A former Republican candidate for the New Mexico State Assembly received an 80-year prison sentence on Wednesday after orchestrating a drive-by shooting targeting a Democratic official’s house following his election loss.
Solomon Peña was found guilty earlier this year on 13 felony charges related to the attacks in Albuquerque that occurred shortly after his November 2022 defeat.
The charges included conspiracy, possession of a firearm as a felon, making threats, and using a cell phone during the commission of the crime. Peña also solicited firearms for violent crimes, including one involving machine guns. The incidents took place between December 4, 2022, and January 3, 2023, with Peña participating in one of the shootings himself.
At least one incident happened while the victims’ children and family members were present, although fortunately, no injuries occurred. Prosecutors stated that Peña coordinated the assaults against two Bernalillo County Commissioners and two state legislators due to baseless allegations of election fraud that he claimed affected his results.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison remarked, “Violence and threats have no place in our election,” highlighting the seriousness of Peña’s actions.
All those targeted were Democrats, including current state legislators. Following his unsuccessful campaign, Peña pressured members of the Bernalillo County Commission to overturn the election results, insisting they were biased against him. When they refused and stood by the results, Peña enlisted conspirators to carry out the shootings, according to prosecutors.
After being arrested, Peña even attempted to silence those he had hired to protect himself from incrimination.
As a result of his crimes, Peña was sentenced to 80 years in prison, with an additional three years of supervised release post-incarceration. His lawyer has stated plans to appeal the conviction.
