Wilson and Heinrich to face off

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Results in the race to become the candidate for fall election who will then represent New Mexico in the U.S. Senate was determined Tuesday night. It will be former Republican Representative Heather Wilson going up against the man who took her old job, Democratic Representative Martin Heinrich. Both are seeking the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Jeff Bingaman.

According to the Bernalillo County website as of midnight, Tuesday night, Heinrich beat Democrat Hector Balderas with almost 73 percent of the vote to Balderas' 27 percent.

Heather Wilson claimed victory with nearly 80 percent and her opponent Greg Sowards from Las Cruces took home about 20 percent.

Right after Wilson won last night, she promised to be an independent leader saying she'll work with both Republicans and Democrats to get things done.

"Congressman Heinrich has done things in Washington over the last few years that have taken the country in the wrong direction," Wilson told News 13 on Tuesday night after the election.

Heinrich's response was a bit toned down saying he was looking forward to promoting his record of standing up for social security and Medicare while Wilson was trying to get tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires.

"I think it's looking great," Heinrich told News 13. "We're really excited about the opportunity, New Mexicans are excited about this race. We're looking forward to putting our record up against Heather Wilson's."

Martin Heinrich beat Hector Balderas in the Democratic primary, but it looks like the two could work together now because Balderas told News 13, "New Mexico can't afford a Senator Heather Wilson."

New Mexico is expected to become a national battleground as the GOP is eyeing the state as it tries to win a majority in the senate.