Alamogordo Mayor Sharon McDonald Honored at State Capitol During African American Day

Santa Fe, NM – February 14, 2026 — On Friday, February 13, 2026, newly elected Alamogordo Mayor Sharon McDonald was celebrated at the New Mexico State Capitol during African American Day, a major legislative observance of Black History Month.

Mayor McDonald, the first Black woman elected mayor in New Mexico history, was honored alongside a distinguished group of Black women leaders whom State Representative Pamelya Herndon (D-Albuquerque) dubbed the “Talented 10.” Rep. Herndon invited the ten women to the House floor and recognized them for achieving historic “firsts” in their communities and professional fields.

“Each of these women represents a historic first in her community or in her field, and we honor those firsts,” Herndon said. “We recognize what they truly mean — progress that opens doors wider than they ever were before.”

Mayor McDonald also received a formal certificate of recognition from the New Mexico House of Representatives for her historic election and decades of public service. She attended the event as the guest of Rep. Joshua Hernandez (R-Rio Rancho).

The certificate highlights McDonald’s “outstanding contributions to the City of Alamogordo and the State of New Mexico,” noting her milestone election and her prior service as District 5 City Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem. Mrs McDonald got two standing ovations when spotlighted and was accompanied by her very proud daughter visiting from out of state that can be heard in the chamber glowing "thats my mama!" 

African American Day at the Legislature, organized in partnership with the New Mexico Black Leadership Council and the Office of African American Affairs, featured speeches, cultural performances, community recognitions, and discussions on legislation affecting Black New Mexicans. One of the Talented 10 recognized by Rep. Herndon was Karla Causey, CEO of the Black Chamber of Commerce.

Video coverage of Mayor McDonald’s recognition, including her receiving the House certificate, is available on the 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News YouTube channel:

https://youtu.be/S220Mmreqw4

In a photo from the event, Mayor McDonald holds the framed certificate while wearing her guest badge identifying her as “Guest of Rep. Hernandez – African American Day.”

Mayor McDonald expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying it underscores the importance of Black leadership and representation across New Mexico.

Sources / CitationS

• New Mexico House of Representatives certificate presented to Mayor Sharon McDonald

• 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News video coverage (February 2026) - McDonal

' AlamogordoTownNews.org roving reporter and photographer McDonald

• New Mexico Legislature 2026 Social Calendar – African American Day

• Public records from Mayor McDonald’s swearing-in and election (January 2026)

• Rep. Pamelya Herndon remarks on the House floor (February 13, 2026)

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