The Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education Candidate Forum kicked off with a clear call for professionalism, urging attendees to refrain from clapping or showing approval for candidates. This forum, held on September 9, 2025, featured candidates from Districts 3, 5, 6, and 7, each vying for crucial positions on the board.

District 3's current president, Daniel Gonzalez, is seeking reelection against challengers Isaac Alexander Flores and Rebecca Marie Benson. In District 5, Joshua Martinez and Kevin Laurent Junior are competing for the seat currently held by Crystal Tapia Romero, who is not running again. District 6 sees David Adam Ambs and Margaret Waiiga Bowman contesting the position held by Josefina Dominguez, who is also stepping down. Lastly, in District 7, board vice president Courtney Jackson is up against Christine Kristen Renee Wood Hegner.

Moderated by Leroy Buster Silva, the forum included student moderators Trey Hill and Maddie Harrison, emphasizing community involvement. Questions were sourced from the public and structured to cover a range of topics, with candidates given one minute for opening remarks and responses. The event aimed to foster a respectful dialogue amid a challenging political climate, highlighting the commitment of candidates to public service.

As the forum progresses, the community eagerly anticipates how these discussions will shape the future of Albuquerque's educational landscape.