A former Republican candidate for a New Mexico state House seat was sentenced to 80 years in federal prison this week for organizing a series of shootings at the homes of Democratic officials after losing his election. Solomon Peña was convicted earlier this year on 13 felony charges, including conspiracy, multiple counts of intimidation and interference with federally protected activities, firearms offenses, and solicitation to commit a violent crime.
The sentencing came after prosecutors explained how Peña planned the attacks in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the weeks following his November 2022 election loss. The shootings were a direct response to Peña’s refusal to accept the election results. After his defeat, he falsely claimed election fraud and tried to pressure members of the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners to reject the certification of the outcome.
