State Rep. Joe Cervantes dropped out of the 2nd district Democratic primary late last month, surprising many political observers who had viewed him as a possible frontrunner in the race to replace Rep. Steve Pearce (R), who is running for Senate.

The remaining Democratic field includes retired Presbyterian pastor Al Kissling; Doña Ana County Commissioner Bill McCamley; Roswell businessman and retired teacher Frank McKinnon; and former Lea County Commissioner Harry Teague.

The GOP primary in the Republican-leaning southern New Mexico seat also is crowded, as the winner of the June 3 contest will likely have a slight upper hand in the general election — at least at the outset of the race.

— David M. Drucker