Early returns show incumbent trailing state representative in Albuquerque mayoral race

State representative leads Albuquerque mayor race

ALBUQUERQUE — Early returns show Martin Chavez trailing a state representative in his bid for an unprecedented fourth term as Albuquerque’s mayor.

Poll workers began counting the ballots Tuesday night.

With half the precincts reporting, Rep. Richard Berry held the lead with nearly 41 percent of the vote. Chavez had about 36 percent, and former state Senate President Pro Tem Richard Romero had 23 percent.

Chavez paved the way for his campaign by asking a judge to overturn the term-limits law in the city charter. His candidacy has been compared to that of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who asked the City Council to reverse term limits so he could run again this year.

Berry is a general contractor who is serving his second term in the state Legislature.

Tuesday’s victor needs to win by 40 percent to avoid a Nov. 24 runoff between the two top finishers.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

ALBUQUERQUE (AP) — State Rep. Richard Berry has taken an early lead in his bid for Albuquerque mayor.

Poll workers began counting ballots in the municipal election Tuesday night.

Unofficial returns with 21 percent of the precincts reporting show Berry leading with 40 percent of the votes. Mayor Martin Chavez has nearly 36 percent, and former state Senate President Pro Tem Richard Romero has 24 percent.

Chavez is seeking an unprecedented fourth term.

He paved the way for his campaign by asking a judge to overturn the term-limits law in the city charter. His candidacy has been compared to that of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who asked the City Council to reverse term limits so he could run again this year.

One candidate in the Albuquerque race must get 40 percent of the votes to avoid a Nov. 24 runoff between the two top finishers.