Keller & Uballez

In the unlikely event that Mayor Tim Keller has to turn over the keys to City Hall to Darren White following the December 9 ABQ mayoral runoff election, he would not have far to look for someone to blame--rightly or wrongly. 

That would be Alex Uballez he former US Attorney and now a stubborn third place finisher to Keller in the November 4 election and who continues to refuse to endorse his fellow progressive Democrat  

In fact, Uballez could be said to be acting as if he won something--not finishing third and being denied a spot in the runoff--as he lists his demands for the two term Mayor to fulfill before he gives his blessing for a third term that Keller is seeking. 

Uballez has asked Keller to commit to eliminating homeless encampment sweeps, expanding rental assistance and working with tribal groups to protect Albuquerque’s petroglyphs. . .Uballez said: “He needs to give us the tools to inspire people. I think it’s silly to walk away from 25,000 votes."

Keller: "We had productive meetings and identified a great deal of common ground, but we made it clear that we will not engage in quid pro quo endorsements for his support or anyone else’s."

Uballez acknowledged some of his supporters will likely vote for Keller. . .regardless of whether he endorses him, but said many of them do not feel excited about casting a ballot. “There’s a lot of them that don’t want to vote at all,” Uballez said. 

But a mayor can't cede his power to authorize a sweep of a homeless camp or any other kind of camp without compromising his ability and responsibility to provide for the public's safety 

As for rental assistance there is a wide variety currently available through both the state and city.

And on the petroglyphs: 

Established in 1990, Petroglyph National Monument is unique not only in its history and landscape, but in its management as well. This 7,244-acre monument relies on a partnership between the National Park Service and the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division to protect its nearly 20,000 petroglyphs and provide recreational and educational opportunities to the public. 

UBALLEZ CRITICS 

Trujillo

Is Uballez using his perceived power to enhance his own standing rather than seriously influence the public policy debate? That's what his growing rank of Democratic critics contend as the stark choice between a progressive Democrat and a hard-right Republican looms over the city:  

Former Lt. Governor Diane Dneish: 

It appears that Uballez has missed the endorsement train. By failing to get on board right away and be a unifier, he says he ontrols 25,000 votes and is making demands on the mayor in exchange for his endorsements. This is an indication of why he shouldn’t be mayor. Uballez miscalculates his own importance. Bringing people together, not being too full of yourself and not reading too much of your own press, these are qualities we need in a mayor. Uballez doesn’t have them. 

Mark Trujillo, Political Director, IBEW Local 611 

Uballez finished a distant third, earning just 19 percent—roughly the same as Eddy Aragon four years ago. So let’s not make too much of what Uballez does or doesn’t do. The notion that any organization or individual can dictate how thousands of people vote is simply not how democracy works. 

To Alex Uballez and the groups aligned with him: this moment isn’t about any one campaign or organization. It’s about Albuquerque’s future. Elections have consequences — and one of them is knowing when to move from campaigning to governing, and from demanding to contributing.

Progressive Lissa Knudsen: 

Knudsen

Uballez needs to do more than just endorse Mayor Keller. He needs to do so without demanding concessions and he must actively work to get him elected. We must be crystal clear about the stakes: If Keller loses, our immigrant population will be targeted. The unhoused will be targeted. The most vulnerable people in our city will be targeted. Uballez should demand only one thing: that his voters go to the polls to protect those most vulnerable citizens. And a special note to CCP, OLE, WFP, EQNM, Native Voters, and Organized in Power: it is time to work for the people you claim to represent—the most vulnerable—and get Mayor Keller elected. 

Uballez correctly assumes that there are voters who cast ballots for him who are reluctant to vote for Keller or White but it is a rapidly shrinking number as evidenced by the endorsement of Keller by progressive leader and Dem Guv candidate Deb Haaland as well as this committee in support of him:

Host Committee in Formation: NM Speaker of the House Javier Martinez, Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, Senator Debbie O'Malley, Representative Janelle Anyanonu, Representative Joy Garratt, Representative Patricia Roybal Caballero, County Commissioner Barbara Baca, County Commissioner Adriann Barboa, City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, City Councilor Nichole Rodgers, City Councilor Joaquin Baca, Former Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino, Former Representative Kay Bounkeua, Rachel Lazar, Isaac De Luna, Eli Cuna, Anpao Duta Flying Earth, Angie and Brittany Poss, Janelle Johnson, 

At this point it appears that unless Uballez either changes his mind and comes with a no-strings endorsement or attracts a significant number of other progressives to join him in the demands he is making on Keller, this mayoral train is about to leave the station with or without him.

THE SURNAME GAME

We did not report that former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima was attempting "to hide" his heritage, only that he appears to have developed a sudden affinity for his middle name of Gallegos that he did not employ when he was mayor for 16 years. 

That change comes as he seeks the '26 Dem nomination for governor--as we explained on the blog last week. Still, we will run Miyagishima's reply even though he is mistaken: 

I’ve never tried to hide my mixed race heritage. I’m proud of my roots. My full name is and always has been Kenneth Daniel Gallegos Miyagishima, something you could have verified just by using google. I am surprised you find this “rebranding”. Y

ou also misread my campaign message. I have not joined my opponents in rushing to solicit campaign funds because I see the love of money as being the root of corruption in politics. I have self financed every campaign in my long career. . . I’m sure I will need funds after the primary, but I’d prefer to mostly self-finance my campaign for the June election. 

Maybe Sam (Bregman) and Deb are better known in Albuquerque, but where do they stand on issues that matter to New Mexicans? I view medical malpractice reform as the litmus test. Where does Deb stand on curbing this legal practice that threatens every doctor in our state? Sam is running as the “tough on crime” District Attorney, but his legal career has been defending those same criminals as a trial attorney. Do you think doctors can trust him considering his duplicity? I challenged them both to join me in rejecting campaign funds from trial attorneys and they refused. 

I think you would agree that voters deserve to know where each candidate stands on this most important issue. I think you would agree that the best way to inform voters is through debates. Why not do your readers the favor of endorsing debates even if it gives me the platform to talk truth to power? Maybe you see my campaign as “flagging” but I doubt that doctors, nurses or patients agree with you. 

We took up Miyagishima's suggestion that we Google his name. The only results we see with Gallegos mentioned as part of his surname is his Wikpedia entry and his recently announced gubernatorial candidacy--not during his long public service career or political campaigns in Las Cruces. 

As for debates, of course bring them on. As always we welcome any ideas from the gubernatorial candidates to improve the quality of life for New Mexicans. 

CHICAGO STYLE 

Reaer Jim McClure wrties: 

Joe, your report of Ken Miyagishima’s surname switch brought back memories of Chicago. Hispanic, Polish and Italian surnames are politically advantageous in Chicago, depending on the neighborhood, and Irish surnames are plerennial winners. Some of the down ballot races seemed to attract multi-ethnic candidates. I don't recall any specific names, but some were along the lines of Casimir Gonzalez O’Reilly or Patrick Esposito Lewandowski.

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Can a gubernatorial candidate with a 30 year track record do an ethnic rebrand to make himself more competitive?

Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima, 62, is trying and comes with this eyebrow raising newspaper ad that for the first time identifies him as Ken "Gallegos" Miyagishima.

Miyagishima has long been known as a successful Japanese-American politician. His electoral success goes back to1992 when he was elected to the Dona Ana County Commission. He served as a popular Las Cruces Mayor from 2007 to 2023.

Now as a candidate in the June '26  Dem Guv primary he is seeking a broader profile as he competes against well-known contenders Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman.  

The name change could be seen as a long-shot play from a long-shot candidate. Miyagishima has not been competitive with his fund-raising. 

Hispanic voters are plentiful in Democratic primaries and among independents who are now able to vote in party primaries. History confirms that voters can be swayed by a candidate's ethnic background. 

Miyagishima's major problem is not ethnicity but that he is a conservative/moderate Dem running in a party dominated by progressives. 

His major impact on the race thus far may be slowing down BernCo District Attorney Bregman who is courting the same middle of the road voters as Miyagishima, leaving the large progressive bloc to Deb Haaland.  

If nothing else the former mayor's name change could give him an excuse to hold a rebranding party to  raise money for his flagging campaign. 

MIYAGISIHIMA AND GALLEGOS 

Ken Miyagishima's middle name, "Gallegos," reflects his mixed Mexican and Japanese heritage. "Gallegos" is a Spanish surname from his mother's side of the family, while "Miyagishima" is his Japanese family name from his father's side. The use of both names symbolizes recognition of both parental lineages and cultural backgrounds.

MAYORAL RUNOFF 

From the ABQ City Clerk's office: 

Early voting will take place Monday, December 1 through Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 17 polling locations across Albuquerque. On Election Day, Tuesday, December 9, 50 polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Absentee ballots will be mailed to voters who have requested them beginning November 18. 

The last day to request an absentee ballot is November 25. . .All absentee ballots must be received by the Clerk’s Office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. Same-day registration will also be available during the Early Voting period and on Election Day. 

We'll be away from this space for a bit and return next Wednesday, Nov. 19. See you then. 

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At the conclusion of KOB-TV's ABQ mayoral runoff debate last night one of the moderators said the "passion"of the candidates was appreciated. That was a courteous way of describing a hot under the collar confrontation that had Darren White seeming to jump out of his shoes. 

He went after Keller so vociferously and without regard for the debate rules that he had to be reined in by the moderators.

The full debate here. 

Keller, who finished first in the November 4 election with 36 percent, was less emotional even as White issued his indictment of his administration over crime and homelessness. He settled into a calm recitation of the political baggage that the former Sheriff brought to the debate stage as White barely turned down the temperature. 

The debate was only thirty minutes. There were few moments when White, who ran second to Keller last week with 31 percent, was not directly facing the mayor, often with pointed finger, as he delivered his pugnacious punch lines and engaged in dramatic expressions. When Keller took his shots he only occasionally looked White's way and kept his eyes glued on the viewers. 

White's school yard bashing of the incumbent was a moment of release for the anti-Keller GOP base but there was little in White's performance that will change hearts and minds. His hyper-aggressive posture may have played into Keller's meme that he represents a "dangerous alternative." 

Keller, a Democrat in a majority Democratic city, probably didn't win any new fans but he acquitted himself as he did on the KOAT mayoral debate last month by keeping his game face on and systematically attacking White. 

The issues covered at the debate are by now overly familiar to the electorate--crime, homelessness and Keller's performance. What was new was the ability of the candidates to sharpen their charges against each other without having to share the stage with four other contenders.

Newspaper report on debate here. The duo will meet again in debate Nov. 24 on KOAT. The runoff election is December 9. 

CRIME NUMBERS 

The debate came a day after the Keller administration released new crime stats that showed crime across the board was down in the city for the first nine months of the year compared to 2024. They cited similar statistics for the nation but Keller was not overly rejoicing, saying: 

I understand that the perception may not be that crime is going down, in fact, I would agree with that perception. But I will tell you if we continue doing this for several more years, we will absolutely feel safer because we are safer.

Keller critics swatted away the new stats, claiming that many crimes are going unreported because tharre are so many and citizens don't bother to call the police. 

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When US Senators Ben Ray Lujan and Martin Heinrich jointly endorsed Santa Fe mayoral candidate Michael Garcia it was a one-two punch for the city councilor who also secured other prominent backing on his way to an easy win last Tuesday.

Flash forward to the December 9 ABQ mayoral runoff and Ben Ray has wasted no time in giving an official nod to Mayor Tim Keller but Martin Heinrich, who earned the blog nickname of "The First Endorser" for always having his finger on the endorsement trigger, did not join with Lujan this time. 

Not that Heinrich has any love for Darren White, the Republican Sheriff who is Keller's rival in the runoff. It was White who Heinrich defeated in 2008 to launch his congressional career. (Here's our Election Night wrap from that year.)

Heinrich is closely aligned with the progressive wing of the Dem party--more so than Lujan--and that puts him in the endorsement spotlight as progressive and third place mayoral finisher Alex Uballez calls for White's defeat but is still on the fence when it comes to an official endorsement of the two term mayor. 

There are strong ties between Heinrich and Uballez. The senator was instrumental in getting Uballez appointed as the US Attorney here under President Biden, an appointment that set in motion his run for elective office. 

Also, Heinrich is now in the middle of a raging battle over that US Senate vote reopening the government and that has inflamed progressives against more moderate Dems who voted for the opening. Heinrich sided with the progressives (as did Lujan) in voting to keep the shutters drawn on the federal government.

And another also, Heinrich has a home near the Nob Hill/UNM area where Uballez performed best. It was from there that Heinrich started out in politics in 2003 as an ABQ city councilor. Then there's the see-saw relationship Heinrich and Keller have had over the years. 

With all that background The First Endorser may just let Lujan take his title away for this election. 

 MAYOR '25 (Cont.)

Uballez

KOB-TV will host a 5 p.m. mayoral debate today with ABQ Mayor Tim Keller jousting with Republican Darren White. Meanwhile, readers weigh in on how Alex Uballez, the third place finisher in last Tuesday's initial election, is holding back an endorsement of fellow Dem Keller and which we blogged about Monday: 

Reader Xavier Medina Vidal writes: 

Joe, I am challenging your assumption that Uballez is missing the train. I'm asking that you explain to your readers the basis of your assumption. I’d say it’s fair to ask you how you arrived at this given your insights into NM politics. 

Thanks for the inquiry. We cautioned that Uballez could miss the train not that he has. Our reasoning is  fairly simple. If Uballez wants a clear path to a future in state politics, he does not need to alienate the Keller crowd so he has to carefully balance his dissent with Keller and his expected eventual endorsement of him. That's more so if he has his eye on working with the city. Dissenters to that view would argue that Uballez only needs his small but dedicated progressive base if he wants to advance politically.

An ABQ reader writes:

If Uballez was truly cut out to be mayor, then he either pisses or gets off the pot and shows some leadership with those who are his most ardent supporters and says he will not support Keller, or he takes them along on a convincing journey and explains why voting for Keller should be done. Taking a stance is a sign of leadership and being wishy-washy and coy is a sign of what? I am not sure what it is a sign of, but it does not have a good look. If he shows some leadership and courage, I could remain interested in him.  

GETTING SPECIAL

Acting Gov. Morales

The sky will not fall on New Mexico's 460,000 SNAP recipients. 

The special session of the legislature called by MLG made a speedy dash of it Monday in a three hour meet where they authorized a $162 million spend just in case the reopening of the federal government falls through. 

Food stamps were already assured through November but Dem legislators and the Guv said they would rather be safe than sorry--and did so sooner rather than later. Most Republicans agreed. The measure passed 52-9 in the House and 30-6 in the Senate. 

Collectors of vintage La Politica photos may want to make a keeper of the one posted here. It is of Acting Gov. Howie Morales signing the SNAP legislation sent up to him. He wields the yellow pen because MLG is attending a Brazil climate conference (nice work if you can get it).

He rarely gets the spotlight so let's have the Lieutenant Governor take us outta here today. 

It's yours, Howie. . 

No New Mexico families will go hungry thanks to the efficient work of our state legislators and the leadership of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. I am proud that we came together in the best spirit as New Mexicans to make sure vulnerable families in our state are taken care of. This legislation ensures New Mexicans can feed their families this holiday season.

And this gentle readers is. . . 

The Home of New Mexico Politics.  

With a deal to open the federal government finally working its way through Congress, there seems little reason for New Mexico's lawmakers to gather in Santa Fe today. But the Governor jumped the gun, called them back and did not call them off so. . . 

About today's one day special legislative session called by MLG in reaction to the interruption of SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown. . .

The SNAP debacle is a stark reminder of the state's welfare state status and how economic development has passed us by. Over 21 percent of the population--about 460,000 New Mexicans--depend on SNAP. That's the highest rate in the nation and has been for some time. The low-wage, low employment economy in a state of just 2.1 million just hangs around year after year.

The Governor could have postponed today's special since the immediate funding problem for November appears resolved. But the Dems and GOP have been on war footing. Her office gave this reasoning for today's special session: 

The special session is moving forward Monday because Republicans in Congress still refuse to end this needless government shut down. While we are relieved that November benefits have been released, we are still cautious about relying on future SNAP funding being available. We’re not taking any chances with 460,000 New Mexicans’ food security.

That reasoning is no longer operative now that the government is about to reopen but the politicos will have no problem filling the void with plenty of talk while sending the special session bill to Mr. and Mrs. New Mexico.

 TRAIN LEAVING?

Is Alex Uballez risking the train leaving the station without him?

The former US attorney came in third in the ABQ mayoral election last week, getting 18.79 percent percent of the vote (not the 20 percent his campaign claims). That vote came mainly from progressive Democrats and slowed Dem Mayor Keller who now faces a December 9 runoff election with second place finisher Darren White, 

But Uballez is dragging his feet on an outright endorsement  of Keller who received 36 percent of the vote to White's 31 percent. Uballez' campaign says "he’s standing committed to defeating Darren White so he can’t turn the city over to Trump."

That may be all Keller needs from Uballez but more is always best. 

While Uballez is holding back and using that nearly 19 percent as a bargaining chip with the mayor, progressive Dem gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland is filling the vacuum, coming with an early and robust endorsement of Keller. That's not a shabby replacement for Uballez in Dem dominated ABQ. 

Also Indivisible ABQ, a prominent progressive group, is prepping their endorsement of Keller who is seeking an unprecedented third four year term:

IABQ is. . .working toward an endorsement for Mayor Keller. Darren White’s record and alignment with the Trump agenda, ICE, and anti-immigrant policies are fundamentally at odds with our values and the communities we stand with. To finalize an endorsement, we’ll need at least 120 member votes through our online platform. Stay tuned for an official endorsement announcement.

And no doubt here will be more progressives coming aboard with Keller as fear mounts of a right-wing takeover of City Hall. 

Uballez earned a ticket Election Night but will he miss the train that could keep him on track for future success?

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Mayor Keller

Sometimes you get a bit more than you wish for. That's what happened in the ABQ mayoral race Tuesday night as Mayor Tim Keller drew former Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White as his opponent in a December 9 runoff election. 

BernCo results here. All state results here.  

Of his five foes Keller most wanted to face White in a runoff but perhaps not with White breathing down his neck by getting within five points of overtaking him for first place honors. 

The final mayoral results had Keller with 35.55 percent; White 30.86 percent; Alex Uballez 18.7; Louie Sanchez 6.47; Mayling Armijo 5.6 and Eddie Varela 1.2 percent.

That difference of just 4.69 percent between Keller and White puffed a wave of energy through the beleaguered Republican camp with Topic A being whether the close run would mean significant campaign money for White.

Dems think the GOP is blowing smoke, that a close call does not translate into a runoff where Keller will have a distinct advantage in a Democratic dominated city. 

That advantage was seen in a poll released last night while we were on the air at KANW. It was paid for by the PAC supporting Keller and was conducted by GBAO Associates in anticipation of a Keller-White runoff:

Ascend ABQ PAC polled 400 likely voters Oct. 16 -19 in anticipation of a runoff election. Among those who had a preference, 45% said they were likely to support Keller over White. White earned 38% of likely runoff votes. 17% say they would be undecided if those two candidates were their choices. The margin of error was 4.9%, according to GBAO pollsters who conducted the poll.

Not bad but it's not 50 percent. The pollster adds: 

When voters learn more about White, Keller's lead grows and he passes the 50 percent mark.

"Learn more about White" is a euphemism for throwing the kitchen sink at him. That's exactly what's coming White's way as a fired up Keller made clear to supporters at the downtown Arrive Hotel last night: 

We've seen that show before that he brings. The hate, the division, the fake answers, seemingly waving a magic wand that will solve all of our problems when we know it is harder than that. It takes grit, it takes guts, it takes a real plan. 

Of course, the mayor threw out the Trump threat that appeared to drive some of the record turnout of 132,000 for the election, 

White answered with his own speech to a gathering at the Courtyard Marriott that included Republican City Councilors Dan Lewis and Renee Grout both of whom won their re-election bids Tuesday:

Voters said enough is enough and we want change. Crime and homelessness are destroying the city we love and that was on the ballot as well. Voters spoke loud and clear they want a new direction for our city and we're going to deliver it.

Keller will continue with public financing in the runoff, collecting $377,000. White failed to qualify for public financing and is going private. 

GOP analyst Bob Cornelius told our audience what White must do:

He has to take that close second place and sell it to his donors and national Republicans to quickly raise money. Keller will get that  public money for the runoff plus more support from an outside PAC. White will need to do the same to compete. 

It's far from certain that White will be able to capture the hearts of those many Republicans who have nothing but bitterness for him after years of infighting in the GOP, so much so that some top GOP donors were giving money to conservative Dem Louie Sanchez in the mayoral race.

For Keller the first order of business is getting Alex Uballez on board with his campaign. His 19 percent showing was solid considering his lagging fundraising. He did throw a bone to Keller in his concession speech. His campaign said:  

Uballez threw his support to Telles and Garcia in upcoming run-offs, calls on City to vote against Darren White.

That's a start but the mayor hoping to make history by winning a third consecutive term still needs a strong embrace from his progressive rival--almost as much as White needs a large campaign war chest.  

COUNCIL ACTION 

The Telles that Uballez mentioned is progressive Dem Stephanie Tellez who pulled off an upset win in City Council District 1 on the westside and will face Republican Joshua Neal in the runoff. Candidates Ahren Griego and Daniel Leiva were left in their dust.

Teresa Garcia is the candidate who came in second to three term Dem incumbent Councilor Klarissa Pena, prompting a runoff in District 3 in the Westside/Valley seat. 

In District 5 on the northwest side, Republican Councilor Dan Lewis beat out a challenge from Athenea Allen, wife of BernCo Sheriff John Allen.

In Distrcit 7  in the NE Heights Tammy Fiebelkorn ran unopposed on the ballot and won a second term,  

In District 9 in the far NE Heights GOP Councilor Renee Grout passed Dem Colton Newman to take the win.

In that hotly contested APS School Board battle in District 3, it wasn't even close. Retired teacher Rebecca Betzen bested School Board President 50 to 40 with the remainder going to Isaac Flores who had quit the race but his name remained on the ballot. 

In Santa Fe mayoral front-runner and City Councilor Michael Garcia lived up to the name and easily won the eight way contest to succeed Mayor Alan Webber. Like ABQ, Santa Fe saw high turnout.   

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Tune in to our live Election Night coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m on public radio KANW 89.1 FM and streamed at KANW.ORG.

Polls close at 7 p.m. Bernallio County results here. 

There will be suspense tonight in the ABQ and Santa Fe mayoral elections despite there being two front-runners--Mayor Tim Keller in ABQ and City Councilor Michael Garcia in Santa Fe. 

We wait to see if Keller can get 50 percent of the vote to get re-elected outright and avoid a December 9 runoff. If not but he still finishes in first as expected, who will take second and face him in that runoff? That battle appears to be between Republican Darren White and Dem City Councilor Louie Sanchez with White the favorite.

In Santa Fe the suspense is over how many rounds of counting it will take to elect a new mayor. Up there the runoff takes place tonight for all eight candidates because ranked choice voting is used. 

That's where voters rank all the candidates in their order of preference. If none of them get 50 percent in the first round, the vote-counting goes to a second round and keeps going until one of them reaches the magic number. 

It is possible but not likely that a candidate who finishes second in the first round of voting could actually end up in first and become mayor-elect.  

Santa Fe County Clerk Katharine Clark says ranked choice voting could mean a later election night for the City Different than ABQ because of the time needed to count. She says the counting will be streamed live for all to watch on the county's YouTube channel.

Another reason for more suspense in ABQ is the dearth of polling from the ABQ Journal. The paper came with a late September survey but that was the one and only.

For the first time the paper's new no endorsement policy for political candidates kicked in for a mayoral election, the latest example of how the newshounds are backing off from getting too close to the fire in this polarized era.

HOW MANY? 

Early voting was on the low side in ABQ and Santa Fe. We're thinking total turnout comes in around 95,000 in ABQ compared to 118,000 in 2021.

SETTING EXPECTATIONS 

The Mayor Keller camp has been working overtime to tamp down expectations. In a final statement on the subject they said: 

We’re not taking anything for granted — our team is working hard to secure one of the top two spots and make the December runoff. Until the polls close tomorrow, Keller volunteers are knocking doors, making calls, and reminding everyone to get out and vote. 

So the campaign would be alright with Keller finishing second? If that happened there would be a political firestorm in this town. 

Progressive Dem Alex Uballez wrapped things up by urging his supporters to have a good time at his E. Nite party:

Feel the energy, the hugs, the hope, the joy. Whether you knocked doors, made calls, donated, or simply believed this night is for you. Let’s celebrate how far we’ve come…and look forward to what’s next. Together. We Win.

Louie Sanchez sent voters into today with this message:

Why Vote Louie Sanchez for Mayor? Because Albuquerque deserves leadership that puts safety, accountability, and families first. Louie has real experience — not politics — and a vision to make our city stronger, safer, and more united Election Night is our moment to connect, reflect, and cheer for this people-powered movement we built together, a stronger, safer Albuquerque that puts community first. 

THE PARTIES 

Sanchez will watch the returns at his home on ABQ's Westside 

Mayor Keller will have an Election Night party at Arrive Hotel at 7th and Central Downtown. 

Alex Uballez party headquarters will be at Flamenco Works at 506 Central Downtown.

Darren White will host supporters at the Courtyard Marriott at 5151 Journal Center Blvd. NE

KANW ELECTION NIGHT

Maestas

We welcome back to the KANW microphones tonight ABQ state Senator Antonio "Moe" Maestas who has served from ABQ's District 26 since 2022 and before that 16 years in the state House. He is an ABQ native, took his law degree from the UNM School of Law and is an attorney with over 25 years of experience. 

If the issue is big in Santa Fe you'll find him in the middle of the fray. He's also a college sports fanatic now in ecstasy over the UNM football team's success. As for tonight's proceedings, he says: "Politics is the wildest sport of all. Tonight is the big bowl game." 

Garratt

Dem state Rep. Joy Garratt is also back with us for another Election Night stint. This one is especially timely because she represents Westside House District 29 as she has since 2019. That area will be a hot spot tonight with the four way District 1 City Council battle and the two way District 5 Council race with Republican Dan Lewis and Democrat Athenea Allen. Being a retired educator, Joy is also captivated by the Danielle Gonzales-Rebecca Betzen clash for the ABQ School Board. 

She says of tonight's races: "I can't predict who will win but someone is going to get schooled."

CONSULTANT CORNER

Cornelius

Abeyta

Dem Sisto Abeyta is a longtime political consultant and lobbyist who can spend hours crunching numbers and not even need eye drops. He can also tell you how every precinct in Valencia county voted in the last 12 presidential elections--in case you're curious. He says of tonight, "Bruce King once told me to never make election predictions. I wished I had listened."

Republican consultant Bob Cornelius, a Tatum NM native who has been busy consulting Texas legislative candidates, will do anything to get a political fix. He drove here from Austin to continue contributing his insights to public radio. Appreciate that, Bob, although the ranks of GOP candidates is pretty thin this year. 

Bob says of tonight: "I came here to see Republicans win, but I'll settle for some chicharrones."

Kinsey

And we welcome to the Election Night broadcast news pro Jenny Kinsey, a reporter for the Mountain West News Bureau based at KANW. She'll be filing reports from around the city as the election news breaks. 

Jenny has worked as a freelance journalist for NPR and other outlets and has a masters in journalism and political science from East Texas A&M University. 

About tonight she says: "It's like herding cattle. I'm ready."

Should be a fun one. See you tonight from the KANW studios. 

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