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Canvassing board certifies Rio Rancho runoff, declares Paul Weimer winner
Summary
The Rio Rancho canvassing board voted to certify the April 14, 2026 municipal runoff results after amending a wording error on the certificate, declaring Paul Weimer the winner; the motion passed by voice vote with one member absent.
The canvassing board for the City of Rio Rancho voted to certify the results of the April 14, 2026 municipal runoff election and declared Paul Weimer the winner.
The clerk, addressing the board, said the runoff arose after no candidate reached the required 50 percent threshold in the March contest and summarized the count: "Paul Weimer ended up with a majority of the votes, and is therefore the declared winner," the clerk said, and noted the winner will be sworn in at the end of the month.
The clerk reported a higher turnout than in March, driven mostly by early voting and an increase in same‑day voter registration. "Most of the increase in turnout was on early voting," the clerk said, and added staff logged 22 UOCAVA overseas ballots (eight returned and accepted) and one provisional ballot cast during early voting. The clerk told the board total votes cast were 81,802 and that late absentee ballots would be submitted to the New Mexico Secretary of State as required.
During questions, Commissioner Brown pointed out the certificate incorrectly listed eligible voters for Sandoval County rather than specifically for the City of Rio Rancho. The clerk acknowledged the error and said the language should read "eligible Rio Rancho registered voters." A staff member advised the board could include an amendment to correct the page‑one language in its motion.
Commissioner Jones moved to "correct the language, and approve the canvas." The chair seconded. The board then conducted a roll call: Commissioner Burrows — yes; Commissioner Jones — yes; Vice Chair Juarez — yes; Vice Chair Hurd — yes; Commissioner Meek — absent. The motion passed and the canvass was approved with the corrected language.
With certification complete, the chair closed the meeting and the board adjourned.
What this means: the canvassing board’s vote formalizes Paul Weimer’s victory in the Rio Rancho municipal runoff and completes the local certification process; the clerk will submit required returns to the New Mexico Secretary of State and Weimer is expected to be sworn in at the end of the month.
