2025 Race: Albuquerque Mayoral Campaign Gains Momentum

The Albuquerque Mayoral Race Gears Up for a Competitive Election

With less than three months until the November 4, 2025, election day, the Albuquerque mayoral race is starting to take shape. Political analyst Brian Sanderoff from KOAT provided insights into what voters can expect as the race intensifies.

A Diverse Field of Candidates

As of August 18, 2025, the list of candidates includes several prominent figures and new faces. Among them are:

• Tim Keller, the current mayor
• Louie Sanchez, an Albuquerque City Councilor
• Darren White, former Bernalillo County Sheriff
• Daniel Chavez, an entrepreneur
• Alex Uballez, former U.S. Attorney
• Mayling Armijo, a Navy veteran
• Eddie Varela, a retired Fire Chief

Sanderoff noted that this race is not strictly partisan, with seven candidates on the ballot. Many of these individuals are still working to build name recognition among voters.

Runoff Possibility

One key aspect of the race is the potential for a runoff election. If no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, a second round will be held one month after the initial election. With so many contenders, a runoff seems highly likely.

Campaign Funding Overview

The financial backing of each candidate plays a significant role in their campaign efforts. Here’s a breakdown of the funds raised:

• Tim Keller: Raised $757,147; Current Balance: $684,237
• Louie Sanchez: Raised $222,483; Current Balance: $163,969; Contributed: $160,000
• Darren White: Raised $179,993; Current Balance: $116,486; Contributed: $29,000
• Daniel Chavez: Raised $114,375; Current Balance: $8,267; Contributed: $100,000
• Alex Uballez: Raised $98,411; Current Balance: $29,778
• Mayling Armijo: Raised $77,666; Current Balance: $37,727
• Eddie Varela: Raised $6,377; Current Balance: -$443

Sanderoff pointed out that Tim Keller has a clear advantage due to his eligibility for public campaign financing, which provided nearly $750,000 in taxpayer funding. However, he emphasized that the number of votes, not just money, will determine the winner.

Advertising Strategies

Campaign advertising is expected to play a major role in the coming weeks. Sanderoff predicted that Tim Keller will begin airing TV ads sooner than other candidates because of his substantial campaign funds. Other candidates, who are still raising money, may need to wait until they secure enough resources to make a strong presence on television.

If other candidates can raise sufficient funds, they too are expected to invest in TV advertising. This could lead to increased visibility and competition in the final stages of the race.

Additional Coverage

Several related stories have been published, offering deeper insights into the candidates and their positions. These include interviews with Tim Keller, Alex Uballez, Daniel Chavez, Louie Sanchez, and Eddie Varela. Each provides a unique perspective on the issues facing Albuquerque and the candidates’ plans for the city.

For those interested in staying updated, the KOAT app offers real-time news updates. Additionally, readers can explore the full story on the commitment to the 2025 Albuquerque mayoral race.