New year, new leaders: Bernalillo County Commission votes on chair, vice chair

The Bernalillo County Commission has selected its internal leadership for the year.

Commissioner Adriann Barboa, who represents District 3, including Southeast Albuquerque and unincorporated areas outside Kirtland Air Force Base, was voted chair during Tuesday's meeting, while Commissioner Frank Baca, representing District 2 in the South Valley, was chosen as vice chair.

“I am thrilled to serve as chair for 2026,” Barboa said in a statement Thursday. “I’m even more excited to hit the ground running and continue our work for Bernalillo County residents. This appointment gives me an increased opportunity to help give our neighbors what they need, and more so, what they deserve. I’m honored by this privilege to serve them.”

Both appointments were unanimously approved by fellow commissioners with dual 5-0 votes.

Barboa has served five years on the commission and is in her second and final term in office. Meanwhile, Baca is in the second year of his first term.

Last year, Barboa served as vice chair alongside Commissioner Eric Olivas, who held the chair position.

The chair presides over commission meetings, sets the agenda and acts as a representative of the county, while the vice chair steps in if the chair is away. Chairs help shape policy and budget decisions for the county.

Barboa and Baca will serve as chair and vice chair until 2027, as new leadership is chosen each calendar year.