Former GOP Candidate Solomon Pena Gets 80 Years for Election Revenge Shootings

The gavel fell with finality this week as Solomon Peña, a defeated Republican candidate for New Mexico’s state House, was sentenced to 80 years in federal prison for orchestrating a chilling campaign of drive-by shootings targeting Democratic officials’ homes. This unprecedented sentence marks a severe reckoning for political violence rooted in election denialism.

Peña’s descent from political hopeful to convicted domestic terrorist began after his decisive loss in the November 2022 election. Refusing to accept the results, he inundated Bernalillo County commissioners with baseless claims of voter fraud, demanding they overturn the outcome. When they certified the results, Peña escalated from rhetoric to rifles.

How Does Election Denialism Fuel Real-World Violence?

Between December 2022 and January 2023, Albuquerque became a battlefield. Peña paid and conspired with two accomplices—Jose Trujillo and Demetrio Trujillo—to attack the residences of four Democratic officials. Targets included Bernalillo County commissioners and state legislators, among them current House Speaker Javier Martínez. Prosecutors detailed how Peña actively participated in at least one attack, where bullets from a machine gun pierced homes while families, including children, were inside. Miraculously, no one was physically injured. U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez emphasized, “Violence and intimidation have no place in our electoral process. This sentence underscores that such acts are grave federal crimes” (U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Mexico, August 2025).

Evidence revealed Peña’s meticulous planning: he provided addresses, payment, and even joined a shooting mission. After his arrest, his criminality deepened as he plotted from jail to murder the Trujillos—who had pleaded guilty—to silence them as witnesses. A federal jury convicted Peña in March 2025 on all 13 counts, including conspiracy, firearms offenses, and interference with protected activities.

The Legal Reckoning and Broader Implications

The 80-year sentence reflects the severity of Peña’s crimes. Prosecutors successfully argued his actions weren’t impulsive but a calculated attempt to subvert democracy through terror. Defense claims that the case relied too heavily on cooperating witnesses were rejected. Peña, maintaining his innocence, plans an appeal.

This case emerges amid heightened concerns about politically motivated violence. The FBI has documented a 150% increase in threats against election officials since 2020 (U.S. Department of Justice, 2024). Peña’s path—from spreading debunked fraud claims to commissioning armed attacks—exemplifies a dangerous trajectory experts warn could become more common without robust legal and cultural safeguards.

This landmark 80-year sentence for Solomon Peña delivers an unequivocal message: political violence is terrorism, not protest. As election seasons intensify, protecting public servants and upholding democratic norms demands vigilance from citizens and unwavering enforcement by justice systems. Report any threats to local FBI field offices immediately to safeguard our democratic foundations.

Must Know

Q: Who is Solomon Peña?
A: Solomon Peña is a former Republican candidate for New Mexico’s 14th House District. After losing his 2022 race by 48 percentage points, he organized shootings targeting Democratic officials who certified the results.

Q: What specific charges led to his 80-year sentence?
A: Peña was convicted on 13 felony counts, including conspiracy, multiple firearms violations, intimidation of elected officials, and soliciting violent crimes. His attempt to arrange witness murders added severity.

Q: Were any victims injured in the shootings?
A: Fortunately, no physical injuries occurred despite bullets striking occupied homes. One attack involved over a dozen rounds from an automatic weapon while children were present.

Q: How did authorities link Peña to the crimes?
A: Digital evidence, financial records showing payments to shooters, vehicle tracking data, and testimony from accomplices Jose and Demetrio Trujillo (who pleaded guilty) cemented his role.

Q: What role did election denialism play?
A: Peña repeatedly claimed fraud without evidence. When formal challenges failed, he resorted to violence—a pattern noted by extremism researchers as a growing threat nationwide.

Q: Could Peña’s sentence be reduced?
A: Unlikely. Federal sentences typically require serving 85% of the term. His planned appeal faces hurdles given overwhelming evidence and the gravity of the crimes.