Democrats swept the U.S. Congressional election in New Mexico, a state where the party made a big play for the Indian vote.

Rep. Tom Udall (D) defeated Rep. Steve Pearce (R) for the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Pete Domenici (R). Udall served on the House Natural Resources Committee, which has jurisdiction over Indian issues, and is known as an advocate for tribes in the state.

Democrat Ben Ray Lujan defeated two challengers for the seat being vacated by Udall. The district is 16.7 percent Native and is home to the Jicarilla Apache Nation, several Pueblo tribes and parts of the Navajo Nation,

Democrat Martin Heinrich defeated Republican Darren White for the seat being vacated by Rep. Heather Wilson (R), who unsuccessfully sought her party's Senate nomination. The district is 4.3 percent Native and is home to several Pueblo tribes, including three with gaming facilities near Albuquerque, the biggest city.

Democrat Harry Teague defeated Republican Ed Tinsley in the southern part of the state, which is 6.1 percent Native and home to the Mescalero Apache Tribe and parts of the Navajo Nation. The seat is being vacated by Pearce, who served on the House Natural Resources Committee.

Sen. Barack Obama (D) and Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) campaigned heavily in the state, both mentioning tribes in visits there. Obama won the state with an overwhelming 57 percent of the vote.

American Indians and Alaska Natives make up 9.3 percent of the state population, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Get the Story:
Udall defeats Pearce in heated Senate race (The Santa Fe New Mexican 11/5)
U.S. Senate Race: Udall Wins Domenici's Seat (AP 11/4)
Ben Ray Lujan Wins 3rd Congressional District (AP 11/4)
Teague Ends 28-year GOP Hold in 2nd District (AP 11/4)
Barack Obama Wins New Mexico (AP 11/4)