CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – The race for New Mexico House District 6 is the most contested legislative race in this year’s primary cycle, with multiple candidates competing for the Democratic nomination and a Republican candidate also on the ballot.
This seat was unopposed for many years, long held by titan of the New Mexico House of Representative and advocate of veteran’s rights, Eliseo Lee Alcon. His passing in 2024, after winning reelection, triggered a nomination crisis in Cibola and McKinley Counties. The crisis wasn’t resolved until halfway through the 2025 Legislative Session and not without intervention from the governor and New Mexico Department of Justice, leaving House District 6 without representation for more than half of the annual lawmaking event.
June’s election will narrow down the Democratic field to one candidate who will face the lone republican in November.
All of the candidates in this race seek to represent Cibola and McKinley County in Santa Fe on legislation that affects local schools, public safety policy, health care, taxation, infrastructure, and the state budget.
On the Democratic ballot, the candidates are Martha Garcia, David L. Alcon, Priscilla Benally, and Johnny Valdez.
Martha Garcia is the incumbent. Prior to being appointed to this seat in 2025, she served as a member of the Cibola County Board of Commissioners.
David L Alcon is son of former incumbent Alcon.
Priscilla Benally of Thoreau, New Mexico, is a long term educator who has previously ran for this seat and sought nomination to it during the HD6 crisis of 2025.
Johnny Valdez is a former Cibola County Sheriff and incumbent Cibola County Magistrate Judge.
Primary elections decide which candidates represent their parties in the general election. In races where multiple candidates are running within the same party, the primary is the contest that determines the nominee.
The Democratic winner will face the lone Republican seeking election to HD6, Paul Spencer of Bluewater Village.
As Election Day approaches, voters are encouraged to verify their registration and district information, since legislative boundaries determine which contests appear on an individual voter’s ballot. Voters can check their registration, sample ballot, and polling place through NMVote.org, or contact the Cibola County Clerk’s Office for local election questions.
Election Day is Tuesday, June 2, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Early voting is available in the days leading up to the election.