Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Sandoval County

What happens if the mayor’s election goes to a runoff? How much will it cost?

If Burque’s crowded mayoral race goes to a runoff election in December, the city has set aside $750,000 to cover the cost, though county officials warn costs will “significantly exceed” previous elections, potentially requiring City Council approval for additional funding. The Bernalillo County Clerk’s office has not set a final price tag for a possible […]

“A tunnel to Rio Rancho” or more bridges? Mayoral candidates pitch plans for Westside traffic woes

Should Albuquerque tunnel under the Rio Grande or build new bridges across it? Mayoral hopefuls Eddie Varela and Darren White pitched big ideas to ease Westside traffic during a recent candidate forum hosted by business leaders. The exchange came at a mayoral forum Tuesday, Sept. 30, hosted by business leaders with the National Association of […]

Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Sandoval County

Albuquerque mayoral candidates debate crime, homelessness at NAIOP forum

Six Albuquerque mayoral hopefuls clashed over crime, homelessness and housing Tuesday, Sept. 30, at a business forum, laying out starkly different visions for a city struggling with safety concerns and stalled growth. The forum at Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown, hosted by the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) New Mexico chapter and 13 business […]

Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Sandoval County

Daniel Chavez ends mayoral bid following staffer accusation, plummeting polls

Last week, City Desk ABQ reported that Albuquerque mayoral candidate Daniel Chavez had not disclosed to voters that he was facing battery charges for inappropriately touching a former staffer. This weekend, a new poll found that he had earned just six percent of support.  Now the parking lot company owner says he’s had enough and […]

Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety

Albuquerque mayoral candidate charged for inappropriate touching of former campaign staffer

An Albuquerque police officer investigating an incident between mayoral candidate Daniel Chavez and his former staffer found probable cause to charge him with battery, according to court documents filed in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court and obtained by City Desk ABQ. The criminal complaint, filed in July, alleges that Daniel Chavez inappropriately touched a person without […]

Posted inNew Mexico Statewide News, Sandoval County

Vasquez launches 2026 re-election campaign, emphasizes bipartisan record

U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez announced his 2026 re-election bid over the weekend, touring his sprawling southern New Mexico and Westside Albuquerque district with campaign stops in Albuquerque’s West Side, Los Lunas, Truth or Consequences and Mesilla. The second-term Democrat, who represents New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, positioned himself as a bipartisan problem-solver focused on lowering […]

Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Sandoval County

PACs pour $375k into Albuquerque elections, skirting campaign limits

When Burqueño voters see glossy campaign mailers or ads in the coming weeks, the fine print may list groups such as “Safer Albuquerque Committee” or “Ascend Albuquerque.” But those names don’t tell the full story of who is really paying to influence their votes. Political Action Committees (PACs) have raised $375,280 to sway the Nov. […]

Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Sandoval County

Albuquerque City Council candidates secure spots on the ballot after court challenge

Two Albuquerque City Council candidates will appear on the November ballot after a judge rejected legal challenges to their petition signatures, clearing the way for ballot printing to begin next week. District 1 candidate Stephanie Telles and District 3 candidate Teresa Garcia faced lawsuits claiming they failed to collect the required 500 valid signatures to […]