By Matthew Reichbach
An increasingly crowded mayoral race is likely to grow in the coming weeks.
And as it’s an odd-numbered year, the Albuquerque mayoral race will be the political event to watch in New Mexico (along with the Santa Fe mayoral race, also this fall).
The election will take place on Nov. 4 and if no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two candidates will be involved in a runoff.
So far, four candidates have filed to run for the spot, with one other who announced he will run but has not yet filed and other names rumored to join the race.
While the election is still months away, candidates are in a key period for public financing (stay tuned to City Desk ABQ for more on this in the coming weeks).
Albuquerque elections are non-partisan, which means while the candidates themselves may be members of a political party, that party will not appear on the ballot next to their names.
They’re in
Tim Keller
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller is seeking an unprecedented third consecutive term in charge of the city.
While the city charter limited mayors to two terms, former Mayor Martin Chavez successfully challenged the prohibition in courts. He lost his bid for a third consecutive term.
Keller, a former state Senator and state Treasurer, looks to make that history. He announced his candidacy earlier this month.
“Albuquerque has fought too hard for progress, we can’t let anyone take that away from us,” Keller wrote. “We must continue to fight to make our city the place we know it can be — for all our families.”
Campaign website: mayortimkeller.com
Darren White
Darren White is no stranger to electoral politics in Albuquerque. He successfully ran for sheriff twice and ran for Congress in the 1st Congressional District. Now, he turns his eyes to City Hall.
White said in his announcement earlier this month that he’s a fiscal conservative and promised to “give police officers the resources and support they need to restore order to our city.”
White previously worked in City Hall as the Chief Public Safety Officer under Mayor Richard Berry, Keller’s predecessor, and as Secretary of Public Safety under then-governor Gary Johnson.
Campaign website: DarrenWhiteForMayor.com
Mayling Armijo
The former deputy county manager for Sandoval County was the first candidate to jump into the race. She announced her candidacy for mayor in early February.
“The crime, specifically the property crime, is impacting businesses in ways that a lot of us don’t see,” she said when announcing her candidacy. “Insurance rates are going up, the cost of doing business is going up, and right now, this administration isn’t doing anything about it…Nobody’s acknowledging the struggles that they’re going through.”
Armijo is not seeking public financing.
Campaign website: armijo4mayor.com
Eddie Varela
Retired fire chief Eddie Varela announced his run for mayor earlier this month. Like the other candidates, he said he wants to restore public safety in the city. He also looks to empower city workers.
“Under Eddie Varela’s leadership, our city will become a beacon of hope and progress for all its residents, especially our dedicated city workers,” his campaign website says. “Eddie Varela envisions a city where the morale and quality of life of our city workers are paramount.”
Campaign website: eddievarelaformayor.now.site/home
Patrick Sais
Patrick Sais is running for mayor, citing his long work in the public sector. Sais’s campaign website says he worked as community outreach coordinator for the Albuquerque Community Foundation and worked as a policy analyst for the state government.
Sais ran for state House in 2024, but lost in the general election to Eleanor Chavez in House District 26.
Sais’ campaign website says his “campaign is more than just a bid for office; it’s a call to action for every Albuquerque resident to participate in shaping the future of our city. With your support, we can build a vibrant, resilient Albuquerque that honors its past while embracing the possibilities of tomorrow.”
Campaign website: sais4mayor.com
Announced but not filed
Parking Company of America president Daniel Chavez said earlier this month that he planned to run for mayor. As of Friday, his name was not on the list of mayoral candidates on the city website.
Considering or Rumored
Even with all those candidates already in the race, others are still considering hopping in. City Councilor Louie Sanchez told City Desk ABQ that he’s considering running for mayor. City Desk ABQ has heard other names are considering a run for mayor, but have not been able to confirm as of Friday, March 28.
Disclosure: Darren White was a founding donor of City Desk ABQ. He is not involved in business or editorial decisions.
Darren White was most recently employed by KKOB Radio where he, I believe, was serving as program director. In his frequent subbings as host for various programs, he regularly blasted Mayor Keller. Is he still employed by the radio station?