CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – Candidate filing is well underway in Cibola County, and by late afternoon Tuesday, March 10, early filing records showed crowded fields taking shape in several key races that will appear on local ballots this year.
As of 4:45 p.m. on March 10, at least 27 candidates had filed for county offices and state legislative seats that impact Cibola County voters. All filings listed in the county’s running log were shown as pending at press time, meaning paperwork had been submitted and entered but was still awaiting final review by the proper filing officer before candidates are formally qualified for the ballot.
The June 2 primary election will determine party nominees for many offices, and filing-day activity offered an early preview of which contests may be most competitive. The largest field formed in Cibola County Commission District 3, where seven candidates filed by mid-afternoon.
A sizable field also developed in House District 6, where six candidates filed.
Another crowded field in Cibola County Magistrate Judge Division 2, where four candidates filed.
Legislative Races: House District 6 and House District 69
In State Representative District 6, which includes parts of Cibola County and extends into neighboring McKinley, a total of six candidates had filed by late afternoon.
Five Democrats were listed: David L. Alcon of Milan, Martha Garcia of Pinehill, Johnny Valdez of San Rafael, Leonardo J. Torrez of San Rafael, and Priscilla Benally of Thoreau, who was listed as registered in McKinley County. One Republican candidate also filed: Paul L. Spencer of Bluewater.
In State Representative District 69, two Democrats were listed as having filed by mid-afternoon: Harry Garcia of Grants, and Michelle Paulene Abeyta of To’hajiilee, who was listed as registered in Bernalillo County.
County Commission: District 1 and District 3
Two seats on the Cibola County Board of Commissioners are on the ballot this year: District 1 and District 3.
In District 1, three Democrat candidates had filed by mid-afternoon: Marty R. Molina of Seboyeta, Robert J. Armijo of Seboyeta, and Richard Allen Cerno of Casa Blanca.
In District 3, the most crowded local contest so far, seven candidates had filed.
Six Democrats were listed: George Rodriguez of Grants, Michael W. Lewis of Grants, Stanley E. Michael of Rio Rancho, Martin M. Vigil of San Fidel, Robert Francis Horacek of Grants, and Beverly Michael a Grants City Councilor. One Republican candidate filed in District 3: Erik Omar Garcia, the Mayor of Grants.
Magistrate Judge and Probate Judge Contests In Cibola County Magistrate Judge Division 1, one candidate had filed by late afternoon: Democrat Tony L. Mace.
In Magistrate Judge Division 2, four candidates had filed. Three Democrats were listed: Michael Chris Cavin, Jessica M. Melonas, and Dominic John Pargas. One Republican candidate also filed: Robert Scott Windhorst.
The probate judge contest also drew multiple candidates. Three Democrats had filed by midafternoon: Corrine C. Padilla, Josephine E. Hurtado, and Marie Martinez-Garcia.
Sheriff and Assessor races
For Cibola County Sheriff, two candidates had filed: Democrat
Larry D. Diaz of Grants and Republican Aaron Henry Baca of Grants.
For Cibola County Assessor, one candidate had filed by late afternoon: Democrat Jenna M. Rodriguez of Grants.
What “Pending” Means and What Comes Next
Filing day runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and additional candidates may file before the deadline.
After paperwork is reviewed, candidates are notified whether their declaration of candidacy, petition requirements (if applicable), and registration information are in proper order. Candidates listed as pending are not yet certified as qualified for the ballot until the filing officer completes that review.
Voters will begin to see the election timeline accelerate in May.
Under the statewide schedule, May 5 is the deadline for voter registration by mail and online for the primary, and it is also when early in-person voting begins at county clerk offices and county clerks begin sending mailed ballots.
The primary election is June 2, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Cibola Citizen will continue tracking filings and qualification notices, and will publish additional reporting on what each office does, what the races mean for local governance, and how voters can verify their district and registration information ahead of the June primary.
Editor’s Note: The Cibola Citizen acknoweledges some candidates may file for office after our editorial deadline. Check next week’s edition for a complete list of candidates.