General Election. Kennedy picked up 20 votes in the Libertarian Primary.
Hutchinson said the campaign plans to take a break before beginning messaging for the General Election.
Results are not official until approved by the Eddy County Board of County Commissioners on June 14.
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Heading into the election, Martinez and Hutchinson campaigned on a number of issues, including how to combat the trafficking, sale and use of illegal substances in Eddy County.
Martinez wanted to provide more education for school children and wanted other law agencies in Eddy County to assist. Hutchinson said fighting drugs in Eddy County involved enforcement and education and wanted the PVDTF to work with federal organizations that aid Eddy County in the fight against illegal drugs.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com .
This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Matthew Hutchinson wins GOP Primary in Eddy County Sheriff race
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