Meet Rio Rancho’s mayoral candidates

Six candidates are competing to become Rio Rancho’s next mayor as early voting begins Feb. 3, ahead of the March 3 election. The race follows Mayor Gregg Hull’s announcement that he will run for governor, leaving open the leadership position in one of the state’s fastest-growing communities with more than 112,000 residents. The candidates are Sandoval County Commissioner Michael Meek, City Councilor Paul Wymer, and residents Corrine Rios, Zach Darden, Alexandria Piland and Aleitress Owens-Smith.

Zach Darden

Darden, 28, focused his platform on environmental protection and youth programs. He proposed establishing a dedicated Open Space Department to protect the West Mesa. 

Citing a survey, he said, “As Mayor, I will work to expand youth-focused programs, events, and activities that provide positive alternatives and prevent young people from turning to unlawful behavior.” 

His proposals include art clubs and protected under-21 drug-free social venues. On infrastructure, he would reestablish a Utilities Commission Board of experts and implement improved well-monitoring systems. He also proposed using Geographic Information Systems to identify cost-effective public transit routes. Darden emphasized senior-focused programs and wants to work with developers to build more cost-effective housing instead of luxury homes.

Michael Meek

Meek, who chairs the Sandoval County Board of Commissioners, is serving his second and final four-year term on the county board. He retired in 2018 as Rio Rancho fire chief after 25 years, during which he improved the city’s Insurance Service Organization rating twice, resulting in lower insurance costs. A Rio Rancho resident since 1990, Meek said he wants to improve relationships between city and county government, a relationship he has seen deteriorate as he served on the commission. 

“Many functions of the two governments are duplicated,” Meek said. “I plan to improve the communication by knowing how both agencies operate and focus on common goals.” 

He also serves on the County Insurance Authority board of directors and highlighted the city’s public safety, schools, libraries, and parks as factors that make it “a great place to raise a family or retire.”

Aleitress Owens-Smith

Owens-Smith, a local business owner, focused on accountability and balanced growth in her platform. 

“Development must pay its fair share,” Owens-Smith said, supporting tying new housing approvals to verified capacity for roads, water, and utilities before construction begins. She advocated for water rate transparency and long-term planning to stabilize costs, supporting diverse housing options including workforce and attainable housing. 

“Affordability isn’t about overbuilding — it’s about balance, accountability, and planning with residents in mind,” she said. 

On public safety, Owens-Smith prioritized competitive pay, proper equipment, and community-based safety approaches, pledging clear communication and regular community engagement beyond election cycles. Her quality of life vision includes investing in parks and recreation, supporting small businesses, and attracting local employers so residents don’t need long commutes.

Alexandria Piland

Piland, the former chair of the Democratic Party of Sandoval County, emphasized fiscal responsibility and proactive planning. 

“Growth must pay for growth,” she said, “That means requiring developers to meet clear infrastructure standards up front — especially for roads, water capacity, drainage, and utilities — before new housing is approved.” 

She plans to push for water rate transparency and operational efficiencies while expanding housing options through workforce and middle-income housing development. For public safety, she prioritized retaining experienced first responders and ensuring departments have adequate staffing and equipment. Piland also pledged to expand regular public updates and her quality of life vision includes investing in parks and recreation and creating local, good-paying jobs.

Corrine Rios

Rios, a resident and former state house candidate, entered the race focused on transparency, having filed a federal lawsuit in July 2025 challenging city practices. She emphasizes that infrastructure planning must precede development approvals. 

“Rio Rancho should grow intentionally, not blindly,” Rios said. “No major development should be approved without doing the homework first.” 

On water rates, she seeks refunds or credits, after the city overcharged residents due to improper prorating of bills. She proposed creating regular citizen inquiry sessions and implementing a 2022 voter-approved charter amendment to modernize ordinance tracking. She advocates for a small civic performance space for local theater and music.

Paul Wymer

Wymer has served six years on the City Council and six years on the Planning and Zoning Board. A resident since 1982 with nearly four decades of private development experience, he calls himself “the most qualified candidate to navigate the important and very technical issues that must be coordinated between the private and public sectors.” 

He supported the city’s 2024 Affordable Housing Plan and worked to update infrastructure policies. Regarding water and sewer rates, he noted recent, “thoroughly vetted” adjustments are necessary “to account for inflation and to maintain and operate a reliable and safe system.” 

Wymer also highlighted his support for public safety pay increases and quality of life projects, including a new recreation center and a planned multi-generational community center.

What’s next?

The March 3 ballot will also include elections for City Council Districts 2, where incumbent Jeremy Lenentine is running unopposed, 3, where incumbent Bob Tyler is running unopposed, and 5, where incumbent Karissa Culbreath is being challenged by Calvin Ward. There are also several bond questions related to roads, public safety and community projects.

Early voting begins Feb. 3 at the Broadmoor Senior Center and expands to four more locations on Feb. 14. On voting day, there will be 14 Voting Convenience Centers throughout Rio Rancho that will be open from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.