OPINION: What Albuquerque's historical mayoral election really means

Politics is a tough business. As a former New Mexico Cabinet secretary and school superintendent, I know this firsthand.

Pundits make a living predicting outcomes, often hoping to shape public opinion in the process. In the year leading up to this year’s mayoral election, the prevailing narrative was bleak. Many commentators suggested Albuquerque — and its two-term mayor, Tim Keller — were headed toward defeat. Few believed Keller could win an unprecedented third consecutive term, and some argued that any chance he had rested on weak opposition in both the November election and the December runoff.

Voters saw it differently.

On Dec. 9, Albuquerque residents turned out in force, producing one of the largest mayoral electorates in the city’s history. Nearly 129,400 voters participated — only about 3,000 fewer than the roughly 134,000 who voted in November. For a runoff election, that level of turnout is extraordinary. In Albuquerque’s last mayoral runoff, just two years ago, turnout dropped by nearly 40% between the November election and the runoff.

This time, it didn’t.

Voters delivered a historic third term to Mayor Keller with a decisive 58–42% victory. This was not a low-information electorate drifting into a runoff. Voters showed up with purpose — and that purpose was clear.

Albuquerque’s voters made history by electing a mayor to three consecutive terms. It also occurred during a national anti-incumbent climate. Early statistics indicated the runoff electorate leaned slightly more conservative than the November electorate — making Keller’s 16-point margin over Darren White all the more notable.

So, what explains the result? Perhaps while pundits were forecasting outcomes, voters were paying closer attention to their daily lives — and weighing the choice between moving forward with a leader who has a plan and purpose or turning backward to a more divisive and vitriolic approach.

Homelessness remains highly visible, but residents also see early signs of progress through the Gateway System — the city’s first coordinated response to homelessness, behavioral health and addiction services. No single policy can solve a challenge of this scale, but the city’s long-term investments in housing, infrastructure and services are beginning to take shape, particularly in the urban core. Voters also understand that progress on this front requires consistency and follow-through.

Public safety was another key factor. Crime has declined in recent years — not just statistically, but in ways residents increasingly recognize reflect a more thoughtful approach than simply arresting everyone. That progress did not happen by accident. The Keller administration created the Albuquerque Community Safety department, now nationally recognized as a model for non-police crisis response. At the same time, the Albuquerque Police Department has undergone significant reform.

There are other visible changes as well. Parks across the city are being renovated. Vacant Downtown office buildings are being converted into housing. Arts and entertainment districts are rebounding. These are tangible improvements residents experience directly, offering a more grounded picture of Albuquerque’s trajectory than broader national narratives might suggest.

Ultimately, this election became a choice about direction. Voters spoke clearly across neighborhoods and political affiliations. Keller won seven of the city’s nine City Council districts, including strong performances on the West Side — historically one of the most competitive areas in citywide races. The electoral map reflects a broad, citywide consensus rather than a narrow or purely partisan coalition.

I do not believe elections deliver mandates. Leadership must be earned day after day through results, transparency and trust. This election was no exception. Voters did not offer a blank check — but they did send a clear signal: Albuquerque is on the right path, and the work underway is worth continuing.

Veronica Garcia was New Mexico's first secretary of Education and a former superintendent. She currently works as an educational consultant.