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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.