Gallup elects new mayor, council sees historic Navajo representation

Nearly 10,000 McKinley County residents cast ballots in the Nov. 4 local election, part of nearly 351,000 ballots counted statewide, according to the New Mexico Secretary of State. Unofficial tallies released countywide show a mix of continuity and change that will affect city management, school governance, and community services in Gallup and surrounding communities.

Marc DePauli won the mayoral contest with 2,453 votes, or 59 percent of the 4,169 cast in the race. DePauli ran on a platform focused on resolving Gallup's water issues, hiring more public safety officers, retaining young people, and developing vacant city land. “I’m so happy,” DePauli said after the results came in. “I want to thank the citizens of Gallup, I want to thank the Lord, I want to thank my competitors, and all the rest of the candidates who were running. Now it’s time to get to work and move this city forward.” Lyndon Tsosie finished second with 893 votes, or 21 percent, and reflected on the electoral dynamics in Gallup. “I came into this race really not knowing if Gallup wanted a Navajo mayor or not,” he said. “For a border town, you’re always going up against the system because you have a ‘good ol’ boy’ system has given tens of millions of dollars to certain families, and we all know that. People just didn’t want change, and I understand that.” Timaris Montaño received 823 votes, or 20 percent.

The city council saw a notable development in District 2 where newcomer Sierra Yazzie Asamoa Tutu defeated incumbent Michael Schaaf, winning 562 votes, or 60 percent of the 932 ballots in that race. Schaaf took time to reflect on his five years on the council and the Gallup McKinley County Schools board. “I think I’ve done a number of good things for the city,” he said. “I wish the best for the candidates who won, and I hope they take as much pride and love in the city as I did. I won’t be leaving, I’ll still be working for what’s best for the city.” Yazzie released a public statement hours after results were announced. “I’m just thrilled that so many people came out to vote. It shows that the people of Gallup are more engaged than ever in shaping our future as a community,” she said. “I’m ready to get to work on building a stronger community for everyone, and I look forward to the connections that are yet to be made.” Yazzie campaigned on safe infrastructure, housing, and quality of life, and has signaled early plans to revitalize the Indian Hills Neighborhood Association and organize manufactured home parks to advocate for residents.

Incumbent Ron Molina retained the District 4 seat with 75 percent of the vote, or 583 of 782 ballots, while Janell Griego ran unopposed and received 3,345 votes for municipal judge. School board races reshaped GMCS leadership. Georgianna Desiderio won the District 2 seat with 645 votes, Barbra Colaianni Wagner took District 4 with 1,072 votes, and Dr. Valory Wangler won the District 5 contest with 1,256 votes, unseating incumbent Schaaf there.

Voters approved a Gallup McKinley County Schools general obligation bond question authorizing up to 18.25 million dollars in bonds to build, remodel, equip, and furnish school buildings, with 7,412 voters in favor and 1,576 opposed. Other local contests produced narrow margins in the Zuni Public School District race, and outcomes for soil and water supervisors and regional seats that will influence land and water stewardship.

The New Mexico State Canvassing Board met in Santa Fe to certify the election results. Incoming city and council members will be sworn in on Jan. 1, and GMCS school board members will take office on Jan. 26. For Gallup and McKinley County residents the election results signal a period of transition and an opportunity for new leadership to address long standing local priorities including water infrastructure, public safety staffing, housing stability, and culturally informed engagement with Native communities that form a significant portion of the county population.