A former Republican candidate for a New Mexico state House seat has been sentenced to 80 years behind bars after orchestrating drive-by shootings at the homes of Democratic officials following his election loss. Solomon Peña, 53, was convicted of 13 felony charges earlier this year and is now serving a prison term that includes three years of supervised release. The sentencing followed a series of attacks that took place between December 2022 and January 2023, during which Peña allegedly used firearms and coordinated violent acts against officials in response to unsubstantiated claims of election fraud.
Prosecutors indicated that Peña, who had been defeated in the November 2022 election for a state House seat, was deeply upset over the loss and directed his anger toward Democratic officials in Bernalillo County. He targeted two county commissioners and two state legislators, including the current state House speaker. The crimes, which were carried out by hired co-conspirators, included one incident involving a machine gun. However, no one was injured in any of the attacks, despite some shootings occurring while children were present at the homes.
Peña’s case underscores broader concerns about election integrity and the impact of political grievances on violent behavior. His actions were reportedly motivated by a belief that the election had been ‘rigged’ against him, leading to his decision to orchestrate the attacks. The U.S. Attorney for New Mexico, Ryan Ellison, stated that such violence and intimidation are unacceptable in electoral processes, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution of political disputes.
During the legal proceedings, it was revealed that Peña had previously attempted to have his co-conspirators, Jose Trujillo and Demetrio Trujillo, murdered after they were arrested. These men had pleaded guilty last year and provided testimony against Peña. Despite the severity of his crimes, Peña’s legal team has announced their intention to appeal the conviction, citing potential errors in the proceedings. The case has drawn significant attention, reflecting the broader societal tensions between political parties and the consequences of unresolved public disputes.
In addition to the 80-year prison term, Peña will serve three years of supervised release. The case has raised questions about the legal and ethical responsibilities of elected officials, as well as the role of private individuals in escalating political violence. As his appeal progresses, the case continues to be closely watched by both the legal community and the public, highlighting the serious consequences of political extremism and the importance of upholding democratic norms.