Democrats win contested races for Bernalillo County Commission seats

Democrat Frank Baca appeared headed for victory against Republican Mary Kay Ingham in the race for Bernalillo County Commission District 2 on Tuesday evening, according to unofficial results.

The pair were vying for the open seat left by Steven Michael Quezada, who had run up against his term limit as a commissioner.

By Tuesday night, Baca — an Albuquerque native and retired attorney — held 61% of the vote over Ingham.

“So far, so good,” Baca told the Journal.

He said, if victorious, he looked forward to addressing the needs of District 2, which is predominantly in the South Valley. Baca said he spent the past year talking to community members and constituents “to learn and listen to what people, like me, feel are important.”

“I see that as my marching orders,” he said, “... having heard what I’ve heard and seen what I’ve seen, (to) go forward and pursue that agenda.”

Baca campaigned on addressing infrastructure issues and promoting educational advancements while protecting the cultural significance within District 2.

Frank Baca was endorsed by county commissioners Barbara Baca and Eric Olivas.

Ingham could not be reached Tuesday night.

Incumbent Commissioner Adriann Barboa was also projected to defeat Republican Rene Coronado to hold onto her seat for District 3, which spans large swaths of Southeast and Northeast Albuquerque.

“I feel really good and strong about my campaign ... just really proud to be able to honor and serve again,” Barboa told the Journal.

By late Tuesday night, Barboa had accumulated 71% of the vote over Coronado.

Barboa said she looks forward to continuing her efforts to address behavioral health needs in the county. She said that means also allocating resources to address homelessness and drug abuse.

“I’m just really proud to be in a district that’s both so progressive and so willing to face the challenges together,” she said.

Barboa added that she hopes to work with her election opponent, Coronado, in the future regarding county affairs.

“I want to find a way to engage him. ... I applaud him for putting his hat in there and putting his effort forward, and I even hope to work with him,” she said.

Coronado could not be reached Tuesday night.

Commissioner Walt Benson held onto District 4 — which includes parts of Northeast Albuquerque and the West Side — as he ran unopposed for reelection.

Both Barboa and Benson, the lone Republican on the commission, initially won their seats in 2020.