In a landmark election for Cibola County, residents turned out in record numbers to choose their leaders, signaling both an end and a new beginning for the County Commission.
With 8,983 of the county's 15,408 eligible voters casting ballots, this election marks the highest voter turnout in county history—a powerful indicator of community engagement as the county navigates complex challenges and opportunities.
The results of this election bring fresh faces and continuing legacies to the Commission, with outcomes that were closely watched across the county.
District 2: Carpenter's Grassroots Victory
In District 2, Ray D. Carpenter (D) defeated Fred E. Rodarte (R) with 855 votes (55 percent) to 700 votes (45 percent).
This race was significant for Cibola County, drawing attention because of the candidates’ diverse backgrounds and the symbolic passing of the torch from outgoing Commissioner and former Chairman Daniel J. Torrez.
Carpenter, a local laborer employed by Continental Divide Electric Cooperative, emphasized his firsthand understanding of infrastructure and the needs of everyday citizens in his campaign. His commitment to workingclass values and pragmatic solutions appears to have resonated with District 2 voters, particularly as the area faces ongoing economic and infrastructure challenges. Carpenter’s victory reflects a preference for representation that understands the practicalities of local services and the needs of Cibola’s workforce.
On the other hand, Fred E. Rodarte, a wellknown local radio DJ and currently serving Grants City Councilman, brought a public-facing background to the race. He served on the city council through the turbulent COVID-19 years, a period that saw the City of Grants embroiled in political and social crises as it attempted to navigate the public health and economic impact of the pandemic. Rodarte’s tenure on the council was not just during the pandemic years, but he had previously served a decade on the city council before 2018. These moments gave him experience in public service during challenging times, though the voters of District 2 ultimately chose Carpenter’s grassroots approach.
District 2 spans central and southwestern Cibola County, an area characterized by a mix of residential neighborhoods and open landscapes. Carpenter’s understanding of local infrastructure will be crucial in a district that requires a balance of urban and rural resource management.
District 4: A New Windhorst Takes the Helm
In District 4, Joseph Tanner Windhorst (R) secured victory with 960 votes (55 percent), defeating Charles A. Lundstrom (D), who garnered 794 votes (45 percent). This race attracted significant attention, not only because of the candidates' family ties to local and state politics but also because of the shift it represents for the district.
Joseph Tanner Windhorst, the son of outgoing District 4 Commissioner Robert Windhorst, will be continuing his family’s legacy in Cibola County leadership. Robert Windhorst has served two terms and was ineligible for reelection due to term limits. Known for his stability and dedication during challenging times, the elder Windhorst has been part of a commission that saw Cibola County rise from financial destitution to an A3 bond rating from Moody’s. His son, Joseph, aims to build on this foundation while bringing his own approach to governance.
Charles Lundstrom, a Democrat with deep family roots in New Mexico politics, also brought strong connections to the table. His sister, Patty Lundstrom, is a respected state representative from Gallup, well-known for her work in economic development and budget matters. Despite the loss, Charles Lundstrom’s close results show a significant base of support and a lasting presence in local politics.
District 4 covers north-central Cibola County, a region marked by rugged terrain and rural communities that present unique infrastructure and access challenges. Windhorst’s commitment to these areas will be essential as he works to maintain and improve services for residents across a largely rural district.
District 5: Georgia Sanchez to Lead
Georgia A. Routzen Sanchez (D) won the District 5 seat uncontested, receiving 1,332 votes.
Although she had no Republican challenger, Sanchez brings her own legacy and experience to the commission, with deep roots in Cibola County politics. An active figure in the county Democratic Party and the Cibola Democrat Women’s Coalition, Sanchez has long been dedicated to her community’s growth and well-being.
Sanchez steps into a role held by Martha Garcia, a commissioner known for her fierce advocacy for District 5. Garcia was a dedicated champion of rural resources, and her passion for community service was perhaps best exemplified by her commitment to preserving the rural bookmobile. Her dedication to ensuring Cibola’s rural communities have resources just like everywhere else underscored her belief that her community deserved access to tools, knowledge, and opportunities, regardless of geography.
Garcia’s tenure on the commission was marked by her focus on supporting the land and people of her district. She worked tirelessly to protect and uplift her community, fostering a spirit of resilience and pride that will serve as a strong foundation for Sanchez.
Sanchez’s husband, Clemente Sanchez, a former state senator, also serves on the Cibola Communities Economic Development Foundation, adding to the couple’s collective commitment to local governance. With this background, Sanchez is poised to continue advancing the economic and social fabric of District 5, drawing on her political experience and family legacy.
District 5 encompasses the southern reaches of Cibola County, a mix of residential neighborhoods and expansive rural lands. Sanchez’s district faces unique challenges, from supporting economic development to maintaining resources for residents in remote areas—a cause she’s familiar with through her community involvement.
A Historic Transition for Cibola County
The outgoing commissioners have left a remarkable legacy for the incoming leaders.
When Daniel Torrez, Martha Garcia, and Robert Windhorst took office in 2016, the county was in dire financial straits, struggling with an economic depression that led to severe budget cuts and shuttered businesses. Essential services like local optometry remain absent to this day, a lingering effect of those harsh years.
Under the leadership of County Manager Kate Fletcher and the commission’s guidance, Cibola County has gradually restored stability.
With an A3 bond rating from Moody’s, the county can better support local nonprofits and sustain public projects – achievements that were nearly unthinkable six years ago. The new commissioners will be joining Chairwoman Christine Lowery and Commissioner Ralph Lucero in leading Cibola through a time of both reflection and forward momentum.
The election results highlight a clear mandate from the people of Cibola County, who showed up in historic numbers to make their voices heard.
As the county embarks on this new chapter, the combination of continuity and fresh perspectives promises a balanced approach to tackling the region’s most pressing challenges, from infrastructure and economic growth to resource management.
The community will be watching closely as Joseph Tanner Windhorst, Ray Carpenter, and Georgia Sanchez take their places on the commission. Their leadership will play a critical role in ensuring that Cibola County continues to move toward a future of opportunity and resilience.