Association Update: 2025 New Mexico Regular Local Election – November 4, 2025


Last night, the statewide 2025 Regular Local Election in New Mexico concluded, with ballots cast in a wide range of local races; mayors, city councils, school boards, and key bond and tax questions.
Key Takeaways
 
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico Mayoral Race: KOB.com  In the state’s largest city, incumbent Tim Keller ran for a third term against challengers including Darren White, Alex Uballez, Mayling Armijo, Louie Sanchez and Eddie Varela. Because no candidate achieved more than 50 % of the vote, the race will go to a runoff between Keller and White on Tuesday, December 9.
 
  • Santa Fe, New Mexico Mayoral Race: koat.com Santa Fe City Councilor Michael Garcia won the mayoral race in a ranked-choice election, defeating seven contenders.
What This Means for the Construction Industry
 
For commercial construction stakeholders, union and non-union alike, the outcomes of these local elections matter:
  • Local leadership changes (mayors, city council seats) can shift the policy environment around permitting, inspection resource allocation, and infrastructure investment.
     
  • Tax and bond questions on the ballot may impact funding for infrastructure, public buildings, schools, and related construction opportunities.
Looking Ahead
  • We will continue to monitor final certified results across all counties from the Secretary of State’s official results portal. New Mexico Secretary of State
     
  • The December 9 runoff in Albuquerque will be critical for members who work in that region: expect further engagement once the finalists make their case.
     
  • Review how bond and tax proposals fared across municipalities to assess where construction investment may increase (or retract) in the coming budget cycle.
     
  • Prepare for mid-term consequences: local election outcomes will feed into strategic planning for workforce development, apprenticeship programs, and safety/regulatory advocacy at the municipal level.

As the statewide tally becomes complete and certified, now is the time for us to engage with newly-elected leaders and reaffirm our priorities: workforce development, safe job sites, apprenticeships, and streamlined delivery of commercial construction projects.