Otero County Sheriff Race: Independent Candidate Saint Officially Removes Name from November Ballot

What Was Facebook Announcement Is Now Reality: Independent Candidate Roderick Saint Officially Removed from November General Election Ballot.

Following up on independent candidate Roderick Saint’s initial withdrawal announcement posted to Facebook on July 13, 2026,  as previously reported by Alamogordo Town News, the withdrawal is now official.

Geraldine Yazza Martinez Responds

“Yesterday, my campaign team obtained official documentation confirming that Mr. Saint filed the necessary paperwork to withdraw his candidacy and be removed from the November General Election ballot,” Martinez stated.

The resolution is comprehensive

Following receipt of the withdrawal documentation, the Otero County Attorney, Saint, and Martinez reached an agreement to dismiss the civil case Martinez had filed in District Court challenging the validity of Saint’s nominating petition signatures.

“Following receipt of that documentation, the Otero County Attorney, Mr. Saint, and I reached an agreement to dismiss the civil case I filed in District Court challenging the validity of the nominating petition signatures submitted by Mr. Saint and his team,” Martinez said.

With the legal matter now resolved, Martinez can redirect her full attention to the November election and her current role as Chief of Police for the Village of Tularosa.

“With this matter resolved, my focus remains on serving the Village of Tularosa as your Chief of Police while continuing to prepare for the opportunity to serve all of Otero County as your next Sheriff,” she said.

Background: A Troubled Campaign for Saint

Saint’s path to the ballot had been rocky from the outset. Martinez’s campaign challenged the validity of his nominating petition signatures, which he had submitted with 406 names against a requirement of 353. The review reportedly found duplicate signatures, incomplete entries, and illegible information.

On July 13, 2026, Saint announced his withdrawal via Facebook, citing “two unexpected personal losses” and stating that his family’s well-being required him to step aside.

The 41-year law enforcement veteran said he was proud of his career and needed time to focus on his family’s healing and recovery.

In that same announcement, however, Saint criticized what he characterized as attacks against him “even before I qualified to be on the ballot,” and suggested he would release documents regarding Martinez’s law enforcement background, though he provided no documentation with his announcement.

Martinez’s Vision and Response

Martinez, the current Chief of Police for Tularosa, has outlined a clear vision for the sheriff’s department centered on building strong community relationships and assembling a trustworthy team.

“I will continue building relationships throughout our communities and assembling a team of trustworthy, hardworking, and ethical professionals dedicated to serving the people of this county with integrity,” she said.

When Saint made his allegations about her professional record, Martinez responded directly, emphasizing her commitment to accountability and transparency—principles she intends to bring to the sheriff’s office.

“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,” 

Martinez stated. “In fact, if Mr. Saint needs assistance obtaining those records through the appropriate channels, I will gladly help.”

At the same time, Martinez extended compassion to Saint regarding his personal circumstances, demonstrating she can address challenges firmly while maintaining respect.

“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,” she said.

Moving Forward to November

The resolution eliminates what could have been a prolonged legal distraction, allowing Martinez to focus on her campaign and connecting with voters. Though Martinez now faces an essentially unopposed race, she has made clear she intends to earn every vote.

“While there is now only one election remaining, I will not take a single vote for granted. I respectfully ask for your support in November as we continue working toward a Sheriff’s Office built on justice, accountability, and public trust,” Martinez said.

She also expressed gratitude for the support her campaign has received throughout this period.

“I am grateful for the overwhelming support my campaign has received,” Martinez stated.

The Otero County Sheriff’s election is scheduled for November, with Martinez’s vision centered on the three principles she has consistently emphasized: justice, accountability, and public trust.

“I am looking forward to serving the people of Otero County and earning their trust through honesty and professionalism,” Martinez concluded. 

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