Alamogordo Mayoral Race: Five Candidates Vie for Leadership Amid Policy Debates and Rising Tensions

ALAMOGORDO, NM — With Election Day just two days away on November 4, Alamogordo voters face a pivotal choice in the mayoral race, where five candidates are competing to succeed Mayor Susan Payne in a nonpartisan contest that has highlighted deep divisions on economic development, infrastructure, public safety, and ethics. The race has been shaped by recent forums, including those hosted by LULAC Council 8105 narrated by Claudia Powell and Journalist Chris Edwards and the Alamogordo Daily News hosted by its staff, where candidates outlined their visions for addressing homelessness, wages, and community revitalization. However, the campaign has also been marred by controversy, including a public clash between candidate Richard Cota and Mayor Payne, raising questions about conduct and conflicts of interest.

Early voting concluded on November 1, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day at designated locations, including the Otero County Administration Building and Otero County Fairgrounds.

As emphasized in a recent op-ed by Democratic Party Vice Chair Joy Bordenave, local elections like this one directly impact daily life, from roads to public safety, and voter turnout is crucial despite the nonpartisan label often masking underlying partisan tones.

Here’s a look at the candidates—in ballot order—their backgrounds, key positions drawn from forums and public statements, and how they’ve addressed major issues facing Alamogordo.

Jason R. Baldwin: Leveraging Experience in Recreation and Governance

Jason R. Baldwin, a former City Commissioner (2017-2021), currently serves as the lead Golf Professional at the city-owned Desert Lakes Golf Course. A longtime resident with interests in history and politics, Baldwin emphasizes community recreation and infrastructure as keys to economic growth. At the Alamogordo Daily News forum on October 27, he highlighted his past commission tenure, noting a break from service refreshed his perspective, and pledged to recuse himself from votes related to the golf course due to a potential conflict of interest. He supports road improvements and historical preservation to boost tourism but was absent from the September 30 LULAC forum, drawing criticism from some attendees for limited engagement with inner-city concerns.

LaTanya M. Boyce: Faith-Driven Service and Community Perseverance

LaTanya M. Boyce, a retired Otero County Probate Judge (2015-2025), has deep roots in Alamogordo since 1971, with military ties to Holloman Air Force Base and 26 years in the title industry. At the LULAC forum, she framed her candidacy around overcoming barriers through faith and perseverance, advocating a compassionate approach to public service. Boyce reported no conflicts of interest at the Daily News forum, where she emphasized “God first” leadership and supported Bibles in schools, though this drew mixed audience reactions. Her positions on economic issues remain general, focusing on community support networks, but she has been critiqued in opinion pieces for limited policy specifics and ties to established networks.

Sharon A. McDonald: Block-by-Block Revitalization and Bipartisan Collaboration

Sharon A. McDonald, a six-year City Commissioner for District 5 (current Mayor Pro Tempore), is a lifelong business professional and the only candidate with ongoing commission experience. Endorsed by figures like former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima and local residents for her fiscal conservatism and community focus, McDonald prioritizes infrastructure, wages, and business growth. At forums, she highlighted wage improvements for city staff, leading to better police and code enforcement staffing, and projects like the New York Avenue overhaul and Dudley School revitalization, which have attracted over $7 million in private investments. She advocates policies that “help businesses thrive, not create barriers,” and addresses water issues

Amid the controversies surrounding some candidates as the race concludes, her campaign has released a light-hearted video light-hearted video taking a tongue-in-cheek approach to her age of 75, showcasing her as experienced, wise, and physically fit for the job. The video highlights McDonald working out, lifting weights, playing basketball, and bowling, demonstrating her strength and endurance. This aligns with her themes of “smiles in politics” and positive politics, offering a contrast to the mud-slinging or vague rhetoric seen from other candidates. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/vvHQrdETtRU?feature=shared.

Ted M. Morgan: Focus on Governance Reform and Water Security

Ted M. Morgan, born in 1948 and longtime Alamogordo resident, has a low-key campaign with limited media presence and no prior high-profile office. At the LULAC forum, he criticized the city’s governance structure as outdated and highlighted the absence of a permanent city manager, though McDonald corrected him on recent charter updates. Morgan’s responses at the Daily News forum centered on the desalination plant and city charter, earning him the label of a “one-trick pony” from some observers. He reported uncertainty on conflicts of interest and has been critiqued for factual inaccuracies in governance claims. He showed recent deference and respect towards Mrs McDonald calling for Mayor Payne to step down snd suggesting the Mayor Protempre Sharon McDonald was well equipped to lead the city. 

Richard R. Cota: Outsider Appeal with Faith and On-the-Job Learning

Richard R. Cota, around age 47 with family in Alamogordo, is a teacher and grocery store worker positioning himself as a sincere outsider. At forums, he emphasized faith over detailed policies, admitting a need for on-the-job learning and making an emotional appeal based on community ties. Cota reported no conflicts, but audience reactions including a comment from the outgoing mayor and post-forum scrutiny highlighted his wife’s role in the city clerk’s office. His campaign has been overshadowed by controversy: After the October 27 forum, Mayor Payne approached him about alleged inaccuracies, leading to a filmed exchange where Cota accused her of harassment. On October 30, Cota filed a complaint demanding Payne’s resignation, citing defamation and threats. Payne dismissed the claims, stating, “I think the only person being harassed is me, but I can handle it.” A tense radio interview with host Anthony Lucero further questioned Cota’s readiness for scrutiny.

Key Issues and Voter Priorities

The forums, public dialogue, news coverage and door knocking conversations revealed shared concerns but varied approaches:

• Economic Development and Wages: McDonald pushed for competitive city wages and business-friendly policies, citing staffing improvements. Boyce and Cota offered general compassion, while Baldwin tied growth to recreation.

• Infrastructure and Water: McDonald and Baldwin supported road and water infrastructure fixes; Morgan focused on desalination.

• Public Safety and Homelessness: Candidates called for partnerships, with McDonald noting wage impacts on city police staffing leading to improvements. 

• Ethics and Conflicts: All denied major issues, but forum questions spotlighted Baldwin’s job and Cota’s family ties.

• Community Unity: Opinion pieces note a divide between “insiders” (e.g., Baldwin, Boyce) and “grassroots” leaders (e.g., McDonald), with endorsements favored McDonald’s experience amid potential city manager transitions.

As a recent op ed by Joy Bordenave urged, “ALL VOTES COUNT!!” Voters are encouraged to vote on Tuesday in what could be a historical moment for the future of Alamogordo. 

More News from Alamogordo

• When Power Fears the Mirror: A Defense of Truth in Otero County The First Amendment is not a courtesy—it is a covenant. It protects not just the right to speak, but the right to question, to investigate, to illuminate.
• Op-Ed by Joy Bordenave: The Importance of Voting in Municipal Elections- Vote Tuesday 4th, 2025 Polls will reopen on Tuesday, November 4 from 7 am to 7 pm.