Bernalillo County sheriff's race features a rematch in Dem primary

A former Quay County sheriff has filed to run against Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen in the Democratic primary election on June 2, setting up a rematch of the 2022 contest.

Philip Snedeker and Allen on Tuesday filed their candidacies for sheriff and are the sole contenders. No independent or Republican candidates are vying for the position.

In 2022, Snedeker ran against Allen as part of a crowded seven-way race in the Democratic primary, which Allen won with 41% of the vote. Allen went on to defeat Republican Paul Pacheco and Libertarian Kaelan Dryer with 54% of the vote in the general election.

Snedeker was elected sheriff in Quay County in 1987 and oversaw the county’s detention center operations. Raised in Silver City, Snedeker worked in public service for over 47 years, first as an officer with the Silver City Police Department before serving as a New Mexico State Police officer for a decade. 

“As a lifelong, dedicated public servant, with a strong commitment to serving the people of my community, I bring a career in public safety and law enforcement, administration, and policy development and a personal dedication to this community and its constituents,” Snedeker wrote in a news release announcing his candidacy.

“I have the experience and knowledge necessary to best represent the interests of, and concerns of our citizens.”

Snedeker said he supports the expansion of crime reduction strategies, including treatment and programs to address substance abuse and the expansion of services related to mental health interventions.

He also said he would advocate for modifications to pretrial detention statutes that many in the state say contribute to the “catch and release” issues plaguing the criminal justice system. 

In a news release announcing his run for reelection, Allen spoke of his record of “modernizing public safety” and "strengthening community bonds” and said he still has work he would like to do within the agency.

“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, but there is more work to do,” Allen said. “We will continue expanding smart public safety strategies, strengthening partnerships with our communities and focusing on victim-centered policing that keeps Bernalillo County safe.” 

He went through a number of his accomplishments since taking office in 2024, highlighting the use of drones as first responders and his focus on strengthening behavioral health responses.

Allen said, if reelected, he would focus on expanding the use of technology within BCSO and work on youth intervention amid growing concerns about juvenile crime while working to address the issues surrounding repeat offenders. 

Candidates had until 5 p.m. Tuesday to throw their hat in the ring, and county clerks have until March 17 to determine if each person is qualified to run. 

Nakayla McClelland covers crime and breaking news. Reach her at nmcclelland@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3857.