How did we build the guide? City Desk ABQ and The Paper. provided each candidate free space to make their best case to our readers. Candidate responses are published in the raw, without edits. Photos and website links are provided if they were submitted by a candidate. Learn more about each candidate in their contact information, if provided. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
This voter guide is a joint project of City Desk ABQ and The Paper. It is supported by reader donations.
Mayling Armijo
OFFICE:
CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE, Mayor
NAME:
Mayling Armijo
OCCUPATION:
Exec. Dir. Elevated Lending CDC; Officer US Navy Reserve
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
Economic Dev. State of NM; Dir. Economic Dev. Bernalillo Cty; Deputy Cty. Mgr. Sandoval Cty.
WEBSITE:
https://armijo4mayor.com
ENDORSEMENTS:
Associated Builders and Contractors; Linda Stover, Bernalillo County Clerk 2016 – January 2025.
QUALIFICATIONS:
I am uniquely qualified as Mayor of Albuquerque because I have a strong background in banking and have worked for the NM Finance Authority and the Economic Development Agency at the State of NM. I served as Director of Economic Development and most recently I was Deputy County Manager for Sandoval County. I have a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology, a Diploma in Commercial Credit and I am a graduate of JPME1 from the Naval War College. I currently serve in the US Navy Reserve as an Officer.
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 Pharmacy. Christmas please!
#2: Where’s the one place you’d take a visitor to get a true, non-touristy sense of what ABQ is all about?: Railyards/Grower’s Market breakfast at Barelas Cafe
Timothy “Tim” M. Keller
OFFICE:
CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE, Mayor
NAME:
Timothy “Tim” M. Keller
OCCUPATION:
Mayor of Albuquerque
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
Albuquerque Mayor (2017-present); New Mexico state auditor (2015-2017); state senator — representing Albuquerque’s East Central Gateway and the International District for six years, including two years as majority whip (elected 2008-2014).
WEBSITE:
https://www.mayortimkeller.com/
ENDORSEMENTS:
U.S. Rep Melanie Stansbury, Civil Right Leader Dolores Huerta, Speaker of the House Javier Martinez – visit our website for a full list of endorsers
QUALIFICATIONS:
I ran for mayor to lead Albuquerque through its toughest challenges—and I’m running for re-election because the progress we’ve made is real, but our work isn’t done. We’ve rebuilt APD, driven down crime, created the first 24/7 Community Safety Department, dramatically expanded housing and shelter, and infused Downtown with new energy and opportunity. Now we must defend that progress from Trump’s reckless policies and harmful budget cuts that threaten our families and safety. I’ve stood up to Trump before, and I have the experience, vision, and resolve to keep pushing Albuquerque forward and protecting the future we’re building together.
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?: Favorite place for enchiladas: Garcia’s – red flat enchiladas, with an egg over easy; for red chile—Cocina Azul; for green chile—Bob’s Burgers
#2: Where’s the one place you’d take a visitor to get a true, non-touristy sense of what ABQ is all about?: Sunday night, 7th and Central
Darren White
OFFICE:
CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE, Mayor
NAME:
Darren White
OCCUPATION:
Retired
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
NM Department of Public Safety Secretary (1995-1999), Bernalillo County Sheriff (2003-2009), City of Albuquerque Public Safety Director (2009-2011)
WEBSITE:
darrenwhiteformayor.com
ENDORSEMENTS:
Councilman Dan Lewis, Councilwoman Renee Grout and Councilman Dan Champine
QUALIFICATIONS:
I’ve dedicated my life to public service – as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, a police officer, and Sheriff. Albuquerque is at a tipping point, gripped by crime and a homeless crisis that threatens our quality of life. Families live in fear, businesses are struggling, and our community is losing hope. I believe the fundamental role of government is to keep people safe, and I know firsthand what fighting crime requires. I’m running because I refuse to accept decline. With proven leadership, accountability, and real enforcement, I will restore safety, order, and confidence in our city’s future.
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?: Sadie’s
#2: Where’s the one place you’d take a visitor to get a true, non-touristy sense of what ABQ is all about?: (Did not respond)
Other candidates for this office did not respond to the questionnaire.