By KRWG News
New Mexico – SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) New Mexico Republicans have fielded more challengers against Democratic incumbents in state House races than they have in a decade.
Democratic incumbents face GOP candidates in 25 legislative races this year.
Democrats have maintained a majority in the House for nearly 60 years.
This year is a critical election for both parties because of redistricting.
The Legislature will redraw boundaries of House and Senate districts next year using population data from the 2010 census. The new districts and whether they favor candidates from one party will influence the outcome of elections and policy decisions in the Legislature for the next decade.
Democrats currently have a 45-25 advantage in the House. Senators aren't up for re-election until 2012.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.