Trump wins New Mexico GOP primary

Donald Trump won the New Mexico Republican primary Tuesday, drawing 70.7 percent of the vote statewide, according to finalized numbers.

With all of 1,492 total precincts partially reporting, Trump had garnered 70.7 percent of the vote. He was followed by Ted Cruz (13.3 percent); John Kasich (7.6 percent); Ben Carson (3.7 percent); Jeb Bush (3.4 percent) and Carly Fiorina (1.5 percent).

The state’s twenty-four GOP delegates are awarded on a proportional basis to candidates with at least 15 percent of votes.

Follow along with KOB’s coverage of the New Mexico primary by clicking here.

His victory was to be expected in the state after he essentially locked up the Republican nomination in early May when his competitors suspended their campaigns. Trump reached the so-called “magic number” of delegates necessary to clinch the nomination late last month.

His victory comes despite denouncing New Mexico’s governor, Susana Martinez, during a rally weeks ago in Albuquerque. Hundreds of people showed up to protest Trump and his words against Mexican immigrants.

The protesters gave way to violent rioters after the rally, when people clashed with police and ran through the streets yelling, “F— Donald Trump.”

Trump warmed to Martinez days later, however, saying he “respects” her and wants her endorsement. Gov. Martinez has long been pressured to endorse or denounce him following his attacks on Mexican immigrants and Latinos.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Posted on: June 7, 2016Blair Miller