The field of candidates hoping to be the next mayor of Albuquerque continues to swell.
The latest entrant, according to reports, is Daniel Chavez, the president of a parking lot company in Albuquerque. City records show that as of Wednesday afternoon Chavez has not yet filed the paperwork to to run.
Chavez, the president of Parking Company of America, is the fifth declared candidate, joining incumbent Mayor Tim Keller, retired Albuquerque Fire Chief Eddie Varela, former Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White, 2024 New Mexico House of Representatives candidate Patrick Sais and former deputy manager for Sandoval County Mayling Armijo.
City Councilor Louie Sanchez hasn’t declared his candidacy, but told CityDesk ABQ he’s considering a run for mayor.
The deadline for candidates to file is June 21. Early voting for the Nov. 4 election begins Oct. 18.
If necessary, a runoff election will take place Dec. 7, which would take place if no candidate receives a majority of the votes in the general election. A runoff is possible, as a higher number of candidates lessens the likeliness of a candidate receiving a majority of votes in the first round.
Keller in July vetoed a proposal to eliminate the majority requirement. The City Council decided not to attempt to override the veto.
The large number of candidates has already caused one potential candidate to forgo the race. Conservative radio personality Eddy Aragon, who challenged Keller in 2021, said Wednesday he’s not running again.
Aragon said a growing field improves Keller’s chance of election to a third term. He also expressed concern about the city’s ability to provide more than $750,000 to each candidate who opts for public financing. So far, Keller, Varela, Sais and White have announced they’ll take public financing.
Chavez did not respond to phone calls seeking comment.
Albuquerque voters will also choose five city councilors.