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Alamogordo, NM — Two Democratic and Two of the Independent candidates running in the November 2026 general election will be available for the public to meet at a casual community picnic this evening, Saturday, June 27, 2026.
The event, titled “Meet the Candidates Over a Shared Meal,” is scheduled for 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Washington Park Pavilion (Washington and 1st Street). Organizers encourage attendees to bring lawn chairs, chips, sides, or desserts. Hot dogs will be provided by CER.
Sponsored by the Otero County Democratic Party (OCDP) and CER, the gathering aims to give local voters an informal opportunity to connect directly with candidates, discuss issues facing Otero County, and build community ties ahead of the fall election.
Candidates Expected to Attend
Promotional materials and social media posts highlight the following candidates:
• Alan David Gonzalez (Democrat) — Candidate for Otero County Commissioner District 1. A U.S. Army veteran and HR professional from the Chaparral area.
• Evan Lambert (Independent) — Candidate for Otero County Commissioner District 2. A community activist focused on housing, wages, and responsive local government.
• Roderick “Roddy” Saint (Independent) — Candidate for Otero County Sheriff.
• Liam (William) Griffin (Democrat) — Candidate for New Mexico State Senate District 33. A Ruidoso-based attorney with experience in real estate, business, and government law.
Additional Democratic and Independent candidates may also participate. The event is open to the public, and RSVP information is available via the QR code on promotional flyers circulating on social media.
This gathering comes in the wake of the June 2026 primary elections, setting the stage for contested races in the general election. Local organizers emphasize the importance of voter engagement and transparency in Otero County politics.
For more information, visit the Otero County Democratic Party website or follow local community Facebook groups. Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and enjoy a shared meal in a relaxed park setting.
Just thought the one thing all these first-timers have in common is no qualifications. Wanting to serve, help, or partake isn't enough. None of these people have any professional experience. Where are the engineers, CPA's, Ph.D's?
Business owners, a practicing attorney, one with a PHD, seems to me you didn't review the video.
Sunny, with a high of 79 and low of 62 degrees. Sunny for the morning, overcast for the afternoon and evening, clear overnight.
like many others, i have experienced work-place environments where favoritism and cliques were present - adding unnecessary stresses to any job. two observations about such places; that the ultimate goal of governmental ethics regulations is to prevent the appearance of imp
Just to weigh in on this. Whatever the editor thinks about his right to publish is certainly his point of view, but it's getting to the embarrassing stage of conjuring divisiveness bent on turning a functioning government he doesn't like, but the people have elected.
The editors point of view is we need a functioning government. The viewpoint allegations were not of the editors making it was mailed to the city with a copy to the editor.
like 99% of his fellow republicans, block is a servant to the oil & gas industry - a principal constituent of their party.
i would say that while our economy is "the hottest in the world" according to el presidente, this would be an excellent time for block to seek employment in the private sector....just like barela.
Pipqueak is a prime example of the defects of their party. They don't recruit qualified leaders. It's duplicitous, unemployed people who know all they have to do is start an internet site and walk the neighborhood dressed up on Sundays. The population here doesn't know how to vote.
It is so important to understand the differences in the candidates' stand on this critical issue! Protecting our water in the desert is understood by all political parties living here! Nagamine is taking a stand to protect us!
many politicians claim to represent common sense, but here in new mexico, defending our water supplies and electrical power generation is pretty much the definition of common sense - and sucking up to billionaires is not.