Editor’s Note: While the June election is now settled, some positions such as the New Mexico Lieutenant Governor’s race are still not settled. All presumptive winners and names should be considered provisional until the November ballot is drafted and confirmation of candidates is verified by the New Mexico Secretary of State.
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – Cibola County voters now have a clearer picture of who is expected to appear on the November general election ballot after two major post-primary developments: Grants Mayor Erik Garcia withdrew from the Cibola County Commission District 3 race, and the automatic recount in the Democratic primary for Probate Judge affirmed no change in the vote totals, securing Corrine Padilla as the victor.
Garcia submitted a withdrawal of candidacy form on June 16, 2026, and will not appear on the November ballot for County Commission District 3. Garcia received 191 votes in the Republican primary, but said his campaign was intended to make a point about the Grants City Charter and whether city officials can hold two public offices at the same time.
In the Cibola County Probate Judge race, the automatic recount began June 29 and completed June 30. Cibola County Deputy Clerk, told the Cibola Citizen the recount board was meticulous, confirming signatures and counting every vote individually. The recount affirmed no change in the results. Corrine C. Padilla remains the projected winner of the Democratic primary for Probate Judge after leading Marie Martinez-Garcia by 13 votes.
Based on the current post-primary results and withdrawal information, the following candidates are expected to move forward:
For Cibola County Magistrate Judge Division 1, Democrat Tony L. Mace is expected to appear on the November ballot.
For Cibola County Magistrate Judge Division 2, Democrat Jessica M. Melonas and Republican Robert Scott Windhorst are expected to face each other in November.
For Cibola County Commission District 1, Democrat Richard Allen Cerno is expected to move forward.
For Cibola County Commission District 3, Democrat Martin M. Vigil is expected to move forward. At deadline, there is no Republican challenger.
For Cibola County
Sheriff, Democrat Larry D. Diaz and Republican Aaron Henry Baca are expected to face each other in November.
For Cibola County Assessor, Democrat Jenna M. Rodriguez is expected to move forward.
For Cibola County Probate Judge, Democrat Corrine C. Padilla is expected to move forward.
In State Representative District 6, Democrat incumbent Martha Garcia and Republican Paul L. Spencer are expected to face each other in November.
In State Representative District 69, Democrat Michelle Paulene Abeyta is expected to move forward.
Statewide For Governor Democrat Deb Haaland and Republican Greggory D. Hull are expected to face each other for governor.
For Lieutenant Governor, the Democrat ticket has not officially been filled but Haaland has blessed Lands Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard to be on the ballot.
The New Mexico Democrat Party officials will decide who takes the position. On the Republican side, David M. Gallegos are expected to move forward. For secretary of state, Democrat Amanda López Askin and Republican Ramona L. Goolsby are expected to appear on the November ballot.
For attorney general, Democrat Raul Torrez and Republican Samuel Isaiah Kane Sr. are expected to move forward.
For state auditor, Democrat Joseph M. Maestas and Republican write-in candidate Joshua James Ryan Lawrence are expected to move forward.
For state treasurer, Democrat Laura M. Montoya and Republican write-in candidate James F. Ellison are expected to move forward.
For commissioner of public lands, Democrat Juan De Jesus Sanchez III and Republican Michael Jack Perry are expected to move forward.
For Judge of the Court of Appeals Position 1, Democrat Kris Houghton is expected to move forward.
For Federal Races Affecting Cibola
Democrat Ben Ray Luján is expected to move forward in the U.S. Senate race, along with Republican write-in candidate Larry E. Marker.
In U.S. House District 2, Democrat Gabriel Vasquez and Republican Gregory G. Cunningham are expected to move forward.
The Cibola Citizen will continue to monitor any official ballot updates ahead of the November general election.