Cibola at a Crossroads

GRANTS, N.M. – A significant electoral shakeup looms over Cibola as the county prepares for a consequential election year, with all the county’s legislative leaders facing challengers, and a majority of the Cibola County Commission leaving office due to term limits.

The candidate filing day, which took place on March 12, set the stage for an election that could significantly alter the local political landscape. This year’s election is particularly noteworthy as it comes after a series of legislative and demographic shifts, including political redistricting following the 2020 US Census.

As the list of candidates awaits approval from the New Mexico Secretary of State, some may face disqualification. The primary elections are scheduled for June 4, with the general election to follow on November 5.

In a primary election, voters can only vote for candidates within their party. Come the November election, voters will get to choose between all of the candidates up for election.

Among the most closely watched races are those for Cibola’s legislative delegation, where incumbents in both the state House of Representatives and the Senate face multiple challengers, signaling potential shifts in representation for the county’s residents.

In the House, District 6 incumbent Representative Eliseo “Lee” Alcon (D) confronts a challenge from within his own party, as two Democrats vie for the nomination against him. The Senate sees similar internal contests, with incumbents fighting to maintain their seats against fellow party members. Meanwhile, the Cibola County Commission faces an overhaul, with three seats up for grabs due to term limits, promising a new direction for county governance.

This election also extends beyond local and state offices, touching federal positions that affect Cibola County at the national level, including the presidency and Congress.

Cibola’s Legislative Representation

The legislative races in Cibola County are heating up as incumbents and challengers prepare for the upcoming primary and general elections, each bringing their unique perspectives and priorities to the forefront of local politics.

House of Representatives, District 6:

The race for District 6 is particularly noteworthy, with incumbent Representative Eliseo “Lee” Alcon (D) facing competition from within his own party. Alcon, who first assumed office in 2009, is challenged by Daniel J. Torrez (D), a current Cibola County Commissioner and former chairman of the commission, and Priscilla Benally (D), marking a contest that underscores the dynamic and evolving political landscape in Cibola County. The Democratic primary winner will face Paul Spencer (R) in the general election, introducing a partisan element to the race which could sway the district’s representation.

House of Representatives, District 69:

In District 69, incumbent Harry Garcia (D) seeks to retain his seat against challenges from Michelle P. Abeyta (D) and Stanley E. Michael (D). Garcia, who first took office in 2016, has maintained a steady presence in the district, but the emergence of Democrat contenders highlights the competitive nature of the primary.

Senate, District 4:

The Senate race for District 4 features incumbent George K. Munoz (D), who has served since 2009, facing a challenge from Keith Edward Hillock (D). Both candidates hail from Gallup and will be representing Cibola.

Senate, District 30:

With the incumbent Joshua Sanchez (R) redistricted out of contention, the race for Senate District 30 opens to new possibilities. Clemente Sanchez (D), a former senator looking to reclaim his seat, faces Angel Charley (D) in a primary that not only highlights the changing political map but also brings Cibola County’s leadership into focus.

These legislative races represent a critical juncture for Cibola County, as voters decide on leaders who will navigate the complexities of state governance, advocate for local interests, and shape the county’s political landscape for years to come.

Cibola County Commission

The Cibola County Commission is poised for a significant transformation as three of its seats—Districts II, IV, and V—become vacant due to term limits, introducing new candidates and potentially shifting the balance of power within the commission. These elections come at a critical juncture, as the incumbent commission has been instrumental in navigating the county through economic challenges, including a near brush with insolvency in 2018 and 2019.

District II sees a competitive race to fill the void left by Commissioner Daniel Torrez (D), who is departing to pursue a seat in the state House of Representatives. The race includes Ray D. Carpenter (D) and Rueben Sandoval (D), both from the City of Grants, alongside Fred Rodarte (R), a current Grants City Councilman. This slate of candidates reflects a mix of political and local government experience that will keep the race closely contested through November.

In District IV, the departure of Commissioner Robert Windhorst (R) has attracted a crowded field. The Democratic contenders are T. Walter Jaramillo, Charles Lundstrom, and Michael W. Lewis, indicating a strong interest in the seat from across the district. The Republican side is no less competitive, with Joseph Tanner Windhorst, the incumbent's son, and Adelaida Grace Yarborough, the daughter of Cibola Communities Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Eileen Yarborough, bringing familial connections to incumbent leadership and local economic development into the fray.

District V presents a unique situation with only one candidate, Georgia A. Routzen Sanchez (D), known for her long-standing involvement with the Democratic Women of Cibola and as the spouse of a former senator, and current candidate for Senate District 30, Clemente Sanchez. Her unopposed run could offer a clear path to maintaining Democratic leadership in the district, assuming no lastminute changes before the Secretary of State finalizes the candidate list.

Other Cibola County Seats

Cibola County voters will also be casting their ballots in crucial local elections, focusing on the roles of Cibola County Clerk and Cibola County Treasurer. These positions play a pivotal role in the administration and financial management of the county, impacting daily operations and long-term planning.

For the position of Cibola County Clerk, the election will see a new face taking the helm as the current Clerk, Michelle Dominguez (D), has reached the end of her term limit. The only candidate stepping forward to fill this vital role is Natalie A. Grine (D), the current deputy clerk. Grine's candidacy promises a continuation of the office's efforts in maintaining the integrity of Cibola County's elections and public records. Living in San Rafael, her intimate knowledge of the county's administrative needs and her experience within the clerk's office position her as a candidate prepared to manage the responsibilities of the role effectively.

The race for Cibola County Treasurer is set to be more competitive, with three Democrats vying for the position. The incumbent, Kathy Gonzalez (D), is also term-limited, opening the door for new leadership. The candidates include Johnny A. Pino (D), currently serving as the deputy treasurer, Wendy Michelle Self (D), the county's Procurement Manager, and JoAnne Martinez (D), a community advocate with a strong background in finance and community service. Each candidate brings a unique perspective and set of skills to the table, with Pino's direct experience in the treasurer's office, Self's procurement expertise, and Martinez's community and financial leadership. This race will determine who will oversee the collection and management of county funds, a role that is crucial for the fiscal health and operational efficiency of Cibola County.

Federal Races

Cibola County's electorate will also vote in federal races that hold significant implications for New Mexico and the nation. These include the presidential election, a pivotal contest that shapes the direction of the country, and local congressional races that determine New Mexico's representation in Washington, D.C.

In the race for United States Presients, the country is looking at a rematch as President Joe Biden (D) and candidate Donald Trump (R) have both won the presidential nomination of their parties and will be advance to the general election in November.

For the United States Senate, incumbent Martin Heinrich (D) faces challenges from the Republican side, with former Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel Gonzales III (R) and Nella Louise Domenici (R) seeking to contest the seat. Heinrich's re-election campaign is set against a backdrop of national debates on key issues such as healthcare, climate change, and economic policy, with the outcome having the potential to influence the balance of power in the Senate.

The race for the U.S. House of Representatives sees incumbent Gabe Vasquez (D), residing in Las Cruces, challenged by Republican Yvette Herrell. This race is one to watch, as it represents a rematch of sorts; Herrell previously held the seat before being defeated by Vasquez in 2022.

With significant changes on the horizon due to term limits, and redistricting, the outcomes of these elections will shape the county’s representation, policy direction, and governance for years to come. As candidates’ campaign on various platforms and promises, the electorate's choices will reflect their priorities and vision for the community’s future, emphasizing the democratic principle that every vote counts in shaping the path forward.