The Sandoval County Commission is poised for a transformation after the General Election on Nov. 5, as two commissioners — Chairman David Heil and Jay Block — are terming out, paving the way for new leadership across three contested districts.
As voters prepare to head to the polls in less than a month, they will have the chance to reshape the Sandoval County Commission, which is currently controlled by a Republican majority of three to two. With Heil and Block moving on, the balance of power could shift. The two commissioners not up for reelection are Katherine Bruch (Democrat, District 1) and Vice Chair Michael Meek (Republican, District 3).
In District 2, Republican Jon Herr faces off against Democrat Beau Sandoval for the open seat. In District 4, Democrat Madigan Ray is competing against Republican Jordan Juarez. Meanwhile, in District 5, incumbent Democrat Joshua Jones, appointed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, is running against Republican Justin Garcia.
District 2
The District 2 race features Herr and Sandoval, both residents of Rio Rancho, who are vying for Block’s seat.
Sandoval, 24, says he represents a younger generation of leadership, having grown up in the City of Vision. Herr says he has been part of the Rio Rancho community for nearly 30 years and aims to uphold Sandoval County’s reputation as the fastest-growing and safest county in the state.
“Rio Rancho (Sandoval County) is my home,” Herr said. “Over that time things have grown a lot and crime hasn’t. I watch the decay of the communities around ours and I don’t want that to happen to Sandoval County. I want to be sure we have the best trained and capable law enforcement, public safety, and first responders.”
Herr said he is committed to maintaining a balanced county budget, drawing from his experience as an engineer and small business owner. He plans to apply his skills in working within tight budgets and effective planning to support local business growth and public services on the County Commission.
According to his campaign website, Herr’s priorities include economic development, infrastructure improvements, public safety and expanding broadband access. His plan focuses on job creation, supporting local businesses, fully funding public safety and bringing reliable, affordable internet to underserved areas through partnerships and technologies like fixed wireless and satellite.
“In the end, we’re all citizens of Sandoval County with unique capabilities and perspectives. The party lines only matter on paper,” Herr said. “When my term is over, the county should be in better condition than we found it.”
Sandoval has never held political office and said he is running because his community means a lot to him.
Sandoval said his generation faces a historic crisis, with declining life expectancy and a lower standard of living than previous generations. Many young people in the county struggle to visualize homeownership, starting businesses, or families, feeling unrepresented by policymakers who fail to address our urgent needs and concerns.
“I’m tired of folks running for office on empty promises and people running for office who don’t understand the common issues of people they are trying to represent because they have never experienced such issues,” Sandoval said.
According to Sandoval’s campaign website, his priorities include urgent road and bridge repairs, securing funding for infrastructure improvements and ensuring access to safe drinking water while protecting the environment. By promoting clean energy, transforming libraries into digital hubs and investing in community centers, the county will foster economic growth, safety and well-being for all residents.
“I have done a great deal of work to ensure that the policies I support do not have a political label in front of them, but rather that they represent the needs and interests of the folks who live in the Second District of Sandoval County,” Sandoval said. “Know that my policies are crafted in a way that I am eager to achieve meaningful and genuine success for prosperity between Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike.”
District 4
The District 4 race features Juarez and Ray competing for the seat currently held Heil.
Juarez, who sits on the Sandoval County Ethics Board as the vice chairman, said he is running for the commission to ensure a successful future for his family and community.
“My family is what motivated me to run for the county commissioner seat. Life changes when you have kids, and for my wife and I, our son, just like other families with children, deserves a chance to make a life in New Mexico,” Juarez said. “We need future generations of New Mexicans, and who better than my up-and-coming generation to lead us into that future.”
Juarez says he embraces the challenge of running for county commissioner, drawing on his experience managing a high-level aerospace manufacturing business. He believes his leadership skills and strong commitment to the community will make him a capable steward of Sandoval County’s resources and budget.
According to Juarez’s campaign website, he will focus on reducing crime, boosting job creation and economic growth, improving infrastructure and ensuring transparency in county operations. He aims to support law enforcement with increased funding for training, foster a business-friendly environment, upgrade infrastructure and promote transparency through open data policies and community engagement.
“The people come first. Getting the work done and meeting the needs of taxpayers is the only priority, regardless of party affiliation,” Juarez said. “If doing what is best for Sandoval County is what is at the forefront, then the commission will effectively execute its duties.”
Ray is a first-time candidate aiming to offer a fresh perspective on improving the county. She seeks to enhance the quality of life for residents while attracting newcomers to Sandoval County.
“I’ve always understood the importance of local government and wanted to serve my chosen community from elected office,” Ray said. “The County Commission spoke to me because how the county allocates its budget is the single most important decision when it comes to the lives of the people who live there.”
According to Ray, it is essential to protect unions, workers, and renters. She supports regulations on short-term rentals and corporate ownership of single-family homes to create more opportunities for potential homeowners. Additionally, mitigating pollution, protecting water and wildlife and transitioning to renewable energy are the main focal points of her campaign.
“A vote for me would mean a vote for someone who understands the crisis of the working class and the environment, and someone who will fiercely protect both,” she said.
According to her campaign website, the issues that need fresh solutions are human rights, combating climate change through renewable energy, advocating for a significant increase in wages along with support for workers’ rights to unionize.
District 5
The candidates vying for the District 5 seat are Jones and Garcia. The district is the largest in Sandoval County, encompassing about 3,000 square miles in the northwest region. It includes the communities of Zia Pueblo, San Ysidro, San Luis, Torreon, Cuba, Regina, La Jara, Counselors, Ponderosa, Jemez Pueblo, Cañon, Jemez Springs, La Cueva, and portions of Peña Blanca, Santo Domingo Pueblo, Cochiti Pueblo and Sile.
The district is currently represented by Jones, who was appointed to the commission in January 2023. He filled the vacancy left by former Commissioner Kenneth Eichwald, who resigned after being elected as a magistrate court judge in November 2022.
Jones, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in the Military Police, is a resident of Rio Rancho and a small business owner. He previously ran for the Rio Rancho City Council in 2022, losing a runoff to Bob Tyler. He was a Wounded Warrior Fellow for former Congresswoman Deb Haaland, now the U.S. secretary of the Interior, in New Mexico’s First Congressional District.
“I’ve dedicated my career to making a tangible difference, whether it was working in Congress with now Madam Secretary Deb Haaland as a Wounded Warrior Fellow, or advocating for our rural and tribal communities here in Sandoval County,” Jones said.
Jones said being elected as commissioner would be an honor for both himself and the entire district. He said he will ensure the voices of the diverse communities — rural, tribal and urban — are heard and represented.
“Winning this race is crucial because we’ve made tremendous strides in advancing the community, but there is still so much more to accomplish,” Jones said. “From improving infrastructure and supporting small businesses to ensuring every voice is heard, I am ready to continue the work we’ve started. I’m excited about the future and the opportunities ahead, and I’m confident that with the support of the people, we will make Sandoval County even stronger.”
His campaign website outlines his priorities for District 5, which include supporting small businesses, investing in infrastructure, enhancing education and community development and ensuring the county is safe.
Garcia, a retired police officer who served as a traffic corporal with the Rio Rancho Police Department until June, is Jones’ opposition. He previously held leadership roles as president of the Rio Rancho Police & Communications Association, a member of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Park Commission and chairman of the Sandoval County DWI Planning Council.
“I dedicated my life to serving the people of Sandoval County and New Mexico, and know how crucial it is to have good leaders who care and understand the people and families they represent holding office,” Garcia said.
His campaign website emphasizes his commitment to balanced growth and community well-being. Garcia said he aims to create a thriving and inclusive Sandoval County by prioritizing public safety, infrastructure, economic development, education, health care and community services.
“If we as commissioners are truly doing our job, our actions will speak for themselves, and people will know who we are and what we stand for,” Garcia said. “Our district needs a representative who is committed and present — not just someone holding the title. That’s why it’s important for me to win this race, to ensure that our vast and beautiful district has a voice that is actively working for the people.”
He plans to strengthen law enforcement and emergency services, improve transportation, attract new businesses, enhance educational resources, expand health care access and increase affordable housing options while promoting collaboration among schools, first responders and community organizations.
“As a county commissioner, it is our duty to prioritize the needs of our community over partisan politics,” Garcia said. “Finding common ground and working together, regardless of party affiliation, to prioritize common ground through shared goals, encourage accountability and engage with facts, not rhetoric.”
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