State Rep. Berry takes lead over incumbent in Albuquerque mayor’s race

Berry leads Albuquerque mayoral race

ALBUQUERQUE — Mayor Martin Chavez appeared on his way out late Tuesday, as state Rep. Richard Berry told supporters he will be Albuquerque’s next mayor.

With 95 percent of precincts reporting, unofficial returns showed Berry leading with more than 43 percent of the vote. Chavez had 35 percent and former state Senate President Pro Tem Richard Romero trailed with 21 percent. Berry must win by at least 40 percent to avoid a Nov. 24 runoff election.

“Hey, we did it!” Berry told a raucous crowd at an Albuquerque hotel.

Chavez campaign spokeswoman Joanie Griffin says vote totals were trending toward a clear win for Berry. While Chavez didn’t concede the race late Tuesday, Griffin says, he promised a smooth transition if Berry wins.

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

ALBUQUERQUE (AP) — 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.