As Cibola County heads toward the November 5 General Election, voters are gearing up to decide the future of their local government.
The 2024 ballot will have voters electing not only the President of the United States, their US senator and US Representatives, but also a majority of new officials to operate the county government. This election comes at a pivotal time. As of press time, Cibola Communities Economic Development Foundation is without a director, uranium mining is getting a solid jumpstart in the Seboyeta area, the Cibola County Sheriff’s Office is embroiled in an investigation into fatal use of force after a police shooting.
Cibola will also be choosing new officials to represent them in the state legislature, there are two familiar faces, one which will come after Grants lost a State House seat in the primary, which will now be won in an unopposed election and be taken to To’hajiilee, in the East of Cibola County.
The Cibola County Commission will see significant changes this election, as several incumbents have hit their term limits. Three districts will elect new commissioners, a majority of members on the commission, promising a shift in how local issues like economic development and infrastructure are addressed.
CountyCommissionDistrict2
In District 2, Ray D. Carpenter (D) won the Democratic primary with 60 percent of the vote, defeating Ruben Sandoval (D).
Carpenter will face Republican Fred E. Rodarte, who ran unopposed in his primary, in what promises to be a closely watched race.
CountyCommissionDistrict4
Charles A. Lundstrom (D) will represent the Democrats after securing 60 percent of the primary vote against Michael W. Lewis.
Lundstrom faces off against Joseph Tanner Windhorst (R), who won the Republican primary by a narrower margin, beating out two other candidates.
CountyCommissionDistrict5
Georgia A. Routzen Sanchez (D), who ran unopposed in the primary, is poised to take the seat for District 5. With no Republican challenger in sight, Sanchez’s victory in November is all but assured, making her a key figure in the commission’s future direction.
At the county level, voters will also decide the next Clerk and Treasurer.
County Clerk
Natalie A. Grine (D), currently the Deputy Clerk, ran unopposed and will step into the role of County Clerk following the general election. Grine’s focus will be on continuing the smooth administration of elections and managing public records and elections for the county.
County Treasurer
The race for County Treasurer saw a competitive primary, with JoAnne Martinez (D) winning with 52 percent of the vote, defeating both Johnny A. Pino and Wendy Michelle Self, Pino is the current deputy secretary of the treasurer’s office and Self is the procurement manager for the county. Martinez’s background in finance and community service has positioned her as the likely choice to manage the county’s finances in the coming years.
Grants Loses
State House Seat
In June, Grants lost control of House District 69. This seat is currently held by Democrat Harry Garcia, who handily lost his re-election bid, the seat will now go to the East of Cibola, to To’Hajiilee. There are four legislative seats that represent Cibola. Two in the State Senate, and two in the State House.
State Senate District 30
In one of the most pivotal local races, Angel Charley (D) emerged victorious in a competitive Democratic primary, earning 58 percent of the vote against former Senator Clemente Sanchez.
Charley, with a platform focused on healthcare, education, and indigenous rights, is set to take the seat, as there is no Republican challenger. This district, impacted by recent redistricting, will be looking to Charley for fresh leadership as she steps into office.
State Representative District 6
Longtime incumbent Eliseo Lee Alcon (D) survived a challenge in his primary, receiving 48 percent of the vote against two Democratic opponents.
Alcon will now face Republican Paul L. Spencer, who ran unopposed in his primary.
This race presents a clear choice between Alcon’s experienced leadership and Spencer’s fresh perspective as the Republican Party Chair for Cibola County.
State Representative District 69
Michelle P. Abeyta (D) narrowly won her primary with 50 percent of the vote, defeating incumbent Harry Garcia and challenger Stanley E. Michael. Abeyta will now take her message of community development to the general election, though with no Republican opponent, her win is all but guaranteed.
What’s Next?
With several key local races poised to shape Cibola County’s leadership for the foreseeable future, the general election on November 5 is shaping up to be one of the most important in recent years. Voters will have the opportunity to choose between experienced incumbents and fresh faces, with a focus on local issues like infrastructure, economic development, and public safety.
There are federal races voters will have to elect also, be on the lookout for a wrap up on those.
Early Voting and Absentee Voting
Early In-Person Voting begins on October 8, at the Cibola County Clerk’s Office, located at 700 E. Roosevelt Suite 50, Grants, NM. The office will be open for early voting on weekdays and specific Saturdays through November 2.
Alternative Voting Locations will be available at the following sites:
Laguna Tribal Building – Oct. 19, 22 and 23 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Acoma Gymnasium – Oct. 26, 28 and 29 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pinehill Fire Station – Oct. 19, 22 and 23 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Old Cibola County Complex – Oct. 19, 22 and 29 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Important Dates
Voter registration closes
on October 8, 2024.
The last day the county clerk’s office will mail absentee ballots is October 22, 2024.
Early in-person voting ends on November 2, 2024.
As Cibola navigates its future, these contests will play a critical role in setting the direction for the county.