Historic Swearing-In Marks Milestone for Alamogordo and New Mexico: Sharon McDonald Becomes First Elected Black Mayor in State History

Alamogordo, NM – In a ceremony filled with celebration and historic significance, Sharon McDonald was officially sworn in as Mayor of Alamogordo on Tuesday evening during the Alamogordo City Commission’s regular organizational meeting at City Hall. The event drew a standing-room-only crowd of supporters, family members—including those who flew in for the occasion—and members of her faith community, many of whom remained for the full duration of the meeting.

McDonalds swearing in can be viewed on KALHRadio.org

McDonald’s inauguration represents a groundbreaking moment not only for Alamogordo but for the entire state of New Mexico. She is the first Black person (man or woman) to be elected by popular vote as mayor in the state’s history. While New Mexico has had two previous Black mayors—Albert Norris Johnson, who served as Mayor of Las Cruces from 1976 to 1980 after being elevated by a 3–2 commission vote following his election to the city commission in 1968, and Zeak Lovell Williams, who held the mayoral role in Hobbs for one year in 1988 under a rotating commissioner system—it has been 38 years since the state last had a Black mayor. Unlike her predecessors, McDonald secured her position through direct election by the voters, making her achievement a true milestone in democratic representation.

A lifelong Alamogordo resident, former District 5 City Commissioner, and recent Mayor Pro Tem, McDonald won the mayoral race in November 2025 with strong community support, becoming only the third woman to serve as mayor in the city’s 100+ year history and the first person of color in the role.

Municipal Judge David Overstreet administered the oaths of office to Mayor McDonald, whose term runs through December 31, 2029, as well as to Commissioners Baxter Patillo (District 1), Stephen Burnett (District 2), and Joshua Rardin (District 4).

In the subsequent reorganization, the commission elected Joshua Rardin as Mayor Pro Tem by a 5–1 vote. Commissioner Mark Tapley’s initial dissenting vote was later clarified and corrected as a “yes” following an alert from City Manager Dr. Stephanie Hernandez to the city clerk.

The commission also finalized its seating arrangement for the new term.

Public comment during the meeting featured congratulations for the newly sworn officials alongside calls for transparency in the upcoming appointment process to fill the vacant District 5 seat, left open by McDonald’s ascension to mayor. Residents stressed the need for clear guidelines and meaningful public input in selecting a qualified replacement who resides in the district.

City Manager Stephanie Hernandez delivered comprehensive updates on ongoing and upcoming projects, including the golf course request for proposals, water infrastructure enhancements, landfill expansion, road construction, downtown crosswalk improvements, a citywide meter replacement program, and a new vehicle leasing strategy to replace aging fleet equipment.

Hernandez also took a moment to recognize City Clerk Rachel Hughs for achieving the prestigious Master Municipal Clerk certification, a designation held by fewer than 400 clerks nationwide.

The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included awarding engineering services for the airport to Delta Airport Consultants, approving HVAC repair contracts, and adopting a revised city budget resolution.

Officials formally declared the District 5 vacancy and reviewed the charter-mandated timeline for the appointment process.

The meeting wrapped up with heartfelt remarks from commissioners, who expressed gratitude to family, volunteers, and community supporters who played key roles in the recent election.

The Alamogordo City Commission meets regularly at City Hall, with agendas and supporting documents available on the city’s official website.

This new chapter under Mayor McDonald signals a commitment to progress, inclusivity, and community-focused leadership in Alamogordo.

More News from Alamogordo

• Alamogordo Officer Involved Shooting Suspect Deceased No Officers Hurt Breaking news developing story
• ATF and Alamogordo Police Department Team Up to Arrest Felon in Cross-State Firearms Burglary Case Joint ATF & APD effort leads to arrest