Two Cibola County Commission Seats Up for Election, Filing for Race Upcoming
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – The 2026 election season is underway in New Mexico, and for Cibola County voters, this year’s ballot will shape county leadership that directly affects roads, budgets, public safety coordination, land-use decisions and long-range planning.
The 2026 Primary Election is scheduled for June 2, with the General Election set for Nov. 3.
While the governor’s race and other statewide contests will draw major attention – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is in the final year of her term, and the crowd of contenders is crowded – Cibola County’s local races are where many day-to-day decisions begin.
What is the Cibola County Commission?
The Cibola County Commission is the county’s top governing body.
Commissioners adopt the county budget, set policy direction, and vote on spending priorities for county departments and services. They also oversee county administration and operations through the county manager and staff, approve contracts, and make decisions that can affect infrastructure, public health coordination, emergency management, county property and capital planning.
In practical terms, the county commission is typically the board setting the direction of Cibola County government and approving the dollars.
Commission meetings are also where many issues become public record. Residents have the opportunity to comment on issues effecting them, county departments like roads and sheriff report results, contracts are debated, and official votes are taken.
Two Commission Districts Will be on the Ballot: District 1 and District 3
Cibola County commissioners are elected by district. In 2026, the seats up for election are Commission District 1 and Commission District 3.
To help readers understand those boundaries, the Cibola Citizen is publishing district maps for District 1 and District 3. For residents who are unsure which district they live in, the maps are a good place to start, but the most reliable method is confirming voter registration and district information through the county clerk’s office or the state’s voter information tools.
District boundaries matter because they determine which commission contest voters will see on their ballot – not every race for office is on every person’s ballot. Depending on where you live, you have specific races on your ballot.
If you’re not in District 1 or District 3, you will still vote in countywide races this year, but you won’t vote for a county commissioner seat unless your district is on the ballot.
What Else will be on the County Ballot in 2026
Along with the two commission seats, several other Cibola County offices will appear on the ballot in 2026. These are countywide positions, meaning voters across the county help decide who fills them.
Cibola County voters can expect to see contests for: Cibola County Assessor, Cibola County Sheriff and two Cibola County Probate Judgeships.
The only requirements to run for office is residency in Cibola County, and/or the specific district depending on the office, a legal degree is not required to run for judge.
Election Timing
Candidate filing for local offices will be March 10, 2026, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cibola County Clerk’s Office.
Local candidates and residents with questions about districts, registration, or voting logistics, the Cibola County Clerk’s Office is the county’s official elections authority. Cibola County Clerk: Natalie Grine 700 E. Roosevelt Ave., Ste. 50, Grants (505) 285-2535 As election season progresses, the Cibola Citizen will publish updates on who has filed, who has qualified, and what races are shaping up across the county.