Alamogordo Opens Applications for District 5 City Commission Vacancy Following Sharon McDonald’s Historic Rise to Mayor

The City of Alamogordo is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on its City Commission in District 5, following the recent ascension of longtime commissioner Sharon McDonald to the position of Mayor.

The vacancy, which carries a term ending December 31, 2027, was created when McDonald, who previously served as District 5 Commissioner and Mayor Pro-Tem, was sworn in as Mayor. This historic milestone made her the first elected Black mayor in New Mexico’s history, as reported in local coverage of the swearing-in ceremony and related announcements.

A public notice issued by City Clerk Rachel Hughs on January 14, 2026, formally announced the opening. It states that candidates must be qualified electors of the City, with those seeking district offices required to reside within the specific district they aim to represent—in this case, District 5. The notice directs interested individuals to the City Commission page on the official website (https://ci.alamogordo.nm.us/336/City-Commission) for additional details and the candidate packet.

The comprehensive candidate packet outlines the appointment process under the Alamogordo City Charter (Article VI, Section 3 on Vacancies). The Commission is required to declare the vacancy by resolution within 15 days of its occurrence. Appointment follows a structured timeline:

• Candidate packets became available on January 14, 2026.

• The deadline for submitting a Letter of Interest, Declaration of Candidacy, Disclosure Statement (detailing any real property or business financial interests in New Mexico), and Affidavit of Voter Registration is February 13, 2026. Materials must be filed with the City Clerk.

• On February 24, 2026, during the regular Commission meeting, qualified candidates will present themselves before the Commission to state their interest, in the order documents were submitted.

• The Commission is expected to appoint a replacement by majority vote at that meeting (the first regular meeting after 30 days from the vacancy declaration resolution).

• If no appointment occurs on February 24, the Mayor must appoint an eligible person within 15 days, potentially at the March 10, 2026, regular meeting.

The appointed commissioner will serve until the next regular local election, when voters will elect someone to complete any remaining unexpired term.

Qualifications emphasize residency in District 5 and matching voter registration details with the Otero County Clerk. The Declaration of Candidacy and Disclosure Statement are sworn affidavits; false statements constitute a fourth-degree felony under New Mexico law.

The City Charter prohibits commissioners from holding other local, state, or federal elected offices, with acceptance of a second office resulting in automatic resignation.

Local commentary has highlighted early interest and maneuvering around the appointment, with some reports noting behind-the-scenes discussions promoting certain candidates even before formal processes were fully outlined. Residents of District 5 are encouraged to engage, as the seat offers a direct voice in city policy under Alamogordo’s Commission-Manager government structure.

For more information or to obtain the full packet, contact the City Clerk at (575) 439-4100 (option 6), visit City Hall at 1376 E. Ninth Street, or email rhughs@ci.alamogordo.nm.us. Regular Commission meetings occur at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month in the Donald E. Carroll Commission Chambers.

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