Otero County Sheriff's Race Defined by Black's Legacy, Hadley Case, and GOP Infighting

Alamogordo, NM—The 2026 race for Otero County Sheriff is intensifying, (with 13 months to go before the sheriff's election)  in the shadow of outgoing Sheriff David Black's controversial tenure and a deep rift within the local Republican party. With two declared Republican candidates vying for the office, the election has become a referendum on continuity versus accountability. At the heart of the debate is the fatal 2024 shooting of Elijah Hadley by an Otero County deputy, ongoing allegations of cronyism, and the political infighting that has fractured the Republican establishment.

Continuity vs. Reform: The Battle Lines

Raul Robles, a declared Republican candidate, has pledged to appoint outgoing Sheriff David Black as his undersheriff—a move that signals full continuity with the current administration. The undersheriff, often the operational backbone of a sheriff’s office, oversees internal discipline, personnel management, and daily command decisions. In effect, Robles’s promise would extend Black’s influence beyond his term limit.

“I proudly recognize the work of Sheriff David Black,” Robles states on his campaign website. “As your next sheriff, I will honor that progress.”

But critics argue that “progress” under Black’s tenure includes unresolved controversies—most notably the Elijah Hadley case, in which a young man was fatally shot a Black appointed deputy under circumstances that remain murky. Community members and watchdogs have repeatedly called for transparency in the investigation, citing delays, limited public disclosure, and conflicting accounts.

Robles has not addressed the Hadley case directly, nor has he commented on Alamogordo’s withdrawal from the Regional Dispatch Authority, another decision under Black’s leadership that drew scrutiny for its lack of public input.

Ramos: Reform, Allegations, and Outsider Status

Cesar Ramos, a former Chair of the Otero County Republican Party and a retired Border Patrol firearms instructor, is running on a platform of transparency, reform, and improved training. He has publicly accused Sheriff Black and political insiders of blocking his access to public events, particularly in Mescalero, where he seeks to engage tribal voters.

“The Sheriff is playing me dirty,” Ramos said. “I want to speak with the people, but I’m being denied access. That’s not how democracy should work.”

Ramos’s campaign emphasizes nonpartisan outreach and civil rights protections. Yet his past leadership within the Republican Party and alleged social media posts critical of Democrats have raised questions about his tone toward liberals and moderates. While Ramos has denied targeting Democrats as a group, some voters remain wary of his rhetoric and posts on his private social media pages.

Still, Ramos’s supporters argue that he represents a break from entrenched power structures and a chance to rebuild trust in law enforcement. “I am a good man, and my word is my bond,” Ramos said. “But without the help of the people, I can’t bring the necessary change.”

Hadley case casts long shadow on Black's administration.

The legacy of Sheriff David Black has been significantly impacted by the death of 17-year-old Elijah Hadley, a member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe. The incident occurred in June 2024 during a welfare check that ended with a deputy, Jacob Diaz-Austin, fatally shooting Hadley on U.S. Highway 70. The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including conflicting reports and delayed information from the Sheriff's Office, fueled public outrage and demands for transparency.Key developments in the case have continued to highlight the department's handling of the incident:

Charges filed against deputy: In January 2025, the Bernalillo County District Attorney's office, which was assigned the case to avoid local conflicts of interest, confirmed first-degree murder charges against Deputy Diaz-Austin.

Civil rights lawsuit: The Hadley family filed a civil rights lawsuit in federal court in June 2025, citing "objectively unreasonable lethal force" and challenging the deputy's qualified immunity.

Lack of public communication: In the immediate aftermath, Black drew criticism for his office's limited and defensive public statements. A reporter for El Paso's KFOX14 detailed Black lashing out and avoiding an interview, claiming the media had "tainted the viewers". This pattern of limited communication has been a recurring concern for community watchdogs.

Robles's continuity pledge under fire

Raul Robles, a Public Relations Deputy under Black, has signaled a clear intent to continue the current administration's approach by promising to appoint Black as his undersheriff. This plan has been met with skepticism from those critical of Black’s tenure.

Undersheriff appointment: The undersheriff position is the operational backbone of the office, responsible for personnel management and internal discipline. Appointing Black would effectively extend his influence, raising concerns among those who feel accountability has been lacking.

Connection to county leadership: Further fueling transparency concerns, Robles is part of an interconnected network within county leadership. Otero County Commissioner Vickie Marquardt, who voted in a controversial judicial appointment, is Sheriff Black's sister-in-law. Watchdog groups have alleged that such family connections compromise impartial oversight.

Ignoring controversial issues: Roble nor Ramos has not publicly addressed the specifics of the Hadley case or the city of Alamogordo's controversial withdrawal from the Regional Dispatch Authority—a decision made under Black that drew scrutiny for a lack of public input.

Ramos faces internal party opposition and external scrutiny

Cesar Ramos, a former County Republican Party Chair, has framed his campaign around reform and transparency, promising to improve training and rebuild community trust. However, his campaign has been met with internal resistance and external challenges.

Political obstruction allegations: Ramos has publicly claimed that Black and political insiders have obstructed his access to events, particularly in Mescalero, to engage tribal voters. This suggests a power struggle between different factions of the local GOP.

Internal GOP rift: Ramos's positioning as an outsider challenging the establishment puts him at odds with the faction led by County Commissioner Amy Barela, who now chairs the New Mexico GOP. A recent column by local civic contributor Mica Maynard detailed how Barela and other county officials allegedly interfered with the city's manager search, further exposing the political fractures.

Partisan messaging concerns: While Ramos has campaigned on reaching beyond partisan divides, past online comments critical of Democrats have raised questions about his ability to unite voters. His supporters argue that this history should not overshadow his call for change.

Community demands accountability

The contentious race has galvanized community members, particularly activists and among independent media, which continues to report extensively on the county's political climate. Calls for greater civic engagement and an end to political tribalism are increasing.

With the election still more than a year away, voters face a complex choice: support a candidate who promises continuity with a controversial past, or back a challenger fighting a powerful, entrenched political system. The outcome will not only determine the future of law enforcement in Otero County but also test the integrity of its local democratic process.

Political Fractures and the Barela Factor

The race is unfolding amid visible fractures within the Republican Party. Amy Barela, current Otero County Commissioner and  Chair of the New Mexico GOP, has aligned herself with Sheriff Black and taken an increasingly combative stance toward dissenting voices—including Alamogordo Mayor Susan Payne and other moderates.

Barela has not endorsed either candidate, but her leadership style and alignment with Black suggest a preference for continuity. Ramos, once a party insider himself, now finds himself on the outside, challenging the very system he once helped lead.

The tension between Barela’s establishment influence and Ramos’s reformist campaign reflects a broader identity crisis within the local GOP—one that could open the door for a third candidate.

 Should a Third Candidate Enter?

With both declared candidates facing controversy—Robles for his pledge to extend Black’s tenure, Ramos for alleged partisan rhetoric and suppression claims—many voters are asking: Is it time for a third voice?

Community leaders, tribal representatives, and political commentators such as Mica Maynard of 2nd Life Media, have called for open forums, neutral platforms, and inclusive dialogue. The demand is clear: voters want transparency, not tribalism.

“Democracy is not a spectator sport,” Maynard wrote in 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News. “It demands participation, especially from those whose voices have been silenced.”

 What’s at Stake?

With over a year until the November 2026 election, the Sheriff’s race is already shaping up to be a defining moment for Otero County. Whether voters choose reform, continuity, or demand a new alternative, the outcome will determine not just law enforcement policy—but the integrity of local democracy.

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