DEMING – Tuesday, March 10 marked official candidate filing day across New Mexico, with individuals seeking state and county offices required to submit their paperwork in order to appear on the ballot for the upcoming 2026 election cycle.
According to filings listed through the New Mexico Secretary of State’s candidate portal, several candidates from Luna County submitted declarations of candidacy for a variety of local and state positions. The filings set the stage for races that will appear on the primary election ballot later this year, with winners advancing to the November general election.
For State Representative in District 32, two candidates filed for the seat. Laura Mairel Parra filed as a Democrat, while Jenifer Marie Jones filed as a Republican.
At the local judicial level, J. Scott Chandler filed as a Republican candidate for Magistrate Judge in Luna County.
Multiple candidates filed for Luna County Commission District 1. Eddie M. Mesa and Raymond John Trejo filed as Democrats for that seat, while David William Lindberg, Rex W. Gardner, and Michael Casillas filed as Republicans.
In the race for Luna County Commission District 2, Colette M. Chandler filed as a Republican candidate. Thomas John Wakely also filed for the seat as a Democrat.
The Luna County Sheriff’s race drew two Republican candidates, with Glenn R. Chadborn and Mike Eby both filing for the position.
Two Democratic candidates filed for Luna County Assessor. Javier J. Reyes and Jessica Leigh Vinson-Moreno both submitted declarations of candidacy for that office.
Three candidates filed for Luna County Probate Judge. Pilar Pacheco Salcido filed as a Democrat, while Roy Scott Chandler and Clifford T. Denshire filed as Republicans.
Election officials note that the information listed through the Secretary of State’s candidate portal is considered unofficial until filings are fully reviewed and certified. Candidate filings remain subject to verification and approval by election authorities before the final ballot is confirmed.