Cibola County Commission Races Set

GRANTS, N.M. – Cibola is approaching an important date: June 4. On that day, residents will choose their political party’s representative to become the new leaders of the county commission.

The three Cibola County Commission seats up for election have incumbents who have served two terms and are ineligible to run again due to term limits, opening all three for someone new to take power. This is an election that could change the local direction of government because the commission is made up of five members, three seats is a majority of members.

Following the recent candidate filing day on March 12, the list of candidates vying for seats in Districts II, IV, and V has been finalized, with the primary elections set for June 4, just seven weeks away.

Two of the three commission seats are contested by both Republicans and Democrats, in what has been a historic stronghold for Democrat candidates.

District II Race Features Trio of Candidates

In District II, three candidates have successfully qualified for the ballot.

Democrat Ray D. Carpenter brings a local perspective with his connection to Cibola’s economic development. Joining him on the Democratic side is Ruben Sandoval, who is also wellknown in the community.

The Republican candidate, Fred E. Rodarte, completes the trio, offering his experience from the Grants City Council where he serves as an incumbent councilman.

District IV Sees Large Slate of Candidates

District IV promises a competitive race with five candidates making the ballot.

On the Democrat side, Charles A. Lundstrom and Michael W. Lewis both aim to bring new energy and ideas to the commission.

T. Walter Jaramillo withdrew from the Democrat race, narrowing the field slightly.

The Republicans are represented by Adelaida Grace Yarborough, Harry L. Hall, and Joseph Tanner Windhorst, each hoping to bring their perspectives and shape the future of Cibola County.

District V Candidate Runs Unopposed

In District V, the largest of the commission districts, Georgia A. Routzen Sanchez stands unopposed, providing her a clear path to the commission seat.

Residing in Acoma Pueblo, Sanchez is noted for her active involvement in Democratic women's groups and her connections in local politics.

The Primary Election will be held June 4, and Cibola’s voters will start selecting their candidates who will lead the county into the future.