GRANTS, N.M. – The political crisis surrounding House District 6 took another dramatic turn on January 28 as the Cibola County Commission nominated Clemente Sanchez (D) to fill the legislative seat left vacant by the resignation and passing of longtime Representative Eliseo 'Lee' Alcon (D).
The vote—3-1, with Commissioner Georgia Routzen Sanchez (D) abstaining— marks yet another contentious chapter in a process plagued by constitutional debates, scrutiny over residency requirements, and growing frustration within the community.
A New Nominee, Familiar Controversy Sanchez’s nomination comes just weeks after the political battle over Harry Garcia’s ineligibility due to residency requirements which were not met.
Garcia, a former representative of House District 69, had been nominated by both Cibola and McKinley counties (at the time he was holding HD69) before Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham rejected his appointment over residency concerns. The governor cited an investigation by the New Mexico Department of Justice, which found that Garcia did not live at the District 6 address listed on his voter registration.
This left the counties scrambling to find a new nominee.
On January 28 the Cibola County Commission met to nominate a new person to the House District 6 seat. There were several interested parties, many showed up in person, some made a virtual appearance, like Eliseo Alcon’s son, David Alcon, who also vied for the seat. Others who submitted letters of interest and resumes, did not attend the meeting.
The last time Cibola met to nominate a person to this seat, they acted in the span of 15 minutes – not this time. On Jan. 28 the commission meeting was over 45 minutes long, with each of the candidates given time to present their case and their vision for the future of House District 6.
The county’s lawyers reminded commissioners that the person they select to fill the vacancy must live in House District 6 – a constitutional requirement. After hearing the presentation of candidates for this seat, the commission moved forward select Clemente Sanchez, a former state senator whose district covered Cibola.
Sanchez is no stranger to the political landscape of New Mexico. However, he faces a familiar controversy.
According to New Mexico voter registration records, Sanchez changed his voter registration to an address in Grants the day after Alcon resigned, changing from an address in Acomita – which is in House District 69 – to an address that is in House District 6.
Though Sanchez has been spotted living at this residence in recent years, some critics still argue that he should not be eligible for the nomination. For now, Sanchez has acknowledged the scrutiny and stated that he welcomes any challenges to his residency.
A Vote That Raises Eyebrows
The Cibola County Commission’s vote to nominate Sanchez was significant not just for its outcome, but for the dynamics on display during the meeting.
This vote was the first major political decision made by the county’s newly seated commission, which includes the freshman Windhorst (R) who took his father’s seat, Ray Carpenter (D), and Georgia Routzen Sanchez (D).
Before Sanchez’s nomination, Commissioner Joseph Tanner Windhorst, the only republican on the commission, motioned to have Paul Spencer, the Republican who won the 2024 primary for House District 6 and was unsuccessful in winning the seat in the general election. The motion died without a second.
Ray Carpenter then nominated Marcy Chavez, with the Cibola Health Council, but her nomination died without a second. Commission Ralph Lucero (D) then motioned to advance the nomination of Sanchez. “I’m nominating Sanchez for the simple reason that he is ready to go,” Lucero said, “he’s been there, done that – might as well try to get in there… We’ve already missed – maybe more days depending on when the governor acts.”
Commissioner Carpenter seconded the motion.
Windhorst voted yes, Lucero voted yes, Commissioner Routzen Sanchez abstained from the vote, Carpenter voted yes. Chairwoman Christine Lowery then said, “and I vote ‘no’. We have three votes ‘for’, so, Clemente Sanchez’s name will be sent for consideration to the governor.”
When Harry Garcia was nominated last time, the commission chambers erupted into applause. This time, and without any fanfare, the commissioners continued their business, adjourning a silent room, with only the thud of Chairwoman Lowery’s gavel able to echo through the room.
The Nomination Process: A Strained and Stretched System
The process of filling legislative vacancies in New Mexico is uniquely complex.
Because House District 6 spans multiple counties, both Cibola and McKinley County Commissions must nominate candidates. If both counties submit the same nominee, the governor is faced with two options, accept or reject the nominee. However, if the counties submit different candidates, the governor selects from the nominees presented.
When Alcon retired, the Cibola Commission moved quickly—arguably too quickly—by nominating Harry Garcia in a 15minute meeting on December 3. This rushed decision immediately raised concerns about transparency and due process. McKinley County, by contrast, delayed its nomination twice before ultimately aligning with Cibola’s choice of Garcia. The governor’s rejection of Garcia’s nomination on January 21 on constitutional grounds about residency forced the counties to start over, leaving District 6 without representation as the legislative session began.
Now, with Sanchez nominated, all eyes turn to McKinley County.
McKinley County held their regular meeting on February 4, but the Cibola Citizen was unable to learn who they nominated before press deadline. If the commission nominates someone other than Clemente Sanchez, the governor will have to pick one of the two