Sanchez Wins Land Commissioner Race by 22 Points

Juan de Jesus Sanchez III defeated Republican Michael Perry of Roswell by 22 percentage points in Tuesday night's election for state land commissioner. The Democrat, who resides in Los Chavez in Valencia County, will now manage nine million acres of New Mexico state trust land. His role involves balancing the financial benefits of development with the need for environmental conservation.

The position became vacant because two-term Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richards is stepping down to become the state's next lieutenant governor. The race drew attention due to ongoing debates about data centers, energy production, and oil and gas operations on public lands.

Sanchez celebrated his victory at the Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque late Tuesday. He wore a white cowboy hat and stood beside his wife and infant daughter. Addressing a crowd of New Mexico Democrats, he described himself as the luckiest man alive. He stated that users of state land, including oil operators, renewable energy developers, ranchers, hunters, and hikers, have a responsibility to care for the land. He pledged to hold all parties to that standard.

The state's New Mexico Environment Department and Department of Health are coordinating a separate water safety effort in the Four Corners region. They are hosting Sampling and Assessing Flood Emergencies events in Bloomfield and Aztec. These events allow residents to test private drinking water wells after recent floods. Flooding can carry contaminants such as sewage, chemicals, or harmful bacteria into wells.

In Bloomfield, residents can pick up free sample kits at the Bloomfield Public Library at 333 S. 1st St. between 5 and 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4. Kits can be picked up or dropped off from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. In Aztec, kits are available at Aztec City Hall at 201 W. Chaco St. from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday. Pickup continues from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, with drop-off available from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday.