City Council District 1

Ahren L Griego

OFFICE:

CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE COUNCIL DISTRICT 1, Councilor Districted

NAME:

Ahren L Griego

OCCUPATION:
Retired

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

WEBSITE:
https://griegoforalbuquerque.com/

ENDORSEMENTS:
AFSCME Council 18, Albuquerque Police Officers Association, IAFF Local 244

QUALIFICATIONS:
I bring a lifetime of public-safety experience to this race. I’m a retired Albuquerque Fire Department Captain with 24 years of service, and public safety is the top concern I hear from residents—and my top priority. We need a City Councilor who understands how to keep neighborhoods safe and move Albuquerque forward. These are my roots: I attended John Adams and graduated from West Mesa. My children live in the district, and I’m committed to building a safer, more prosperous Albuquerque for every family.

BONUS QUESTIONS:
#1: Favorite place for enchiladas, and what’s your order?
Your mom’s kitchen doesn’t count. Where do you go when you go out for red or green?: Having served in the Fire Department for over two decades, I can confidently say nothing beats the enchiladas we make at the firehouse.

#2: Where’s the one place you’d take a visitor to get a true, non-touristy sense of what ABQ is all about? My favorite place to take anyone visiting is the Balloon Fiesta when it’s in town.

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Stephanie “Steph” Telles

OFFICE:

CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE COUNCIL DISTRICT 1, Councilor Districted

NAME:

Stephanie “Steph” Telles

OCCUPATION:
I am a certified fraud examiner and Founder of Otoño Consulting, LLC a small local business that hat helps organizations strengthen ethics, prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse, and build healthier workplaces. I also serve as Adjunct Faculty at the UNM Anderson School of Management in the MACCT Department, teaching Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
•          Interim Treasurer, United Academics of the University of New Mexico (UA-UNM) #6662 • Director, Government Accountability Office, NM Office of the State Auditor, 2019-2022  •       Community Council Member, Marie Hughes Elementary School, 2024-Present •   Gubernatorial Appointee: Policy Advisory Committee: New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department, 2023 – Present  • Mayoral Appointee: Member-at-large: Library Advisory Board: Albuquerque and Bernalillo County Oct 2022 – Present •     Advisory Council Member: Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Global 2022 – Present  •    Vice-President, Board of Directors: ACFE New Mexico Chapter #50, 2020 – Present •         Advisory Board Member, Alzheimer’s Association- New Mexico Chapter, 2022 – 2023 •        Chair, Central NM Walk to End Alzheimer’s & AIM Volunteer and Advocate: Alzheimer’s Association- NM Chapter,  2019 – 2022   •    Albuquerque Business First,  New Mexico Diverse Business Leader Honoree, 2020

WEBSITE:
https://www.stephanieforabq.com/

ENDORSEMENTS:
Planned Parenthood, Equality New Mexico, and OLÉ New Mexico

QUALIFICATIONS:
I’m running because Albuquerque families deserve leaders who put people first. As a mom, wife, caregiver and educator, I understand the challenges of balancing work, family, and community in a city where resources are stretched thin. My service includes Union leadership with United Academics of UNM, the NM Aging and Long-Term Services Policy Advisory Committee, and the Albuquerque-Bernalillo Library Advisory Board. Professionally, I bring expertise as a small business owner, Certified Fraud Examiner and forensic accountant. I am committed to strengthening accountability, and ensuring every decision made is centered on community needs.

BONUS QUESTIONS:
#1: Favorite place for enchiladas, and what’s your order?
Your mom’s kitchen doesn’t count. Where do you go when you go out for red or green? My rule is simple: never order something I can make at home. So when I hit up Los Compadres, it’s almost always Menudo for me. But if I were to switch it up? Red enchiladas, stacked high, loaded with onions, smothered in melty cheese, and crowned with a fried egg on top.

#2: Where’s the one place you’d take a visitor to get a true, non-touristy sense of what ABQ is all about? The Petroglyph National Monument has always been my favorite place to recommend. Free, accessible, and etched with ancient stories, it offers both sandy trails through volcanic rock and paved paths that welcome everyone. As a sandwich generation caregiver, I found those paths perfect for pushing my daughter’s stroller alongside my mom’s walker, three generations experiencing Albuquerque’s past and present together.

Other candidates for this office did not respond to the questionnaire.

City Council District 3  

Teresa Garcia      

OFFICE:

CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE COUNCIL DISTRICT 3, Councilor Districted

NAME:

Teresa Garcia

OCCUPATION:
Digital Marketing Communication Specialist at the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence Statewide Coalition

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
I currently serve as Chair of the City of Albuquerque’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission (2023–present). I previously ran for State Representative in District 13 for the Southwest Mesa in 2024, and I have spoken at the New Mexico State Legislature in support of key legislation. In addition, I have worked alongside and supported community organizations in their policy efforts. I also bring over seven years of statewide coalition leadership experience, including with the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, where I continue to advocate for statewide policy.

WEBSITE:
www.teresafordistrict3.com

ENDORSEMENTS:
NM Working Families, OLE NM and Equality NM

QUALIFICATIONS:
I am a resident of the Southwest Mesa for 15 years, the daughter of an immigrant, a Vietnam War veteran, and a mother of two APS students. With over 7 years of statewide coalition work and as Chair of the City’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission, I’ve led efforts to secure funding, accountability, and survivor-centered reforms. District 3 deserves transparent leadership that prioritizes safe streets, stronger infrastructure, affordable housing, local business, youth, and immigrant families who are vital to our community. I’m proud to be endorsed by Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, Conservation New Mexico, and NM Voter First.

BONUS QUESTIONS:
#1: Favorite place for enchiladas, and what’s your order?
Your mom’s kitchen doesn’t count. Where do you go when you go out for red or green? I make them myself or I head to La Guelaguetza

#2: Where’s the one place you’d take a visitor to get a true, non-touristy sense of what ABQ is all about? Head to the Mexican food trucks on central between 98th and unser (not Nuevo Atrisco) for a variety of food or El Dorado Bakery on Gibson for some menudo and Pan Dulce

Other candidates for this office did not respond to the questionnaire.

City Council District 5

Athena Allen

OFFICE:

CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE COUNCIL DISTRICT 5, Councilor Districted

NAME:

Athenea A. Allen

OCCUPATION:
National Security professional (Site Security Lead/Peoples Manager)

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
With over 20 years in national security, I currently lead program security operations at Kirtland Air Force Base, managing 40 staff supporting the Air Force Research Lab (2024–present). Before that, I directed site security for Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector (2020–2024), and from 2002–2020 I served as a Senior Special Investigator, conducting federal background checks for nearly every federal agency, including Sandia and Los Alamos Labs.

WEBSITE:
https://www.atheneaforabq.com/

ENDORSEMENTS:
U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, U.S. Rep Melanie Stansbury, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman—visit https://www.atheneaforabq.com/endorsements

QUALIFICATIONS:
I bring a unique perspective on crime and public safety as both a 20-year national security professional and the spouse of Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen. I know what it means to stand on the frontlines with law enforcement families, and I’ll prioritize safer streets, stronger neighborhoods, and real accountability. Raising my family on the Westside for over two decades, I understand our community’s challenges—traffic, housing, and growth that too often leaves families behind. Unlike Dan Lewis, who’s weighed down by ethics scandals and obstruction, I’ll bring honest, collaborative leadership focused on solving problems, not serving personal interests.

BONUS QUESTIONS:
#1: Favorite place for enchiladas, and what’s your order?
Your mom’s kitchen doesn’t count. Where do you go when you go out for red or green? Pericos for enchiladas–red, no garnish; Fuego 505 (Westside in District 5) for red or green!

#2: Where’s the one place you’d take a visitor to get a true, non-touristy sense of what ABQ is all about? Only from the Westside at sunset can you see Albuquerque shine its brightest.

Other candidates for this office did not respond to the questionnaire.

City Council District 7

Tammy Fiebelkorn

OFFICE:

CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE COUNCIL DISTRICT 7, Councilor Districted

NAME:

Tammy Fiebelkorn

OCCUPATION:
Albuquerque City Councilor, District 7

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
Albuquerque City Council Land Use Planning and Zoning Committee; Chair, 2023 and 2025. Member, 2021–present.  Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority Board. Vice-Chair, 2022, Member, 2021–2022.  Winrock Tax Increment Development Districts. Chair, 2022–present.  Mid Region Council of Governments Board and Executive Committee. Member, 2021–present.   Regional Transit District Board. Vice-Chair, 2022–present. Member, 2021–present.  Albuquerque Bernalillo County Governmental Commission. Vice-Chair, 2022, Member, 2021–present.  City of Albuquerque Intergovernmental Relations Committee. Vice-Chair, 2021 – present  City of Albuquerque Energy Council. Member, 2019 – 2021. State of New Mexico, Energy Conservation Code Change Committee. Member, 2009 – 2022.

WEBSITE:
https://tammyforalbuquerque.com/

ENDORSEMENTS:
US Senator Martin Heinrich, Planned Parenthood Votes New Mexico, and New Mexico Building Trades and Construction Council. See more:  https://tammyforalbuquerque.com/endorsers

QUALIFICATIONS:
I have represented District 7 on the Albuquerque City Council since 2022 and have over 30 years of policy development and advocacy experience. As a City Councilor, I have brought traffic-calming and bike friendly infrastructure to District 7; enhanced parks and green stormwater projects; and made public safety improvements, including alleyways. Citywide, we have increased funding for police officers and first responders; created more affordable housing and rental units; funded transitional housing; expanded opioid treatment; and defended the Air Quality board. I have also volunteered my time to raise awareness of the link between animal abuse and human violence.

BONUS QUESTIONS:
#1: Favorite place for enchiladas, and what’s your order?
Your mom’s kitchen doesn’t count. Where do you go when you go out for red or green? Vegos – literally anything on the menu because it’s all vegan and all yummy!

#2: Where’s the one place you’d take a visitor to get a true, non-touristy sense of what ABQ is all about? Winrock Town Center Park on a Artisan Market day.

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Jaemes Shanley

OFFICE:

CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE COUNCIL DISTRICT 7, Councilor Districted (Write-In)

NAME:

Jaemes Shanley

OCCUPATION:
Retired

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
President Mark Twain Neighborhood Assoc., Vice President District 7 Coalition

WEBSITE:
https://shanley4d7abq.us

ENDORSEMENTS:

QUALIFICATIONS:
45 years of international business management experience endows me with an orientation toward pragmatism, innovative problem solving and a collaborative approach to issues.  In an 11 month “deep dive” into the state of Albuquerque and the functioning of government, I have monitored Council & the Mayor and learned from “being there” to see, hear and learn from the work of many non-government coalitions, groups, and individuals to improve the situation of homelessness and crime.  I surveyed the condition of 3,816 properties along Central, San Pedro, Menaul, 4th Street and San Mateo to quantify our commercial corridor decay. 

BONUS QUESTIONS:
#1: Favorite place for enchiladas, and what’s your order?
Your mom’s kitchen doesn’t count. Where do you go when you go out for red or green? Duran’s Station on Menaul, green

#2: Where’s the one place you’d take a visitor to get a true, non-touristy sense of what ABQ is all about? Drive them around east to west, south to north, to see what the only City in a rift valley in the America’s, nestled in a cradle of ancient civilizations is like.

City Council District 9

OFFICE:

CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE COUNCIL DISTRICT 9, Councilor Districted

NAME:

Renee Grout

OCCUPATION:
Albuquerque City Councilor District 9

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
Albuquerque City Councilor District 9  2022-present

WEBSITE:
vote.reneegrout.com

ENDORSEMENTS:
Albuquerque Police Officers’ Association

Albuquerque Area Fire Fighters Local 244

AFSCME Council 18

QUALIFICATIONS:
I love my city, and I ran for Council four years ago because I was saddened by its decline.  Since then, I have worked to dig deep into the issues that affect Albuquerque and bring my perspective to creating common-sense solutions.  I am running again because I’ve been a part of a lot of successes – from rebuilding parks and roads to supporting families through our community and senior centers.  I’ve started projects to increase affordable housing, help homeless youth get on their feet, and get ready for the centennial of Route 66.  I’d like to see those projects through.

BONUS QUESTIONS:
#1: Favorite place for enchiladas, and what’s your order?
Your mom’s kitchen doesn’t count. Where do you go when you go out for red or green? My very favorite place for enchiladas is Casa de Benavidez on Fourth Street, and I always get the chicken enchiladas with green chile.  Since enchiladas are best enjoyed with family and friends, I get big pans of them from Garcia’s when my children and grandchildren come home. 

#2: Where’s the one place you’d take a visitor to get a true, non-touristy sense of what ABQ is all about? I love to take people hiking in the Tijeras Arroyo BioZone Open Space, then end the hike at the Four Hills/Manzano Open Space for the awe-inspiring view of the sunset.  Albuquerque is vibrant and bustling, yet we have easy access to peaceful, natural spaces from anywhere in the city.

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OFFICE:

CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE COUNCIL DISTRICT 9, Councilor Districted

NAME:

Colton Alan Newman

OCCUPATION:
Sr Business Manger UNM CASAA

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
Executive Committee Member, UNM Staff Council (current)

WEBSITE:
https://www.coltonforabq.com

ENDORSEMENTS:
1) Central New Mexico Labor Council

2) Conservation Voters New Mexico

3) New Mexico Building and Construction Trades Council

QUALIFICATIONS:
I am running for City Council because our community deserves transparent leadership that puts people first. As a manager at the University of New Mexico, I oversee programs, budgets, and teams with accountability and care. Serving on the UNM Staff Council Executive Committee, I have advocated for fair compensation, equity, and workplace improvements. My background in sustainability and community development has prepared me to make smart, future-focused decisions for Albuquerque. I am committed to listening to diverse voices, ensuring financial transparency, and improving quality of life so every resident has the opportunity to thrive.

BONUS QUESTIONS:
#1: Favorite place for enchiladas, and what’s your order?
Your mom’s kitchen doesn’t count. Where do you go when you go out for red or green? Perea’s New Mexican Restaurant

#2: Where’s the one place you’d take a visitor to get a true, non-touristy sense of what ABQ is all about? Up and down Rio Grande Blvd starting at Central Grill and Coffee House, see Albuquerque’s oldest part of town next to the Sawmill district, Albuquerque’s newest up and coming area. Go see local farms to pick your own flower bouquets and green chile, tour Los Poblanos, have a glass of wine at a local winery and access to the bosque for a scenic hike.