Bernalillo County Commissioner Barbara Baca announced Wednesday she will seek re-election in the June Democratic primary for District 1, which encompasses Albuquerque’s Westside and North Valley.
Baca, a lifelong Westside resident and 14th-generation New Mexican, said she is running to continue work on housing, behavioral health and public safety initiatives begun during her first term.
“Over the last four years, we’ve made historic investments in housing, behavioral health, public safety, and quality of life—and there is more work ahead,” Baca said in a statement. “I’m running for re-election to keep building a county that is safer, healthier, and more affordable for all our families.”
Baca was first elected to the commission in 2022, winning 74% of the vote in the Democratic primary and 62% in the general election.
During her tenure, Baca said she helped secure more than $80 million for affordable and supportive housing through the Middle Rio Grande Housing Collaborative, which she co-created. She also cited her work advancing housing projects including the Veterans’ Integration Center, Ponderosa Place and Poblana Place.
The commissioner said she initiated the Behavioral Health Working Group, which led to passage of the Behavioral Health Authority Ordinance. She also highlighted her support for increased funding for the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and Albuquerque Fire Rescue.
For a second term, Baca said her priorities would include expanding affordable housing, improving public safety through full funding of the sheriff’s office, promoting economic development and protecting environmental resources.
“At a time of national division, local leadership matters more than ever,” Baca said. “I will continue to stand up for all our families and make sure Bernalillo County remains a place where people feel safe, supported, and valued.”
Baca spent more than three decades in public service before joining the commission, including roles with the city’s Open Space Program, Department of Senior Affairs and as director of Parks and Recreation, according to the announcement. She previously served as an at-large director of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District.
The commissioner will host two campaign kickoff events: Feb. 22 at Tractor Brewery and March 1 at her sister’s Westside residence.
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