GRANTS, N.M. – Grants City Council District 1 has representation again after councilors voted 2–0 on July 29 to confirm Mayor Erik Garcia’s appointment of Mervin Victorino to the vacant seat.
Councilor Fred Rodarte was absent. Councilors Beverly Michael and George Garcia voted in favor of the appointment, and Victorino was sworn in immediately after the vote.
Victorino, who is from the Pueblo of Acoma, lives in Valencia Village and manages the Allsup’s on Roosevelt Avenue. He told the council he accepted the appointment after speaking with his family.
“I gave them the OK answer that I would do this – not for him, but for the community,” Victorino said. “I’m ready to learn and do what I need to do for the community.”
Mayor Erik Garcia said he reached out to Victorino a few weeks earlier and was encouraged by what he heard from Victorino’s district supervisor at Allsup’s.
“She just told me the most good things to say about you,” Garcia said. “The store is doing well, you’re managing it good, and it was comforting to know that you know how to run a show.”
Councilors asked Victorino about his work experience, whether he holds any other elected office, whether he has any financial conflicts with the city, and his understanding of the role of a city councilor.
Victorino said he does not hold another elected office and has no financial conflict. Asked what he understood the job to be, Victorino said he is still learning but sees the position as a way to serve residents.
“To me, it’s to be there for the community and to listen to people and for their needs,” Victorino said.
Councilor Garcia asked whether Victorino had a copy of the Grants City Charter or knew where to access it. Victorino said he did not.
After the questions, Councilor Garcia moved to approve the appointment, Michael seconded, and both voted yes.
Victorino was sworn into office by Grants City Clerk Frances Salas on July 29, 2026, and ends months of controversy while restoring representation District 1.
“You’re in, buddy,” Mayor Garcia said after the vote.
A wave of community support has followed since the vote. Councilor Victorino was given a copy of the Grants City Charter and a map of the city with the governing-district’s clearly marked.