OPINION: Elections have consequences — and responsibilities

There are less than 30 days until the mayoral runoff. We know that in runoffs every vote will make a difference. Many of us, including my union, are acting with the urgency this moment demands.

As a union leader who regularly works with elected officials, I’ve always believed elections are about democracy first. Once the votes are counted, we traditionally see grace in concession speeches and respect for the outcome. Unfortunately, that sense of civic responsibility seems to be fading — even here at home.

Nationally, we’ve seen losing candidates try to position themselves as partial victors or make public “demands” for influence. It’s disappointing to see that kind of post-election jockeying surface in Albuquerque’s mayoral runoff.

After Tuesday’s election, third-place finisher Alex Uballez told supporters that he spoke to Keller and told him, “We are demanding a number of things in exchange” for his support. Several allied nonprofit groups on the left have echoed that sentiment, saying they are compiling a list of demands for the mayor to consider in exchange for their support in the runoff.

There are several problems with that.

First, the voters already decided. Uballez finished a distant third, earning just 19% — roughly the same as Eddy Aragon four years ago. Both Keller and Darren White advanced to the runoff because they earned the trust of more voters.

And let’s keep some perspective: After progressive Eric Griego lost with 35% of the vote in a three-way Democratic primary for Congress in 2012, he never endorsed Michelle Lujan Grisham when she faced a Republican opponent — and she went on to win handily. So let’s not make too much of what Uballez does or doesn’t do.

Second, no one controls voters. Albuquerque residents make up their own minds. I know many of those who supported Uballez, and they care deeply about keeping our city moving forward. They won’t sit out and watch Darren White take Albuquerque backward. The notion that any organization or individual can dictate how thousands of people vote is simply not how democracy works.

Third, accountability matters. When Uballez failed to qualify for public financing, he blamed the system instead of acknowledging his campaign’s missteps. Yet several first-time mayoral and city council candidates historically and this year succeeded under the very same rules. Taking responsibility and learning from challenges are essential traits for anyone who aspires to lead.

Finally, the demands themselves miss the bigger picture. Keller has already been a consistent ally for progressive priorities — from workers’ rights and climate action to public safety reform and housing. He won’t meet every ideological test, but he’s shown integrity and independence in doing what’s right for the city. That’s what real leadership looks like.

The small group now pushing “demands” risks letting ideology overshadow reality. If White were to win, Albuquerque could see a return to fear-based policies and divisive politics. This runoff is about the city’s direction — whether we continue to move forward together, or turn back toward the chaos and division that have plagued national politics.

So to Uballez and the groups aligned with him: This moment isn’t about any one campaign or organization. It’s about Albuquerque’s future. Elections have consequences — and one of them is knowing when to move from campaigning to governing, and from demanding to contributing.