New Mexico police arrest failed GOP state House candidate in shootings targeting Dem politicians' homes

An unsuccessful candidate for New Mexico’s House was arrested Monday in connection with a string of shootings targeting Democratic politicians’ homes, Albuquerque police said. 

Solomon Pena, 39, is accused of "conspiring with, and paying four other men to shoot at the homes of two county commissioners and two state legislators," Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Media said during a Monday press conference.  

Pena lost the November election by more than 3,600 votes to incumbent Democrat Rep. Miguel P. Garcia, who garnered nearly 5,700 votes. 

It wasn’t immediately clear if Pena had retained an attorney who could speak on his behalf. 

The shootings began in early December when eight rounds were fired at the home of Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa, police said. Days later, someone shot at former Bernalillo County Commissioner Debbie O'Malley's home.