
A failed New Mexico state House candidate described by police as an "election denier" was arrested Monday in a string of shootings at the homes of regional Democratic leaders.
Republican Solomon Pena is accused of conspiring with and paying four men to carry out four shootings at the Albuquerque-area homes of two Bernalillo County commissioners and two state legislators, Albuquerque police said.
Pena might have been motivated by anger over his November loss, police said. Police spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos said at a news conference early Monday evening that Pena alleged his defeat was the result of election fraud.
Pena lost his state House challenge to incumbent Democrat Miguel P. Garcia by 5,679 to 2,033, or 74% to 26%.