Today, the Secretary of State declared Aubrey Dunn as the newly elected Commissioner of Public Lands. This victory comes after nearly six weeks of anticipation from an automatic statewide recount, which came to a conclusion today.

Republican Aubrey Dunn defeated incumbent Democrat Commissioner Ray Powell. Due to the narrow margin of votes between the two candidates cast in the General Election on November 4, 2014, New Mexico state law mandated an automatic recount in all 33 counties.

Republican Party of New Mexico Chairwoman Debbie Maestas released the statement following the announcement of Dunn's victory, "Today, we are grateful for the outcome of this race. As a rancher, Aubrey is a true steward of the land and we can be assured of its protection and proper management. Gratitude goes out to all the people who committed countless hours to ensure the integrity of this process was upheld. It is now time to move on and welcome Aubrey into office and we look forward to supporting his administration."

It is expected that Dunn will be inaugurated in to office at the turn of the New Year. The New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands serves a four-year term.

The official canvass of the recount will take place at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, in Santa Fe.