Independent Sheriff Candidate Roderick Saint Announces Withdrawal

OTERO COUNTY, N.M. — Independent candidate Roderick Saint announced Monday he is withdrawing from the race for Otero County Sheriff, ending a candidacy that had been under legal challenge for weeks over the validity of his nominating petition signatures. Saint made the announcement in a Facebook post rather than through a formal filing, and as of Monday afternoon his withdrawal had not been confirmed as official by the Secretary of State’s Office.

A Campaign Under Scrutiny

Saint’s exit caps a turbulent stretch for his campaign. Earlier this month, Republican nominee Geraldine Yazza Martinez’s campaign filed a petition in District Court challenging the sufficiency of the nominating petitions Saint submitted to the Otero County Clerk’s Office. Saint’s campaign had turned in 406 signatures against a requirement of 353, but a review reportedly turned up duplicate signatures, incomplete entries, and illegible information — irregularities that are less likely to occur when campaigns rely on the state’s online signature system, which automatically screens for duplicates and eligibility.

At the time the challenge was filed, Saint was reportedly out of state in Florida attending to a private family matter, and his campaign did not offer a direct response to the allegations, with supporters characterizing the challenge as “dirty politics.” Martinez, for her part, stressed that Saint had not been disqualified and that it would be up to the court to determine whether the petitions met the statutory threshold.

Saint’s Announcement

In a Facebook post published Monday, Saint told supporters he was withdrawing “from any further consideration as a candidate for Otero County Sheriff in the upcoming general election.” He said the decision followed two unexpected personal losses and that he felt it was time to step back from the campaign to focus on his family.

Saint, who spent 41 years in law enforcement, said he was proud of his career and described the decision to retire as difficult but necessary. He also referenced hostility he said he faced even before qualifying for the ballot, and suggested he intends to share records related to Martinez’s law enforcement background with voters, alleging discrepancies in her record without providing documentation. He closed the post by thanking supporters who understood his decision.

Saint’s post did not indicate whether he has submitted, or intends to submit, formal withdrawal paperwork to the Otero County Clerk’s Office or the Secretary of State — a step that would be required to remove his name from the November ballot.

Saint’s Facebook Post, in Full

“To all those who supported me in my effort to get on the ballot for the general election for Otero County Sheriff, I am officially announcing that I am withdrawing my name from any further consideration as a candidate for Otero County Sheriff in the upcoming general election. This was a difficult decision to make but after experiencing two unexpected personal losses, I believe it is in the best interest of both my family and myself to step aside and focus on healing and recovery rather than continuing to invest time and resources into a campaign. I am immensely proud of my 41-year law enforcement career, which I served with honor and integrity. It is now time for me to retire, hang up the badge, and dedicate my time to my family and recover from our losses. I am grateful to those citizens of Otero County who were supporting me however it appears that the voters have made their decision in the primary who they want as Sheriff. I was beginning to get attacked even before I qualified to be on the ballot and those few who began this attack (you know who you are) shame on you and I hope you realize you are getting what you wished for (another David Black). You will learn that the person who won the primary election is not what you think they are and I will kindly release the documents and record/s of their real law enforcement background and the embellishing of their experience to the proper people who will get this information to you, the voters. I can no longer direct my attention to a campaign when I need this time for my family and myself to recover and heal from our losses. Those who are truly friends and acquaintances will understand.” Respectfully, Rod Saint

Martinez Responds

Martinez’s campaign issued a statement shortly after Saint’s post circulated. She said she learned of the withdrawal through his public post and wished Saint and his family well as they navigate this next chapter, saying they would be in her thoughts and prayers.

Martinez also addressed Saint’s remarks about her background, saying she welcomes the release of any documents related to her career and has “nothing to hide,” adding that she would be willing to help Saint obtain records through proper channels if needed. She encouraged him to formally notify the County Clerk’s Office of his withdrawal to avoid confusion in the runup to November, and thanked supporters for their continued backing.

Martinez’s Statement, in Full

“Today I learned that independent candidate for Otero County Sheriff, Roderick Saint, has withdrawn his candidacy.

In a public Facebook post, Mr. Saint shared that he has chosen to retire following a 41-year law enforcement career and to focus on his family after experiencing two unexpected personal losses.

I sincerely wish Mr. Saint and his family the very best during this next chapter of their lives. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

To ensure the election process proceeds without unnecessary confusion, I respectfully encourage Mr. Saint to formally notify the Otero County Clerk’s Office of his withdrawal as soon as possible, if he has not already done so.

Mr. Saint also made statements regarding my background and law enforcement career, indicating that he intended to release documents concerning me. My response is simple: I welcome the release of any documents related to my professional career. I have nothing to hide and have always believed in accountability and transparency. In fact, if Mr. Saint needs assistance obtaining those records through the appropriate channels, I will gladly help.

I am looking forward to serving the people of Otero County and earning their trust through honesty and professionalism. I thank you to all of you who have supported me and continue to support me.”  - Geraldine Yazza Martinez

What Happens Next

Because Saint’s withdrawal has so far been announced only through social media, his name may still appear on the November general election ballot unless he files the necessary paperwork with election officials.

The pending District Court case over his petition signatures may also still need to be formally resolved or dismissed regardless of his stated intent to withdraw.

With Saint stepping aside, Martinez, the Republican nominee, appears positioned to run largely unopposed in November, barring a late write in entries. This story may be updated as officials confirm Saint’s withdrawal status.

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