New Mexico voters head to the polls for state and federal primaries as Democratic and Republican nominees vie for governor and other offices, with outgoing Gov. Luján Grisham term-limited.

The race is shaped by a surge in oil and natural gas revenue that funds progressive programs and drives budget debates on universal childcare and potential tax policies.

Counties vary in when they release results, with the AP delaying projections until a scenario exists that cannot be overturned.

Vote results will roll in at different times by county, with mail and early voting reported first and in-person results released throughout the night.

Early results typically reflect mail and early in-person voting, followed by in-person Election Day tallies as the night progresses.

Officials urged voters to anticipate lines and suggested that those who register on the same day vote earlier to avoid peak wait times.

The AP will not project winners and will declare a winner only when no scenario remains for trailing candidates to close the gap; automatic recounts apply if margins meet specified thresholds.

Recount thresholds vary by office and statewide matters, with tighter margins triggering automatic recounts in some races.

Polls close at 7 p.m. Mountain Time, and the AP will declare winners in contested races for several offices, while independents may vote in either party’s primary.

Albuquerque’s Bernalillo County is pivotal, with other key counties including Doña Ana, Santa Fe, Sandoval, San Juan and Valencia.

Voters across urban and rural areas cite gubernatorial contests as central, with local concerns on crime, safety, and public lands shaping choices in places like Las Cruces and Doña Ana County.

Democrat Deb Haaland leads in fundraising and aims to become the first Native American woman governor, centering family cost relief and her state roots, while facing scrutiny over a 2014 Epstein flight.