A dozen candidates filed to run for elected positions in Rio Rancho’s March 3 municipal election, with the filing deadline closing at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
The city announced the unofficial candidate list Jan. 6, with the official roster to be released Jan. 9 after the city clerk notifies all candidates whether their declarations have been qualified.
Six candidates filed for mayor, including Sandoval County Commission Chairman Michael Meek, District 4 Councilor Paul Wymer, former New Mexico House candidate Corrine Rios, local businesswoman Aleitress Owens-Smith, former chair of the Democratic Party of Sandoval County Alexandria Piland and conservationist Zachary Darden.
Three incumbents who are seeking reelection are running unopposed: District 2 Councilor Jeremy Paul Lenentine, District 3 Councilor Bob Tyler and Municipal Judge G. Robert Cook. District 5 Councilor Karissa Culbreath faces challenges from Calvin Ward and Seth Velasquez.
Meek, who is serving his second term on the county commission after being reelected in November 2022, previously served as Rio Rancho fire chief.
Rios filed her candidacy while her lawsuit against the city continues. She is challenging ordinances she claims were passed unlawfully and water and sewer rate increases she believes were premature.
Piland, who served as chair of the Democratic Party of Sandoval County in 2024, describes herself as an educator, union organizer and activist with 20 years of experience as a party organizer. Piland is a two-term president of the Sandoval County Federation of Democratic Women and ran unsuccessfully for city council in 2024 and for Sandoval County Commission in 2020.
Darden, 28, said he believes he may be the youngest candidate in the race. The self-described conservationist has never run for office. Darden has been critical of the Project Ranger initiative, which will be located on the outskirts of Rio Rancho.
Owens-Smith relocated to New Mexico in 2012 and worked various jobs before establishing several businesses, including Aleitress Mobile Restrooms, Aleitress Elevate Together Magazine, Boss Women Network, Young Women of Glimmer and Women of Glimmer.
Wymer was elected as District 4 councilor in March 2020 and reelected to a second four-year term in March 2024. The next election for his District 4 seat is not until March 2028.
Rio Rancho governing body members are elected in nonpartisan elections.
Write-in candidates may file declarations Jan. 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the city clerk’s office at Rio Rancho City Hall.
If no candidate for an office receives more than 50 percent of the votes cast on March 3, a runoff election between the top two vote-getters will be held on April 14.
Given the limited information regarding the candidates for mayor in this article, Michael Meek stands out as the candidate with the greatest experience and knowledge of operations in our community serving as both commissioner and fire chief for many years. His focus on bringing jobs and new business to Rio Rancho will benefit us all.