Editor’s Note: This article was written at 9:20 p.m. on November 4 and was based off the most accurate information available at the time. Some ballot numbers will change, that is especially likely in the Village of Milan Trustee contest which was incredibly close as of press time.
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. — With about 14.6 percent voter turnout countywide, early and Election Day ballots have been counted in Cibola County’s 2025 Regular Local Election, solidifying results in a slate of municipal, school, and special district races held Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Although all 30 county precincts were marked “partially reporting” as of 9:15 p.m., totals remained steady from the previous update, indicating that nearly all ballots have been tallied. Official results will be certified following the canvass by the Cibola County Clerk later this week.
Gonzales Retains Milan Mayoral Seat
In the Village of Milan, Mayor Felix Orlando Gonzales appears to have secured another term, receiving all 186 votes cast in the uncontested race.
William H. Cunningham was likewise returned as Municipal Judge, receiving 187 votes.
The race for Milan Village Council drew five candidates for two open seats. Early totals show George E. Knotts leading with 26 percent (89 votes), followed by Virgil Brumbelow at 23 percent (78), James Mercer with 22 percent (76), Christopher Archuleta with 19 percent (64), and Jared Brewer-Windhorst at 10 percent (36). The races were too close to call as of press time.
Final standings will be confirmed after canvass.
Close Contest in Grants District 1
In the City of Grants, District 1 voters faced the only contested city race on the ballot. Preliminary results show Dolores P. Vallejos narrowly ahead with 39 percent (133 votes), followed by Zachery T. Gutierrez at 38 percent (130) and Bob W. Tenequer at 24 percent (81).
District 3 Councilor Fred E. Rodarte ran unopposed, receiving 163 votes. He will retain his seat.
This marks the first regular local election since the City of Grants formally transitioned its municipal races to the statewide November cycle under New Mexico’s Local Election Act, consolidating what were once separate March contests into a single ballot with other local jurisdictions.
School Board: Jaramillo Leads, Clawson Unopposed
The Grants/Cibola County Schools Board of Education saw competitive turnout in District 2, where incumbent T. Walter Jaramillo leads challenger Ron Calvert with 59 percent (360 votes) to 41 percent (249).
Courtney Clawson was unopposed in District 3, collecting 521 votes.
No counted write-in votes were recorded for District 1 candidate Monica Salazar as write-in votes are counted later.
Voters Likely Approve 2 Mill School Levy and Hospital Tax Renewal
Two major ballot questions dominated countywide interest — and both received strong support by press time.
The Grants/Cibola County Schools Capital Improvements Tax, commonly known as the 2-Mill Levy, passed with 72 percent YES (1,383 votes) to 28 percent NO (526). The measure continues an existing tax rate of $2 per $1,000 of property value to fund facility maintenance and classroom technology across the district for six more years.
County voters also overwhelmingly approved renewal of the Cibola General Hospital Mill Levy, extending a property tax of up to $4.25 per $1,000 of taxable value to support hospital operations and maintenance for another eight years. That question passed 78 percent to 22 percent (1,689–476).
Both measures are renewals rather than new taxes — a distinction emphasized by local officials during the campaign season.
Special District Races
In the Lava Soil & Water Conservation District, Bernadette L. Hiles led Joseph C. DeSoto with 53 percent (955 votes) to 47 percent (842).
At Bluewater Water & Sanitation, Steven N. McCoy maintained a narrow edge over Michael T. Sands, 53 percent (51 votes) to 47 percent (45).
No write-in votes were recorded in the Salado district, and the Quemado district race remained tied at three votes apiece between Nancy Stieg and Dustin Armstrong.
Turnout and Next Steps
Countywide turnout stood at 2,335 ballots cast out of 16,002 registered voters, roughly 14.6 percent — modest but consistent with prior local elections.
Under New Mexico law, county clerks have ten days after Election Day to canvass and certify results before they become official. Once the canvass is complete, winning candidates may be sworn into office after January 1, 2026.
Now, Cibola County begins preparing for the 2026 midterm elections. Cibola County Commissioners will be up for election, Cibola’s two state representatives and senators who serve our communities in Santa Fe at the legislature, and the New Mexico Governor will all be up for election along with additional questions regarding laws and local taxes.
Editor’s Note: For official results and canvass updates, visit https://electionresults.sos.n m.gov/resultsSW.aspx?type =CTYALL&map=CTY&cty =33&name=Cibola or the Cibola County Clerk’s Office at 700 E. Roosevelt Ave., Grants. Check the Cibola Citizen Facebook for additional information.
Editor’s Note: Just before being sent off to printer, final unofficial results were published by the Cibola County Clerk, find them below:
All 30 precincts are now fully reporting, and Tuesday’s Regular Local Election results show strong local turnout — 2,621 ballots cast, or 16.4% of Cibola County’s 16,002 registered voters.
City of Grants
• District 1: Dolores P. Vallejos 39% (133) narrowly edges Zachery T. Gutierrez 38% (130); Bob W. Tenequer 24% (81)
• District 3: Fred E. Rodarte — unopposed (163)
Village of Milan
• Mayor: Felix Orlando Gonzales — 186 votes (100%)
• Municipal Judge: William H. Cunningham — 187 votes (100%)
• Council: George E. Knotts 26% (89), Virgil Brumbelow 23% (78), James A. Mercer 22% (76), Chris Archuleta 19% (64), Jared Brewer-Windhorst 10% (36)
Grants/Cibola County Schools
• District 2: T. Walter Jaramillo 59% (360) defeats Ron Calvert 41% (249)
• District 3: Courtney Clawson — unopposed (521)
• District 1: No candidate. Write-in votes counted
later.
Ballot Questions
• Hospital Mill Levy: PASSED 79% YES (1,925 – 523)
• 2-Mill School Capital Improvements Tax: PASSED 72% YES (1,541 – 588) Other Districts
• Bernadette Hiles defeats Joseph DeSoto 53%– 47% for Lava Soil & Water Board
• Steven McCoy edges Michael Sands 53%–47% for Bluewater Water & Sanitation All results are unofficial until canvassed by the Cibola County Clerk later this week.