Hobbs Mayor Monty Newman has jumped into the GOP primary in the 2nd district, the Las Cruces Sun-News reported Monday, with the hopefuls angling to replace Rep. Steve Pearce (R), who is vacating his seat to run for Senate.

The southern New Mexico 2nd district is solid Republican territory and thus has generated a crowded GOP primary. Already in the race are rancher and retired banker Aubrey Dunn Jr., restaurant owner and rancher Ed Tinsley, Republican activist Bob Cornelius and Sierra County GOP Chairman Earl Greer.
— David M. Drucker